Shenyang J-15#cite note-34

In 2001, the T-10K-3, an unfinished prototype of the Su-33,{{cite web |last=Donald |first=David |date=9 May 2011 |title=China's J-15 Flying Shark Shown Taking Off |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2011-05-09/chinas-j-15-flying-shark-shown-taking |website=AIN Online}} was acquired by SAC from Ukraine{{cite web |last1=Kopp |first1=Carlo |date=January 27, 2014 |title=PLA-AF and PLA-N Flanker Variants |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Flanker-Variants.html |pages=1}} and is claimed to have been studied extensively and reverse-engineered, with development on the J-15 beginning immediately afterward.{{cite web |title=Revealing Shenyang J-XX Stealth Fighter of China - What's On Xiamen |url=http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/tech111.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507211712/http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/tech111.html |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=27 July 2016 |work=whatsonxiamen.com |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |title=俄方称中国自研先进战机不顺 仍将回头购俄战机_军事_凤凰网 |url=http://news.ifeng.com/mil/2/200909/0917_340_1353365.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709090728/http://news.ifeng.com/mil/2/200909/0917_340_1353365.shtml |archive-date=9 July 2016 |access-date=27 July 2016 |work=ifeng.com |df=dmy-all}}

China had sought to purchase Su-33s from Russia on several occasions—an unsuccessful offer was made as late as March 2009{{cite news |title=China can't buy Sukhoi fighter jets |first=Andrei |last=Chang |work=United Press International |date=March 4, 2009 |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/03/25/China-cant-buy-Sukhoi-fighter-jets/UPI-70711238010376/ |access-date=4 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525012408/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/03/25/China-cant-buy-Sukhoi-fighter-jets/UPI-70711238010376/ |archive-date=25 May 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}—but negotiations collapsed in 2006 after it was discovered that China had developed a modified version{{cite web|url=http://www.upiasia.com/Security/2008/02/25/china_imitates_russian_su-27sk_fighter/1740/|title=Top News, Latest headlines, Latest News, World News & U.S News - UPI.com|work=upiasia.com|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112202124/http://www.upiasia.com/Security/2008/02/25/china_imitates_russian_su-27sk_fighter/1740/|archive-date=12 January 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite journal |url=http://www.rand.org/pubs/testimonies/CT346/ |title=The Development of China's Air Force Capabilities |first=Cliff |last=Roger |date=1 January 2010 |website=rand.org |access-date=27 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906183356/http://www.rand.org/pubs/testimonies/CT346/ |archive-date=6 September 2010 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw100510_2_n.shtml|title=Global Defence News and Defence Headlines - IHS Jane's 360|work=janes.com|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100512233148/http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw100510_2_n.shtml|archive-date=12 May 2010|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} of the Sukhoi Su-27SK, designated the Shenyang J-11B,{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3947599&c=ASI&s=AIR|title=Russia Admits China Illegally Copied Its Fighter|publisher=DefenceNews|author=Wendell Minnick|access-date=2011-07-04}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NjRRVy6JYW4C&pg=PA309|title=SIPRI Yearbook 2009:Armaments, Disarmament, and International Security|publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|year=2009|isbn=978-0-19-956606-8|page=309}} in violation of intellectual property agreements.

However, according to Chinese sources, the reason China withdrew from talks was that Russia wanted large payments to re-open Su-33 production lines and insisted on a Chinese purchase of at least 50 Su-33s, about which China was reluctant, as it believed the aircraft would become outdated in a few years. China hence decided on an indigenous variant instead of continuing to assemble the J-11, the licensed Chinese version of Su-27.{{Cite web|url=http://3g.163.com/dy/article/D5MP38EJ0515J2UF.html|title = 中国向俄求购苏33惨被拒绝，没想此国将原型机都卖给了中国_手机网易网|date = 15 December 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://k.sina.cn/article_6424351127_17eebd197001009y5t.html?from=ent|title=该文章已不存在_手机新浪网}}

