New footage released by Chinese state media showcasing J-15 'Flying Shark' carrier-borne fighters conducting live-fire ground-attack drills marks a significant evolution in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) aerial doctrine. Historically viewed as air-superiority and anti-ship platforms, these heavy-duty fighters are now being showcased in a Close Air Support (CAS) role, utilizing unguided rockets to strike terrestrial targets. This transition suggests the PLAN is actively diversifying the mission sets of its current carrier wings as it moves toward a more integrated, multi-role force structure.
The J-15 remains the backbone of China's nascent carrier fleet, operating from the ski-jump decks of the Liaoning and Shandong. While critics often point to the aircraft's weight and the limitations of non-catapult launches, these latest drills emphasize the platform’s versatility. By training in ground-attack maneuvers, the PLAN is signaling that its carrier strike groups are not merely for high-seas fleet defense but are increasingly capable of supporting littoral operations and amphibious landings.
The use of unguided rockets, though seemingly low-tech compared to precision-guided munitions, serves a specific tactical purpose. In high-intensity saturation strikes or beachhead suppression, these weapons offer a cost-effective means of delivering high-volume fire. Furthermore, mastering these basic strike profiles is a prerequisite for pilots before transitioning to more complex, multi-domain operations. This shift reflects a maturing force that is moving beyond the 'learning to fly' phase and into the 'learning to fight' across various environments.
Strategically, this development aligns with Beijing’s broader maritime ambitions to project power further from its shores. As China prepares to launch more advanced carriers like the Fujian, which features electromagnetic catapults, the existing J-15 fleet must bridge the gap by proving its utility in diverse combat scenarios. These drills are a clear message to regional observers that China’s naval aviation is no longer a one-dimensional threat, but a tool capable of influencing events on the ground.