In recent days and weeks, in line with preparations for the upcoming Victory Day, there has been a notable increase in activity involving several of the most advanced aircraft currently in development to equip China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Among the most prominent are the carrier-based variants of several fighter jets intended to form the air wings of the PLA Navy’s aircraft carriers, such as the J-15T and J-35.
However, formation flights have also been observed involving the new carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, the Xian KJ-600. This aircraft is designed to operate from the Type 003 Fujian, and its recent activity suggests that China may officially unveil it during the upcoming commemorations marking victory over Japan in World War II.
While much of the defense community’s attention has focused on China’s fighter aviation—justifiably so, given its noteworthy development and production of new fighter variants—the country is also placing considerable emphasis on the design and introduction of AEW&C platforms. The flagship of these efforts is the new KJ-3000, based on the Xian Y-20B strategic transport aircraft.
In parallel, China is developing AEW&C capabilities specifically tailored for deployment with its future carrier strike groups, with the KJ-600 serving as the country’s first carrier-based AEW&C aircraft.
Since its first appearance—confirmed by the first test flights in September 2020—the KJ-600 has been developed to utilize the Fujian’s new electromagnetic launch systems, positioning it as the “eyes of the fleet” by providing critical early warning and detection capabilities.
As increasingly clear and high-quality images of the aircraft become available, its design strongly resembles that of the U.S. Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye, which operates from American carrier strike groups.
Broadly speaking, Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation chose a high-wing, straight-wing design for the KJ-600, powered by two turboprop engines (initially WJ-6C models, with the potential for newer WJ-10s), and featuring a tail with four vertical stabilizers. It also sports a large radome atop the fuselage, suggesting the presence of an advanced AESA radar system.
With the proliferation of images and footage from test flights, it is believed that the program currently includes two operational prototypes or pre-production aircraft, identified with the serial numbers “7105” and “7106”. These have already been seen with their final paint schemes, which they are expected to retain upon formal induction into China’s Navy.
Notably, the KJ-600 has recently been spotted flying in formation—likely as part of preparations for Victory Day—with the new J-15T carrier-based fighter jets. This variant of the J-15, currently operating from the Liaoning and Shandong, has been modified to operate with CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) systems, a hallmark of China’s new generation of carriers, led by the domestically designed and built Type 003 Fujian.
Although Chinese official and semi-official media remain cautious in disclosing details of the program’s progress, it is highly likely that the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Beijing will serve as a showcase for China’s latest aerospace achievements—an event in which the KJ-600 may make its official debut, alongside several of the carrier-based combat aircraft it will operate with as part of the PLA Navy’s air wings.
Cover photo: credit to the respective author.
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