The J-15 program was officially started in 2006 with the codename Flying Shark.{{cite web | url=http://epaper.syd.com.cn/sywb/html/2013-11/07/content_956826.htm | title=J-15 program & deputy general designer | access-date=November 7, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127155153/http://epaper.syd.com.cn/sywb/html/2013-11/07/content_956826.htm | archive-date=2016-01-27 | url-status=dead }} The program goal was to develop a naval-capable fighter aircraft from the Shenyang J-11, with technologies reverse-engineered from T-10K-3, a Soviet Su-33 prototype that had been acquired from Ukraine. The first J-15 prototype made its maiden flight on August 31, 2009, believed to have been powered by Russian-supplied Saturn AL-31 turbofan engines.{{cite web |last=Fulghum |first=David A. |title=New Chinese Ship-Based Fighter Progresses |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2011/04/27/02.xml&headline=New%20Chinese%20Ship-Based%20Fighter%20Progresses&next=0 |access-date=27 April 2011 |work=Article |publisher=Aviation Week}} Video and still images of the flight were released in July 2010, showing the same basic airframe design as the Su-33.{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2010/07/first-glimpse-of-chinese-fight.html|title=First glimpse of Chinese fighter, or Russian rip-off?|work=The DEW Line|access-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718214242/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2010/07/first-glimpse-of-chinese-fight.html|archive-date=18 July 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

On May 7, 2010, the aircraft conducted its first takeoff from a simulated ski-jump on land. On November 25, 2012, the aircraft successfully performed its first takeoff and landing on {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Liaoning||2}},{{cite web|url=http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/25/china-lands-first-jet-on-aircraft-carrier/|title=China lands first jet on aircraft carrier|publisher=CNN|date=25 November 2012|access-date=25 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610043408/http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/25/china-lands-first-jet-on-aircraft-carrier/|archive-date=10 June 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} China's first operational aircraft carrier. The twin-seat variant, J-15S, made its maiden flight on November 4, 2012.

After conclusion of the flight-test phase, in 2013 the first 24 J-15 aircraft were delivered to the Naval Aviation’s Carrier Fighter Group.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-27 |title=China’s J-15 replacement? |url=https://www.key.aero/article/chinas-j-15-replacement |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=www.key.aero |language=en}}

In 2016, the new and updated J-15T prototype of the J-15 with added CATOBAR capability began test flight at PLAN land-based catapult facilities. The twin-seat electronic warfare variant, similar to the role of United States Navy's EA-18G Growler, dubbed J-15D, took its maiden flight in 2018. In November 2020, Jane's reported that SAC had produced a second prototype of the J-15T fighter aircraft.

While the J-15 appears to be structurally based on the prototype of Su-33, the fighter features indigenous Chinese technologies as well as avionics from the Shenyang J-11B program. In February 2018, discussions about replacing the J-15 appeared in several Chinese media outlets including Xinhua and China's main military newspaper, discussing that it belongs to the 4th- or 4.5-generation fighters. Thus, the J-15 was correspondingly viewed as an interim carrier-based fighter until a fifth-generation successor enters service, namely the Shenyang J-35.

In 2021, analysts reported work on an upgraded variant, referred to as the "J-15B", with new avionics, engines, and CATOBAR launch capability. The upgrade variant of J-15 is capable of launching newer PL-10 and PL-15 missiles.{{cite web|url= https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2022/06/catapulting-chinas-carrier-capabilities |title= Catapulting China's Carrier Capabilities |website=IISS |date= 10 June 2022 |first= Nick |last=Childs }} The J-11D upgrade program reportedly contributed to the subsystems of the "J-15B".{{cite web|url=https://www.aerosociety.com/news/red-dragon-flankers/ |title=Red Dragon Flankers |website=Royal Aeronautical Society |date=20 October 2023 |first=Andreas |last=Rupprecht }} The J-15B program, often called by this name in the media, was officially given the original name "J-15T" later.

