China's Advanced Fighters Can Now Use All Its Aircraft Carriers, Review Highlights

Recent People's Liberation Army exercises have demonstrated that China's older aircraft carriers can operate more effectively in tandem with its newest carrier, the Fujian. Images from a 40-day mission in the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, concluding June 22, revealed multiple J-15T fighter jets taking off from and landing on the older Liaoning carrier.

China currently operates three aircraft carriers: the Liaoning and Shandong, which utilize a "ski jump" deck for launching aircraft, and the Fujian, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system. This advanced technology, shared only with the United States, allows for more frequent launches and heavier payloads.

The J-15T, an upgraded variant of China's first carrier-based fighter, is designed to operate with electromagnetic catapults. Military specialists interpret the recent sightings as evidence that the J-15T can launch from and land on all of China's carriers, regardless of their launch system.

Fu Qianshao, a military analyst and former PLA Air Force officer, described the J-15T's dual capability, operating with both catapult-assisted and ski-jump take-offs, as a "massive tactical advantage." This versatility significantly enhances China's integrated combat capabilities, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in carrier operations.

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The J-15T being capable of both catapult-assisted and ski-jump take-offs was a 'massive tactical advantage'.