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New Chinese carrier-based fighter combines high load capacity, greater operational range, and compatibility with the Fujian aircraft carrier’s electromagnetic catapults
The Chinese Navy revealed the J-15T carrier-based fighter carrying four YJ-83K anti-ship missiles, each weighing approximately 700 kilograms.
The configuration allows the aircraft to carry about 2.8 tons of anti-ship weaponry in a single mission.
This calculation does not consider possible air-to-air missiles, external fuel tanks, or other equipment installed under the wings.
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The setup shows how China intends to expand the range and offensive capability of its carrier-based aviation.
J-15T can operate on different Chinese aircraft carriers
The J-15T was developed to modernize the fleet of fighters used by the Chinese Navy.
The aircraft can operate on the Liaoning and Shandong carriers, which use ski-jump ramps to assist takeoffs.
The design also received adaptations to operate on the Fujian, the first Chinese aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults.
According to China’s Ministry of National Defense, the fighter’s structure was reinforced to withstand catapult-assisted launches.
New materials and updated avionics systems were also incorporated into the aircraft.
These changes allow the J-15T to take off with more fuel and armaments than the previous J-15 model.
Main capabilities presented by the J-15T
- Four YJ-83K anti-ship missiles
- Estimated anti-ship load of 2.8 tons
- Compatibility with takeoff ramps
- Operation by electromagnetic catapults
- Reinforced structure and updated avionics
- Greater fuel capacity and range
YJ-83K missile was developed to hit ships
The YJ-83K represents the air-launched version of the YJ-83 anti-ship missile family.
The subsonic weapon was developed to target vessels and other surface targets.
Part of the approach to the target occurs at low altitude, close to the sea surface.
This flight profile reduces the time available for reaction from the anti-aircraft defense systems installed on ships.
The presence of four units under the wings enhances the J-15T’s potential for maritime attack missions.
Fujian represents technological advancement for the Chinese Navy
The Fujian aircraft carrier was commissioned in November 2025 and became China’s third ship of this type.
Its displacement is estimated at approximately 80 thousand tons, above the numbers attributed to Liaoning and Shandong.
The ship remains smaller than the American nuclear aircraft carriers of the Gerald R. Ford class, with about 100 thousand tons.
The entry of Fujian into service made China the second country to operate an aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults.
The United States already uses this technology on the USS Gerald R. Ford and its successors.
Catapults allow launching heavier aircraft
The electromagnetic system offers more precise control over the acceleration of aircraft during launch.
The technology also provides greater launch energy than traditional steam catapult systems.
According to the United States Navy, the EMALS was designed to reduce structural stress on aircraft.
The system also expands the variety of platforms launched and increases the efficiency of deck operations.
In the Chinese case, the main advantage lies in the ability to launch aircraft with more fuel, armaments, and equipment.
J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 have already conducted tests on Fujian
The Chinese Navy confirmed, in September 2025, tests involving three strategic aircraft on the new aircraft carrier.
The models J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 conducted catapult-assisted takeoffs and landings with arresting cables.
The original J-15 derives from the Soviet Su-27 and Su-33 families, although it has undergone deep adaptations by the Chinese industry.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies considers the Fujian a significant advancement over the Liaoning and the Shandong.
The ship’s actual capability, however, will still need to be proven during prolonged operations and sustained routines at sea.
To what extent can the J-15T fighter and the electromagnetic catapults of the Fujian aircraft carrier enhance China’s naval power?