In November 2022, a production J-15 powered by the Shenyang WS-10, possibly the WS-10B, appeared in Chinese media.{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/chinas-j-15-naval-jet-appears-with-indigenous-ws-10-engines |title=China's J-15 naval jet appears with indigenous WS-10 engines |website=Janes |date=25 November 2022 |first1=Akhil |last1=Kadidal |first2=Prasobh |last2=Narayanan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125202117/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/chinas-j-15-naval-jet-appears-with-indigenous-ws-10-engines |archive-date=25 November 2022}} It was the last indigenous Chinese combat aircraft to replace the AL-31;{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/11/28/footage-shows-domestic-engine-on-chinas-j-15-fighter-jet/ |title=Footage shows domestic engine on China's J-15 fighter jet |website=Defense News |date=28 November 2021 |first=Mike |last=Yeo }} possibly due to navalisation.{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/chinas-j-15-naval-fighter-is-now-powered-by-locally-made-engines |title=China's J-15 Naval Fighter Is Now Powered By Locally Made Engines |website=The Drive |date=23 November 2022 |first=Thomas |last=Newdick }} According to Chinese observers, compared to the AL-31 the WS-10 had superior safety, reliability, and service life, aspects which are magnified by the constraints of carrier aviation.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3200888/chinese-flying-shark-j-15-naval-fighter-jets-look-set-ditch-russian-engines |title=Chinese 'Flying Shark' J-15 naval fighter jets look set to ditch Russian engines |website=South China Morning Post |date=24 November 2022 |first=Amber |last=Wang}}

File:PLAN Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter aircraft 20211221 - 1.jpg

The airframe of the J-15 is structurally reinforced for carrier landing and launching, with the addition of a tailhook and strengthened landing gears. The aircraft incorporated a higher portion of composite materials than the Sukhoi Su-33 to save weight and improve aerodynamic performance, allowing for a slower landing speed compared to Su-33.{{cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/the-j-15-flying-shark-china-has-its-very-own-f-18-super-26073 |title=The J-15 Flying Shark: China Has Its Very Deadly Aircraft Carrier Jets |website=The National Interest |date=2 June 2018 |first= Sebastien |last=Roblin }}

An article in the China SignPost believes the J-15 "likely exceeds or matches the aerodynamic capabilities of virtually any fighter aircraft currently operated by regional militaries, except for the U.S. F-22 Raptor", alleging that the J-15 likely possesses a 10% greater thrust-to-weight ratio and 25% lower wing loading than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.{{cite web |url=http://www.chinasignpost.com/2011/06/flying-shark%E2%80%9D-gaining-altitude-how-might-new-j-15-strike-fighter-improve-china%E2%80%99s-maritime-air-warfare-ability/ |title=Flying Shark" Gaining Altitude: How might new J-15 strike fighter improve China's maritime air warfare ability? | China SignPost™ 洞察中国 |access-date=2011-12-10 |date=2011-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729224549/http://www.chinasignpost.com/2011/06/flying-shark%E2%80%9D-gaining-altitude-how-might-new-j-15-strike-fighter-improve-china%E2%80%99s-maritime-air-warfare-ability/ |archive-date=2012-07-29 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.andrewerickson.com/2011/06/china-signpost%E2%84%A2-%E6%B4%9E%E5%AF%9F%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD-38-%E2%80%9Cflying-shark%E2%80%9D-gaining-altitude-how-might-new-j-15-strike-fighter-improve-china%E2%80%99s-maritime-air-warfare-abil/|title=China SignPost™ (洞察中国) #38: "Flying Shark" Gaining Altitude: How might new J-15 strike fighter improve China's maritime air warfare ability? - Andrew S. Erickson|work=andrewerickson.com|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806010414/http://www.andrewerickson.com/2011/06/china-signpost%e2%84%a2-%e6%b4%9e%e5%af%9f%e4%b8%ad%e5%9b%bd-38-%e2%80%9cflying-shark%e2%80%9d-gaining-altitude-how-might-new-j-15-strike-fighter-improve-china%e2%80%99s-maritime-air-warfare-abil/|archive-date=6 August 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} However, one of the authors of that same article described the J-15 in another article as no game changer; the reliance on ski-jump launches and lack of Chinese carrier-based aerial refueling capabilities are believed to greatly reduce its effective combat range.{{cite news|last=Collins & Erickson|first=Gabe & Andrew|title=China's J-15 No Game Changer|url=https://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2011/06/23/china%E2%80%99s-j-15-no-game-changer/|newspaper=The Diplomat|date=June 23, 2011|access-date=November 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911012034/https://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2011/06/23/china%E2%80%99s-j-15-no-game-changer/|archive-date=September 11, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In 2014, it was revealed that the J-15 is capable of aerial refueling, using the UPAZ-1 buddy refueling pod, which can be carried by another J-15.{{cite web|url= https://www.popsci.com/blog-network/eastern-arsenal/tanker-buddies-chinese-navy-j-15-fighter-planes-refuel-flight/ |title= Tanker Buddies: Chinese Navy J-15 Fighter Planes Refuel in Flight|website=Popular Science |date=7 May 2014}} Hu Siyuan of the PLA National Defense University said that "the current weak point of the J-15 is its Russian-made AL-31 engines, which are less powerful than that of the American F-35 fighter".Jian, Yang. [http://www.shanghaidaily.com/nsp/National/2012/07/12/J15%2Bjets%2Bon%2Bdeck%2Bas%2Bcarrier%2Bsets%2Boff%2Bon%2Blongest%2Bsea%2Btrials/ "J-15 jets on deck as carrier sets off on longest sea trials."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809065933/http://www.shanghaidaily.com/nsp/National/2012/07/12/J15%2Bjets%2Bon%2Bdeck%2Bas%2Bcarrier%2Bsets%2Boff%2Bon%2Blongest%2Bsea%2Btrials/ |date=2012-08-09 }} Shanghai Daily, 12 July 2012.

