OVERVIEW: The J-15 Flying Shark is a twin-engine, single-seat, 4th generation carrier-based multirole fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF). The 2022 variant incorporates Chinese WS-10A engines and improved avionics, offering enhanced operational performance for STOBAR carrier operations.

DETAILS: Based on the Su-33 airframe, the J-15 was redesigned with Chinese-made systems and domestically produced WS-10A turbofan engines, with maximum speed near Mach 2.0. The aircraft retains folding wings, strengthened landing gear, a tailhook, and a ski-jump launch configuration for operations aboard carriers like Liaoning and Shandong. It has 12 hardpoints and is equipped with a Chinese radar (model undisclosed), IRST, internal ECM, digital RWR, and a glass cockpit with multifunction displays and a helmet-mounted sight. The 2022 version features fully indigenous propulsion with WS-10A replacing earlier AL-31F engines, increasing sustainability and logistical independence. It can employ PL-8 and PL-12 air-to-air missiles, YJ-83K anti-ship missiles, and precision-guided bombs such as LS-6.

“J” means “Jianjiji” (fighter), and “15” refers to its role in China’s naval aviation lineage. The 2022 version marked the shift to fully Chinese powerplants and gradual modernization of carrier-based air combat capability, although still limited by the STOBAR launch method.

TYPE: Carrier-based multirole fighter

FUNCTION: The J-15 is used for fleet air defense, maritime patrol, and limited multirole strike missions from Chinese aircraft carriers. The integration of the WS-10A engine increases operational readiness and strategic autonomy for China’s naval aviation forces.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27K (1995 Russia), J-15 (2013 China), J-15 (WS-10A) (2022 China)
Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (China)
Operators: China
Conflict used in: None

SOURCE:
China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI): https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/CASI ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Military Balance (IISS) ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2023 ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; U.S. Department of Defense China Military Power Report