OVERVIEW: The J‑15D Growler Shark is a twin-engine, carrier-based, 4.5th‑generation electronic warfare variant of the Shenyang J‑15 “Flying Shark,” introduced by China's PLAN in 2024. Designed for escort and standoff jamming, it fills a role akin to the U.S. Navy’s EA‑18G Growler.

DETAILS: Developed from the two-seat J‑15S and based on the Russian Su‑33 airframe, the J‑15D first flew in April 2021 and made a public debut at Airshow China Zhuhai in November 2024, with operational testing since December 2018 . It replaces the IRST, pitot tube, and 30 mm cannon with an AESA radar and houses wingtip tactical receiver pods similar to AN/ALQ‑218, plus four underwing/ventral RKZ‑930-series jamming pods for high-, mid-, and low-band coverage. Based on PLAN imagery, the aircraft is now deployed aboard CNS Shandong as of December 2024 and likely also on Liaoning. Powered by AL‑31 turbofans, its primary EW role includes radar detection suppression and escort jamming; it may also mount YJ‑91 anti-radiation and PL-series air-to-air missiles for SEAD and self-defense.

The “D” in J‑15D stands for diànzǐ (electronic). Known as the “Growler Shark,” its belly and wingtip pods are distinct to this variant. Unlike its land-based sister J‑16D, it is STOBAR-compatible and optimized for ski-jump launch from Liaoning/Shandong, though future adaptations may include EMALS compatibility for the carrier Fujian.

TYPE: Carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft

FUNCTION: The J‑15D provides dedicated electronic warfare support to carrier strike groups by suppressing enemy air defenses, disrupting radar and communications, and escorting air wings in contested zones. Its pod-based jamming capability and AESA radar significantly enhance China’s naval aviation EW reach.

NOTE:
IOC: initial operational testing Dec 2018; public debut Nov 2024; deployed on CNS Shandong by Dec 2024
Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (China)
Operators: People’s Liberation Army Navy (China)
Conflict used in: none publicly reported (operational since 2024)

SOURCE: 
China daily CCTV/CGTN (China’s J‑15D induction): https/ /www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202412/19/WS67642e30a310f1265a1d3e5a.html ; Army Recognition: China develops J‑15D electronic warfare jet...: https/ /www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/china-develops-j-15d-electronic-warfare-jet-to-counter-us-navys-ea-18g-growler ; Jane’s OSINT Insights: Airshow China 2024...: https/ /www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/airshow-china-2024-china-unveils-operationalised-j-15d-electronic-warfare-aircraft ; FlightGlobal: Electronic warfare version of J‑15...: https/ /www.flightglobal.com/defence/electronic-warfare-version-of-j-15-ch-7-stealth-uav-debut-at-zhuhai/160670.article