The J-15's chief designer, Sun Cong of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has said that the J-15 could match the F/A-18 in bomb load, combat radius and mobility. However, in a similar statement, he said more work was required on its electronics and combat systems.{{cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2013-03/02/content_28109971.htm|title=J-15 fighter able to attack over 1,000 km|author=李京荣|access-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923222235/http://www.china.org.cn/china/2013-03/02/content_28109971.htm|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo stated that the aircraft's air combat capabilities were better than that of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. However, he also stated that its ability to attack land and sea targets was slightly inferior to the F/A-18E/F; it is also stated that its electronic equipment meets the standards of those on a fifth-generation fighter.{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90786/8395630.html|title=J-15 better than U.S. F/A-18 in terms of air action, slightly inferior in terms of attack against sea targets - People's Daily Online|author=F_161|access-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827153536/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90786/8395630.html|archive-date=27 August 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

File:J15_fighter_jets_on_aircraft_carrier_Liaoning,_July_2017.png

The J-15 may be operating from the aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong. The carriers have two launch positions. The waist position has a runway length of 195 m, and the two forward positions have a runway length of 105 m. The take-off weight of the J-15 depends on the launch position and carrier speed. For ship speed at 28 knots, J-15's maximum take-off weight is 33 tons (with 9 tons of internal fuel and a 6.5-ton external payload) for the waist position. The maximum weight is 28 tons (9-ton internal fuel and 1.5-ton external payload) for the forward position. However, when the carrier moves at 20 knots, MTOW at the waist position is reduced to 31 tons.{{cite web |last1=Joe |first1=Rick |title=It's Time to Talk About J-15, China's First Carrierborne Fighter |url=https://thediplomat.com/2021/04/its-time-to-talk-about-j-15-chinas-first-carrierborne-fighter/ |website=The Diplomat}}

