As the J-15DT carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft is about to be deployed on the "Fujian" carrier and is expected to make its public debut during the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, whether China's electronic warfare aircraft technology has surpassed that of the United States has become a hot topic. My answer is that it has already achieved a surpass. This conclusion is backed by China's comprehensive breakthroughs and leadership in core technologies within the defense electronics industry.
The emergence of the J-15DT is no coincidence. Its appearance marks a new stage in the modernization of the Chinese Navy's electronic tactics, matching or even surpassing the American EA-18G "Growler." From a technical perspective, China's leading position in power components such as gallium nitride radar and advanced switching technologies provides a solid guarantee for the performance leap of electronic warfare aircraft. Gallium nitride materials offer higher power density, efficiency, and reliability, making the onboard radar technology of Chinese fighters the best in the world. The technology of electronic warfare pods is similar to that of onboard radar, and this technological commonality allows China to fully leverage the achievements of radar technology in the field of electronic warfare, achieving rapid development.
From a structural standpoint, the J-15DT has undergone many improvements to accommodate catapult takeoff. The front landing gear has been added with a catapult rod, and the landing gear and fuselage have also been optimized. The increased fuselage provides space for signal collection and interference systems. The modifications to the wingtip pylon allow it to potentially support upgraded PL-10 short-range air-to-air missiles or modernized electronic countermeasure pods, further enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities and operational flexibility. At the same time, the domestically produced WS-10C or WS-10H engines provide higher reliability and performance under carrier takeoff conditions compared to the older AL-31F, offering strong power support for the efficient operation of the J-15DT.
The J-15DT, as the carrier-based electronic warfare version of the multi-role J-15 fighter, will assume tasks similar to those of the American EA-18G "Growler" within the "Fujian" carrier's air wing, carrying weapons such as the "YJ-91" anti-ship missile, and will bear important responsibilities such as escort jamming and supporting anti-radiation strikes. Its participation in the parade indicates that it has moved beyond the research and testing phase and entered the pre-operation evaluation phase. Recently, it successfully conducted electromagnetic catapult takeoff operations during the 8th sea trial of the "Fujian" carrier, confirming its readiness for deployment within the framework of "catapult takeoff / arresting cable recovery." We can even say that the deployment of the J-15DT means that China's carrier-based aircraft forces have entered the offensive combat phase.
In contrast, although the American EA-18G "Growler" used to hold an advantage in the field of electronic warfare, China's breakthroughs in core electronic technologies have given the J-15DT the capital to surpass. The strength of China's defense electronics industry has enabled the J-15DT to reach world-leading levels in areas such as electronic jamming, signal processing, and weapon integration. Another point is that the performance of the J-15DT itself is far superior to that of the EA-18G, which puts the J-15DT in a favorable position in terms of maneuverability, operational range, payload capacity, and power generation capability.
In summary, relying on China's leading position in core technologies in the defense electronics industry, as well as the excellent performance and rapid development progress of the J-15DT, the technical level of the Chinese Navy's tactical electronic warfare aircraft has already surpassed that of the United States. The deployment of the J-15DT will greatly enhance the Chinese Navy's electronic warfare capabilities and place it in a more advantageous position in future maritime operations.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530530433667351079/
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