China's J-15B Fighter Jets Begin Deployment on Liaoning and Shandong Carriers

Recent developments in China’s naval aviation signal a significant leap forward in military power with the deployment of the J-15B, the latest variant of the carrier-based fighter jet, on the Liaoning (CV-16) and Shandong (CV-17) aircraft carriers. This move not only enhances the People's Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) offensive capabilities but also reaffirms China’s strategy to assert its influence in key maritime regions, particularly the South China Sea. The addition of the J-15B, an upgraded successor to the original J-15, signals a shift toward more technologically advanced and combat-ready naval forces in response to regional security concerns and competitive advancements in carrier technology worldwide.

The J-15B’s first appearance during joint exercises conducted with both Liaoning and Shandong in the South China Sea marked a milestone for the PLAN. This is the first time the two carriers have operated in tandem with a significant fleet of at least 32 J-15s. Among them, nine were identified as the advanced J-15B, with distinctively lighter-colored radar radomes distinguishing them from the older J-15A models. This radar enhancement likely supports improved radar sensitivity and data processing, granting the J-15B an advantage in electronic warfare capabilities and threat detection.

J-15B Specifications and Enhancements

The J-15B is an upgraded, domestically refined version of the original J-15, itself a reverse-engineered adaptation of the Soviet Su-33. Designed as an air superiority fighter, the J-15B incorporates numerous upgrades, making it a more capable platform for future operations on China’s emerging Fujian-class carriers, which are being equipped with electromagnetic catapult launch systems similar to those on the United States Navy's newest carriers. Unlike the J-15A, which was tailored for Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) launches, the J-15B is configured for Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) operations, increasing its payload capacity and range.

The J-15B’s new CATOBAR capability aligns with China’s strategy to advance its carrier-based fighter operations significantly. CATOBAR systems allow aircraft to take off with more fuel and weapons compared to the STOBAR approach, which limits takeoff weight. This development is particularly relevant as the J-15B will eventually be deployed on China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian (CV-18), which is set to enter service in the coming years with CATOBAR-ready technology.

Further technical advancements in the J-15B include:

• Enhanced Avionics: The J-15B is expected to incorporate advanced avionics, including an upgraded Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enabling improved targeting, electronic warfare resilience, and situational awareness.
• Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite: The new variant is outfitted with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite, designed to disrupt enemy radar and communication systems, providing it with a formidable edge in air-to-air and air-to-surface operations.
• Thrust-Vectoring Engines: Though unconfirmed, military analysts suggest that the J-15B may employ upgraded thrust-vectoring engines, which would enhance its maneuverability in dogfight scenarios.

Operational Readiness and Strategic Implications

Reports from the PLAN indicate that the J-15B has completed rigorous takeoff and landing tests on the Liaoning, solidifying its operational readiness and integration into China’s carrier strike groups. This readiness was highlighted in the recent exercises where both the Liaoning and Shandong carried out synchronized operations, a powerful display of China’s evolving naval capabilities. Analysts see this as a move that projects China’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific, a region with numerous strategic and contested territories.

By deploying the J-15B, China is making a clear statement about its commitment to enhancing its naval aviation force and securing its territorial claims. The PLAN’s increased proficiency with carrier-based fighter operations supports China’s broader ambition to challenge U.S. and allied naval presence in the region, particularly in contested waters of the South China Sea. Additionally, the dual-carrier operation, with an extensive fleet of J-15 jets, demonstrates the PLAN’s capability to mobilize substantial air power rapidly, hinting at China’s aspirations to project air superiority well beyond its territorial waters.

A New Era for China’s Naval Power Projection

The deployment of the J-15B aboard the Liaoning and Shandong symbolizes China’s transition to a more sophisticated naval strategy, one that leverages advanced technology for greater regional dominance. The introduction of the CATOBAR-compatible J-15B variant sets the stage for the PLAN to adopt more flexible and potent force projection tactics, a strategic necessity as China looks to secure its maritime interests.

As the PLAN continues to refine its carrier operations with upgraded fighters and next-gen carriers like the Fujian, China’s naval aviation capabilities are poised to reach new heights. The combined strength of dual-carrier operations, coupled with an arsenal of state-of-the-art fighter jets, represents a pivotal development that will likely reshape the balance of naval power in the Asia-Pacific region for years to come.