On 25 November 2012, Chinese media reported that two J-15s had made arrested landings on Liaoning..{{cite news | url=http://english.sina.com/china/2012/1124/530358.html | location=Beijing | work=Xinhua English | title=J-15 successfully landed on China's carrier Liaoning | date=25 November 2012 | access-date=25 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903205919/http://english.sina.com/china/2012/1124/530358.html | archive-date=3 September 2014 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}{{cite news | url=http://news.qq.com/a/20121125/000007.htm#p=1 | location=北京 | work=新华网 | title=More photos of the two J-15's landing and taking off on Liaoning | date=25 November 2012 | access-date=25 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128231420/http://news.qq.com/a/20121125/000007.htm#p=1 | archive-date=28 November 2012 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}{{cite news|url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-11/26/content_27222026.htm|title=Jets land on China's 1st aircraft carrier|newspaper=China Daily|date=26 November 2012|access-date=26 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126140523/http://china.org.cn/china/2012-11/26/content_27222026.htm|archive-date=26 November 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} The first landing was made by pilot Dai Mingmeng (戴明盟).{{cite news| url=http://zjdaily.zjol.com.cn/qjwb/html/2012-11/24/content_1875914.htm?div=-1 | location=杭州 | work=钱江晚报 | title=戴明盟：着舰成功首飞第一人 | date=24 November 2012}} Luo Yang, the aircraft's head of production and designer, died the same day.{{cite news |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2012-11/29/c_132007223.htm |title=Memorial service held for China's fighter jet production head |newspaper=Xinhua |date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=December 2, 2012 |first=Lina |last=Yang |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203160417/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2012-11/29/c_132007223.htm |archive-date=December 3, 2012 }} PLA Daily newspaper indicated that the first five naval pilots (including Dai) conducted J-15 fighter landings and takeoffs. Test and training program officials confirmed the carrier-borne aircraft and special equipment for the landing flight had gone through strict tests, and fighter jets can be deployed on the carrier.{{cite news | url=http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/J-15-naval-carrier-based-fighter-su-33-china.htm | location=beijing | title=First five Chinese naval pilot conducted J-15 fighter landing and taking off on board Aircraft Carrier Liaoning | date=26 November 2012 | access-date=26 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115040857/http://airforceworld.com/pla/J-15-naval-carrier-based-fighter-su-33-china.htm | archive-date=15 January 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}

In December 2013, Chinese media reported that mass production of J-15s in full operational condition with combat markings had begun.{{cite web |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201312030038.aspx |title=China begins mass production of fighters for aircraft carrier |last1=Kang |first1=Charles |last2=Wu |first2=Lilian |date=3 December 2013 |website=focustaiwan.tw |publisher=The Central News Agency |access-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207070202/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201312030038.aspx |archive-date=7 December 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}

File:PLANS Liaoning, J-15 and Z-9.jpg

In January 2017, Liaoning conducted take-off and landing drills with its J-15s in the South China Sea after its first deployment into the Western Pacific.{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/66660/chinese-aircraft-carrier-conducts-flight-operations-in-south-china-sea-with-j-15-fighters |title=Chinese aircraft carrier conducts flight operations in South China Sea with J-15 fighters |location=Singapore |last1=Rahmat |first1=Ridzwan |date=4 January 2017 |publisher=IHS Jane's |access-date=4 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104233834/http://www.janes.com/article/66660/chinese-aircraft-carrier-conducts-flight-operations-in-south-china-sea-with-j-15-fighters |archive-date=2017-01-04 |url-status=dead }}

In July 2018, PLAAF Lieutenant General Zhang Honghe reported that a carrier-based replacement for the J-15 was in development after two crashes and "unpardonable mechanical failures". One issue was the limited payload due to the weight of the aircraft - the empty weight is {{cvt|17500|kg}} compared to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's 14,600 kg - and operating from a STOBAR carrier.{{cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2153803/china-working-new-fighter-jet-aircraft-carriers-replace |title=China is working on a new fighter jet for aircraft carriers to replace its J-15s |newspaper=South China Morning Post |date=July 5, 2018 |first=Minnie |last=Chan |access-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706000316/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2153803/china-working-new-fighter-jet-aircraft-carriers-replace |archive-date=July 6, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/beijing-keen-to-develop-j-15-successor-report-449956/ Beijing keen to develop J-15 successor - report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122121509/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/beijing-keen-to-develop-j-15-successor-report-449956/ |date=2019-01-22 }}. Flight International. 5 July 2018.

