Liaoning and Shandong Aircraft Carriers Conduct Training in the Western Pacific, Different Carrier-Based Aircraft on Deck
In response to Japan's炒作on "China's two aircraft carriers operating simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean," Navy Spokesperson Wang Xuemeng stated on the 10th that the Liaoning and Shandong Carrier Groups conducting training in the Western Pacific is part of the annual plan, aimed at testing the long-distance defense and joint operational capabilities of the troops. It does not target specific countries or objects and is consistent with international law and practice.
While our military responded to the Liaoning and Shandong Carrier Groups' training in the Western Pacific, the China Military News Center's "China Military" also released several on-site drill photos.
To everyone's surprise, this time the carrier-based aircraft on the decks of the Liaoning and Shandong are somewhat different from before: the number of J-15 carrier-based aircraft has significantly decreased, replaced by gray-painted catapult-type J-15Ts (the visual difference between J-15 and J-15T is the radar hood color, black radar hoods are J-15, while slightly white-gray ones are J-15T).
Compared to traditional J-15s, the J-15T retains its ski-jump takeoff capability while adding electromagnetic catapult compatibility, achieving "one aircraft for three carriers (Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian)" universality, with stronger air combat capabilities and sea strike combat capabilities, and can form a "high-low pairing" with the stealth carrier-based fighter J-35 in the future.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834537026238464/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's viewpoint.