Russian military experts are a bit envious: China has built 50 airborne early warning aircraft and electromagnetic catapult aircraft carriers in 20 years, while we are left with the irreparable "Kuznetsov".
China's navy shows its fangs again, Russian media reports that the J-15DT electronic warfare fighter has been commissioned on the Fujian ship, and the electromagnetic catapult system unlocks deadly combat power. This carrier-based fighter, dubbed "China's Growler" by foreign media, was seen with four electronic warfare pods. It not only inherits the aerodynamic genes of the Sukhoi family but also achieves three breakthroughs: for the first time it is compatible with an electromagnetic catapult system, increasing its weapon-carrying capacity by 70%; the internal electronic warfare system replaces the rear speed brake; the dual cockpit design enables "pilot + EW officer" coordinated operations.
While the Russian "Kuznetsov" aircraft carrier is rusting, the PLA's three aircraft carrier battle groups are building a complete defense system. The J-15T catapult version has been commissioned with a phased array radar, the KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft replicates the "Eagle Eye" function, and the stealthy J-35 is in the final sprint - the most alarming to the Pentagon is the "electromagnetic kill grid" formed by the J-15DT and J-16D. Satellite images show that the wingtip pods of this model are larger than the U.S. counterparts, although they still rely on engine power, they can simultaneously guide anti-radiation missiles for hard kills.
Russian experts reluctantly admit that China has completed half a century of Russian aviation in 20 years. Key data hurt Moscow's nerves: a 1500 km operational radius beats the U.S. "Super Hornet" (only 750 km), 50 airborne early warning aircraft have created the strongest surveillance network in the Pacific. More deadly is the electromagnetic catapult system's ability to launch three aircraft per minute, making the firepower delivery of the Fujian's air group 2.8 times that of the Liaoning.
Russian experts believe that if there is a confrontation between Chinese and U.S. aircraft carriers, the J-15DT can protect the H-6 bomber fleet to launch the YJ-21 anti-ship missile from 1000 km away, while the U.S. F-35C must risk entering an 800 km range. When the "Growler" disrupts the Aegis system, the death parabola of the DF-21D is already visible in the clouds. The skies over the Pacific have already changed the balance of offense and defense.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840338514382855/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.