Historical Aircraft
Overview
After relatively humble beginnings with only a handful of aircraft in 1949, it is an understatement to say that the PLAAF has grown tremendously. Over the years since its involvement in the Korean War of the early 1950s, it has become known for its vast collection of increasingly obsolescent Cold War era aircraft. However, in recent years the PLAAF has successfully pursued its goals of modernising its fleet with locally developed manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as increasing its capacity to project airpower over larger distances.
In terms of modernisation, the PLAAF continues to catch up rapidly with Western air forces. About 600 of its fighters can be considered at least fourth generation, as opposed to its older second and third generation MiG-21-derived fighters, many of which remain in service.
Chinese Flanker
China’s focus on developing ‘generation 4+’ and fifth generation fighters, not to mention unmanned aircraft, illustrates its decision makers’ understanding that modern combat environments will be information-driven and dependant on highly specialised equipment. China has also expanded its infrastructure dramatically to change its focus from that of territorial air defence, to a focus which includes offensive capabilities. With that in mind, let us take a brief look at the PLAAF’s combat aircraft.
J-8 Interceptor
The Chengdu J-7 and Shenyang J-8
The Chengdu J-7 was essentially a copy of the Soviet Union’s MiG-21. It first flew in 1966, but due to the Cultural Revolution led by communist revolutionary Moa Zedong, the aircraft only
fully entered mass production in the 1980s. As a matter of interest, the ‘J’ stands for ‘Jianjiji’, which means ‘fighter.’
Ultimately, the J-7 was quite successful, as more than 2 400 examples were built. Asian and African export customers’ aircraft were re-designated as ‘F-7s.’ Meanwhile, Shenyang developed an advanced version of the J-7, which it called the J-8. This more advanced high-altitude interceptor completed its maiden flight in 1969. Later, in 1984, the J-8II took to the skies. It had a completely redesigned nose, which resembled that of a MiG-23. Although decidedly obsolete by today’s standards, hundreds of J-7s and J-8s remain in service with the PLAAF.
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Intended to compete with multirole aircraft such as the West’s Saab Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon, the Chengdu J-10 is one of the PLAAF’s more modern aircraft types, having first flown in 1998. Known locally as the J-10 Vigorous Dragon, the aircraft is exported as the F-10 Vanguard. So far, more than 400 examples have been built. The PLAAF’s aerobatic demonstration team, called the ‘August 1st’, operates a small fleet of J-10s. The team was named after the date of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army.
Chinese Flankers
Delivery of Russia’s super-manoeuvrable Sukhoi
Su 27 heavy fighters began in 1991 and continued through until 2009. It was the first time these aircraft, with the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) code name ‘Flanker’ had been exported from Russia. In 1998, China began producing its own version of the Su-27, designated ‘J-11’, under licence. In 2013, Shenyang introduced the J-16, an advanced development of the J-11. More than 200 of these aircraft are currently in service with the PLAAF.
Meanwhile, during the early 2000s, the PLAAF received more than 70 Su-30MKK heavy strike fighters. The MKK variant was specifically developed for China to compete with the USA’s F-15E Strike Eagle and F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.
J-8FII
In 2015, China became the first export customer of Russia’s Su-35, which presented a considerable improvement over its already highly capable Su-27 fighters. The PLAAF received its first Su-35s in 2016 and have continued to receive more examples in batches, to the point that it is now operating dozens of these advanced fighters.
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Shenyang FC-31
Fifth Generation Fighters
The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon and Shenyang FC-31 completed their maiden flights in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The FC-31, which is intended to compete with the West’s F-35 Lightning II remains under development, but the larger J-20, which is intended to oppose the F-22 Raptor, has progressed comparatively well over the past nine years and entered service with the PLAAF in 2017.
Although it is unlikely that the J-20 could be as capable as the F-22 or F-35, the Mighty Dragon does illustrate China’s more modern approach to warfare, which includes a focus on sensor fusion, information sharing and low observability. That said, speculation abounds that the J-20 was built with stolen F-35 technology, so time will tell just how capable the J-20 really is.
Strike Aircraft and Bombers
The Xi’an JH-7 Flying Leopard was developed in the 1980s to replace the PLAAF’s obsolete Cold War era Ilyushin Il-28 medium bomber, known in China as Harbin H-5, as well as the locally developed Nanchang Q-5 strike aircraft. Comparable with the West’s Panavia Tornado or SEPECAT Jaguar, the JH-7 entered service in the 1990s. About 270 examples were built.
In terms of strategic bombers, the PLAAF relies entirely on variants of the Xi’an H-6. In 1958, Xi’an began producing Russia’s Tupolev Tu-16, with the NATO report name ‘Badger’, under licence. Over the years, Xi’an has produced more than 150 of these aircraft. The H-6 forms a vital part of China’s vision of projecting power over great distances. Therefore, these bombers have been modernised and upgraded considerably.
The most modern variant, the H-6K, completed its maiden flight in 2007. This variant has more efficient engines which provide greater range, whilst six underwing hardpoints allow the aircraft to carry cruise missiles or ballistic missiles.
Presently, Xi’an is working on development of the H-20, a nuclear capable stealth bomber, comparable with the USA’s B-21 Raider, which itself is still under development. The H-20 and B21 are expected to enter service in 2025.