The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has released new footage showcasing its J-15 carrier-borne fighter jets, colloquially known as the 'Flying Sharks,' conducting live-fire ground-attack drills. The training, which features the aircraft utilizing unguided rocket pods to strike land-based targets, marks a significant departure from the J-15’s traditional role as a maritime interceptor and anti-ship platform.
This shift toward air-to-ground proficiency suggests that Beijing is rapidly expanding the operational mandate of its carrier strike groups. By training pilots for close air support and land-suppression missions, the PLAN is signaling its intent to transform its naval aviation wing into a multi-role force capable of supporting amphibious landings and littoral combat operations.
While the use of unguided rockets may seem rudimentary compared to precision-guided munitions, it represents a cost-effective method for high-volume suppression of enemy coastal defenses. This tactical choice indicates that Chinese military planners are preparing for high-intensity scenarios where the ability to saturate a landing zone with fire is as critical as surgical strikes.
As China continues to refine its carrier operations ahead of the full commissioning of the 'Fujian' supercarrier, the versatility of its air wing remains a top priority. The integration of ground-attack capabilities into the J-15’s repertoire ensures that China’s maritime power can be projected not just against opposing fleets, but directly onto contested shores and island chains.