In what have been recent posts on social media, local observers have recorded what appear to be the first images of a Chinese Navy J-15T carrier-based fighter equipped with what are believed to be the new YJ-15 anti-ship missiles, which were previously unveiled during the military parades held last September. As can be seen in the published material, the aircraft carries one of these missiles under each wing, suggesting that this represents a new addition to China’s anti-ship warfare arsenal.
Expanding on some details, it can be noted that the new Chinese missile features an external design with strong similarities to the Russian Kh-31, including what appear to be four air intakes, indicating the possible presence of a ramjet engine designed for supersonic speeds. In addition, the missile seems to be fitted with four long longitudinal fins complemented by four smaller fins acting as trajectory stabilizers. Based on its dimensions, it is estimated that the missile could carry sufficient fuel to achieve a range of around 1,800 kilometers.
Furthermore, analysts highlight that this could be an evolved design derived from the YJ-12 missile, which can be launched both from the air and from surface platforms. These systems are already part of the confirmed arsenal of China’s H-6 bombers, as shown in various photographs depicting their ability to carry up to four missiles—two under each wing. There is also material showing them mounted on mobile ground-based launchers, firing along a quasi-ballistic trajectory, which could also indicate the type of flight profiles followed by the YJ-15.
On the other hand, returning to the point made earlier regarding China’s growing missile capabilities, it is worth noting that the YJ-15 was one of three missile models bearing the YJ designation (normally used for anti-ship weapons) presented during the September parades. Specifically, these include the air-launched YJ-17, which is suspected of having hypersonic capabilities, as well as the two-stage YJ-19, reportedly powered by a ramjet. Having been unveiled alongside the aforementioned missiles, it is believed that Beijing could soon confirm their entry into operational service, providing the Navy with a broad range of tools for high-intensity combat.
Along the same lines, it is important to recall that China also fields a significant quantity and variety of missiles to equip its coastal defense batteries, further consolidating its ability to establish a layered A2/AD network in the Pacific. Among the key assets in this regard are the DF-21D ballistic missiles, given their role as weapons specifically designed to neutralize aircraft carriers. These missiles are also believed to be equipped with a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) to strike targets in a steep diving trajectory.
Finally, it should also be noted that the use of a J-15T to showcase the new YJ-15 missiles further reinforces its position as the primary fighter currently available to Chinese naval aviation, with its air-to-surface strike capabilities now expanded. As the backbone of future carrier air wings, the aircraft is expected to operate alongside the more modern and stealthy J-35 fighter, which has already been seen taking off from the deck of the aircraft carrier Fujian, as well as with the KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft that act as the “forward eyes” of carrier strike groups.
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