In October 2024, Chinese state media reported the J-15T and J-15D flying with Liaoning and Shandong in the South China Sea, suggesting the aircraft had entered service.{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=Two New Versions Of China's J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational |url=https://www.twz.com/sea/two-new-versions-of-chinas-j-15-carrier-fighter-now-appear-to-be-operational |website=The Warzone |date=31 October 2024 |access-date=15 November 2024}} Both aircraft were officially revealed at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in November 2024.{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=China’s J-15T Enhanced Carrier-Based Flanker Officially Unveiled |url=https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-j-15t-enhanced-carrier-based-flanker-officially-unveiled |website=The Warzone |date=6 November 2024 |access-date=6 November 2024}}{{Cite web |date=2024-11-12 |title=Airshow China 2024: China unveils operationalised J-15D electronic warfare aircraft |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/airshow-china-2024-china-unveils-operationalised-j-15d-electronic-warfare-aircraft |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=Janes Information Services |language=en |first1=Akhil |last1=Kadidal |first2=Ajay Shankar |last2=Pandey}}{{cite web |author1=Seong Hyeon Choi |author2=Liu Zhen |title= Chinese navy to show off its warplanes for first time at Zhuhai air show |website= South China Morning Post |url= https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3285421/chinese-navy-show-its-warplanes-first-time-zhuhai-air-show |date=6 November 2024 |access-date=15 November 2024}}

• In April 2016, a J-15 crashed into the ocean after experiencing a flight control system failure. The pilot, Cao Xianjian, ejected shortly before impact, below the altitude needed for the parachute to function; he was severely injured upon landing.{{cite web |last1=Zhao |first1=Lei |title=Fighter pilot injured in crash is back in action |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017-10/18/content_33396241.htm |website=China Daily |date=18 October 2017 |access-date=17 February 2022}}
• On 27 April 2016, a J-15 crashed during a simulated landing when a flight control system malfunction caused the aircraft to pitch up to 80 degrees. The pilot, Zhang Chao, ejected below the altitude needed for the parachute to function; he eventually died from injuries sustained upon landing, and was posthumously awarded the First Class Order of Heroic Exemplar on 30 November.{{cite web |last1=Choi |first1=Chi-yuk |title=Chinese military resumes training flights after 'short' break to assess fatal crash |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1997413/chinese-military-resumes-training-flights-after-short |website=South China Morning Post |date=31 July 2016 |access-date=17 February 2022}}{{cite news |title=中央军委追授张超同志"逐梦海天的强军先锋"荣誉称号命名大会举行 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2016-11/30/c_1120025483.htm |access-date=21 July 2024 |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=2016-11-30 |language=zh-hans}}
• In July 2017,{{cite web |last1=Zhang |first1=Zhihao |title=J-15s have become navy's 'iron fist' |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201910/08/WS5d9be4eaa310cf3e3556f09f_3.html |website=China Daily |date=8 October 2019 |access-date=17 February 2022}} a J-15 suffered a left engine fire after ingesting a bird shortly after takeoff. The pilot, Yuan Wei, with the aid of instructions from air traffic controllers, performed an emergency landing and ground crews extinguished the fire.{{cite web |last1=Wu |first1=Jin |title=Fighter lands safely after catching fire |url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2017-08/18/content_41427805.htm |website=China.org.cn |date=18 August 2017 |access-date=17 February 2022}}
• On 15 March 2025, a J-15 crashed near Jialai Town in the Hainan Province of China. The aircraft's nose down, tail up position, along with it flying with gear down at slow speeds indicates that the aircraft was trying to land when the incident happened, however the cause is still being investigated. Reports say that the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and no one was harmed in the incident.{{Cite web |date=15 March 2025 |title=China's J-15 Fighter Jet Crashes During Training |url=https://www.defensemirror.com/news/39066/China_s_J_15_Fighter_Jet_Crashes_During_Training |access-date=16 March 2025 |website=www.defensemirror.com}}

File:PLAN Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter aircraft 20221223.jpg]]

