Marking the first time this has occurred, a new image has been published on social media showing one of the new J-15D electronic warfare aircraft equipped with PL-15 air-to-air missiles, one of the platforms that form part of the embarked air wings of Chinese carrier groups. To date, the model had only been shown carrying this type of armament in static displays at air shows, where it could be seen that the variant lacked IRST-type systems and the original design’s internal 30 mm cannon.
Expanding on the details, the image shows that the aforementioned J-15D electronic warfare aircraft carries one PL-15 missile under each wing, as well as RKZ930-xx jamming pods mounted on either side, with an additional one in the central section between the engines, identified by an arrow placed on the original image. According to analysts, this would indicate that the aircraft may already have been carrying this type of armament for some time in order to perform its missions, with the possibility that the photograph was taken during live-fire exercises.
It is worth recalling at this point that these air-to-air missiles are estimated by Western assessments to have a range of around 200 kilometers, standing out for featuring an AESA radar seeker and a data link system that allows them to receive real-time updates on the targets they are meant to neutralize. Their effective use in combat has also been recorded, as they form part of the armament of the Pakistan Air Force’s J-10C fighters, which were credited with shooting down Rafale fighters operated by their Indian counterpart during Operation Sindoor.
Another factor that has also raised questions among analysts from open-source intelligence (OSINT) circles is that, given the dimensions and shape of the PL-15 air-to-air missile, there is a possibility that the J-15D may also be capable of carrying LD-8A anti-radiation missiles. Although these kinds of matters are usually kept under significant secrecy for the time being, this would represent greater flexibility for the platform when operating in modern environments, as can also be inferred from the different types of specialized pods that it can integrate in different configurations. According to previous local reports, its main role would be to provide support to deployments of the J-20 stealth fighter.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Asian giant not only fields the J-15D as an electronic warfare platform, but also relies on the so-called Y-9LG for these types of missions. This is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that operates under the Chinese Air Force, whose design suggests a connection to the Shaanxi Y-9 transport aircraft, to which a large beam-supported antenna has been added on top of the fuselage. According to available records, its first official appearance would have taken place in 2024, when it took part in the Falcon Strike exercise in Thailand.
Image credits to the rightful owners
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