• J-15 (NATO reporting name Flanker-X2):{{cite web| url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/flanker-the-russian-jet-spawned-many-new-versions-lots-dread-25793 | title=Flanker: The Russian Jet That Spawned Many New Versions | date=May 14, 2018 }} Single-seat variant.{{cite web |last=Tate |first=Andrew |url=http://www.janes.com/article/79784/images-show-j-15-fighter-fitted-with-wingtip-ew-pods |title=Images show J-15 fighter fitted with wingtip EW pods |date=3 May 2018 |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=5 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505070533/http://www.janes.com/article/79784/images-show-j-15-fighter-fitted-with-wingtip-ew-pods |archive-date=5 May 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
• J-15S : Two-seat variant, first flown in 2012.
• J-15T : Improved variant of J-15 incorporating CATOBAR launch capability, WS-10 engines, modern fifth-generation avionics, AESA radar, new airframes, stealth coatings, and compatibility to launch PL-10 and PL-15 missiles.{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/chinas-j-15-carrierborne-fighter-sizing-up-the-competition/ |title= China's J-15 Carrierborne Fighter: Sizing up the Competition |website=The Diplomat |date=20 May 2021 |first=Ricke |last=Joe }} First seen in September 2016, with two prototypes built.{{cite web |last1=Rupprecht |first1=Andreas |last2=Dominguez |first2=Gabriel |title=Footage suggests China testing another J-15T CATOBAR-capable prototype |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/footage-suggests-china-testing-another-j-15t-catobar-capable-prototype |date=18 November 2020 |access-date=8 March 2021}} In active service as of October 2024. Previously referred to as J-15B in media.
• J-15D : Two-seat electronic warfare variant with EW pods and other electronic equipment installed and IRST sensor removed. Began operational testing in December 2018,{{cite web| url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/02/shark-attack-paint-this-j-15-super-bad/ | title=Shenyang J-15 Flanker-X2 | date=February 29, 2020 }}{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Reuben F |title=J-15D has reportedly begun operational testing for PLANAF |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85404/j-15d-has-reportedly-begun-operational-testing-for-planaf |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=22 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221231201/https://www.janes.com/article/85404/j-15d-has-reportedly-begun-operational-testing-for-planaf |archive-date=21 December 2018 |location=Kiev |date=21 December 2018 |url-status=live}} and entered service by October 2024.

;{{PRC}}

• People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force - 60 J-15, 10+ J-15T and 6 J-15D units in service as of 2025.
• Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning
• Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong
• Lingshui Air Base{{cite web|url= https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/planaf-j-15-fighters-seen-operating-from-lingshui-airbase-in-south-china-sea |title= PLANAF J-15 fighters seen operating from Lingshui Airbase in South China Sea |website=Janes }}{{External media|topic=J-15 pilots receiving training(1:59-12:18)|caption=|video1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKwt2v28pPU|float=right}}

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=Jianyue (Tianjin) Information Technology,{{Cite web |url= https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1671014559581220823 |title= 辽宁和山东舰的有利搭档，中国第一代舰载机，绰号飞鲨的歼-15 |author= 武器大讲堂 |date=1 July 2020 |publisher=百度|language=zh-hans |accessdate=8 August 2021}} CCTV (Sun Cong interview transcript){{Cite web |url=http://news.cnr.cn/native/gd/20171122/t20171122_524034973.shtml|title=中国首款舰载机歼15霸气十足：挂满导弹 航母上起飞|date=2017-11-22 |publisher=央广网 |language=zh-hans}}{{citation needed |date=November 2024 |reason=Needed for AL-31 thrust}}

|prime units?=met

|crew=1 or 2

|capacity=

|length m=22.28

|span m=14.70

|span note=or {{convert|7.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} with wings folded

|upper span m=

|mid span m=

|lower span m=

|width m=

|height m=5.92

|wing area sqm=67.84

|aspect ratio=

|airfoil=

|empty weight kg=17500

|gross weight kg=27000

|max takeoff weight kg=33000

|fuel capacity={{convert|9800|kg|lb|abbr=on}} internal

|more general=

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name=Saturn AL-31{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2021/04/its-time-to-talk-about-j-15-chinas-first-carrierborne-fighter/ |title=It's Time to Talk About J-15, China's First Carrierborne Fighter |website=The diplomat |date=28 April 2021 |first=Rick |last=Joe }} or WS-10B

|eng1 type=afterburning turbofans

|eng1 kn=

|eng1 kn-ab=122.6-135

|eng2 number=

|eng2 name=

|eng2 type=

|eng2 kn=

|eng2 note=

|eng2 kn-ab=

|max speed kmh=2300

|max speed mach=2.17

|cruise speed kmh=

|stall speed kmh=

|never exceed speed kmh=

|minimum control speed kmh=

|range km=3500

|combat range km=1270

|ferry range km=

|endurance=

|ceiling m=18000

|g limits=+8 g

|roll rate=

|climb rate ms=246

|time to altitude=

|wing loading kg/m2=

|fuel consumption kg/km=

|power/mass=

|thrust/weight=0.93 with AL-31 (1.01-1.07 with WS-10B)

|more performance=

|armament=

• 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds
• Munitions on twelve external hardpoints with a capacity of 6,500 kg,{{cite web |title=Images show PLANAF J-15s armed with KD-88 and YJ-91 missiles |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/images-show-planaf-j-15s-armed-with-kd-88-and-yj-91-missiles |website=Janes}} including:
• PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile (J-15T)
• PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missileRupprecht 2018, p. 21.
• PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile
• PL-8 short-range air-to-air missile
• YJ-83K, YJ-12 anti-ship missile
• KD-88 AKF-98 standoff land attack missile
• YJ-91 anti-radiation missile
• Various bombs and rockets
• UPAZ-1A buddy refueling pod

|guns=

|bombs=

|rockets=

|missiles=

|hardpoints=

|hardpoint capacity=

|hardpoint rockets=

|hardpoint missiles=

|hardpoint bombs=

|hardpoint other=

|avionics=

• Type 1493 radar
• J-15D and J-15T claimed to have AESA radar{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-05-08/china-reveals-another-growler|title = China Reveals Another 'Growler'}}
• MIL-STD-1553B bi-directional data bus
• Glass cockpit
• LCD screen
• 4-redundant 3-axis fly by wire

}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

• Fourth-generation jet fighter

|related=

• Shenyang J-11B
• Shenyang J-16
• Sukhoi Su-33

|similar aircraft=

• Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
• Boeing EA-18G Growler
• Mikoyan MiG-29K
• Rafale M

|lists=

}}

;Citations

{{reflist|30em}}

;Bibliography

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book |last1=Rupprecht |first1=Andreas |title=Modern Chinese Warplane: Chinese Naval Aviation - Aircraft and Units |url=https://www.harpia-publishing.com/hapbook/37 |publisher=Harpia Publishing |isbn=978-09973092-5-6 |location=1090 Wien, Austria |year=2018}}
• {{cite book |last1=Rupprecht |first1=Andreas |title=Red Dragon "Flankers" - China's Prolific "Flanker" Family |url=https://harpia-publishing.com/hapbook/371 |publisher=Harpia Publishing |isbn=978-1-950394-10-4 |location=1090 Wien, Austria |year=2022}}

{{refend}}

{{commons category|Shenyang J-15}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110909170334/http://airforceworld.com/pla/english/J-15-naval-carrier-based-fighter-china.html J15 Naval Carrier Based Fighter, PLA Navy], J-15 fighter photos and introductions, AirForceWorld.com
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120615002254/http://cnair.top81.cn/J-10_J-11_FC-1.htm Chinese Military Aviation]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5OB8Tst4kA Flying Sharks], a J-15 fighter video.

{{Su-27 family}}

{{PRC fighters}}

{{Chinese Military Aircraft}}

Category:2000s Chinese fighter aircraft

Category:Carrier-based aircraft

Category:Canard aircraft

Category:Shenyang aircraft

Category:Twinjets

Category:Aircraft first flown in 2009

Category:Fourth-generation jet fighters

Category:Sukhoi Su-27 family aircraft

Category:4.5-generation jet fighters

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear