# Naval Aviation
Latest news and articles about Naval Aviation
Total: 11 articles found
China’s Stealth Leap: How the J-35 is Set to Transform Its Aging Carrier Fleet
Recent PLA Navy drills in the West Pacific have confirmed the J-35 stealth fighter's compatibility with China's older ski-jump carriers. This development provides a massive upgrade to the combat power of the Liaoning and Shandong, allowing for flexible, cross-carrier deployment of China's most advanced naval aircraft.
From Ski-Jumps to Stealth: The Rapid Maturation of China’s Carrier Wing
China celebrates 13 years of carrier-based aviation by showcasing the J-35 stealth fighter's integration with the Fujian's electromagnetic catapults and its first dual-carrier strike group exercises. This shift signifies the PLAN's transition from a coastal defense force to a sophisticated blue-water navy capable of high-tech power projection.
Wings Over the Waves: China’s Naval Aviation Marks a Decade of High-Tech Transformation
China’s naval aviation program has reached a new level of sophistication with the successful integration of stealth fighters and electromagnetic launch systems on its newest carrier, the Fujian. This rapid modernization reflects Beijing’s determination to build a world-class blue-water navy capable of challenging regional rivals and international naval norms.
Back to Basics: China’s 'Flying Sharks' Hone Ground-Attack Fundamentals
China's J-15 carrier-based fighters recently conducted live-fire drills using unguided rockets and bombs to test pilot proficiency and tactical coordination. These exercises at the Naval Aviation University highlight the PLAN's focus on fundamental combat skills as it expands its multi-role naval aviation capabilities.
Blue-Water Blueprint: China Completes the ‘Five-Piece’ Carrier Air Wing
China has debuted its full 'five-piece' carrier-borne aircraft suite, featuring the J-35 stealth fighter and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft. This milestone signifies the PLA Navy's transition to a modern blue-water force capable of integrated, high-tech operations far from its coastal waters.
Beyond the Blue Water: China’s ‘Flying Shark’ Sharpens Ground-Attack Capabilities
Recent live-fire exercises involving China's J-15 carrier-based fighters reveal a strategic pivot toward multi-role ground-attack capabilities. This transition underscores the PLA Navy's growing focus on amphibious warfare and its ambition to project force beyond traditional maritime boundaries.
Blueprint for Blue Water: The Secret 1980s Origins of China’s Carrier Ambition
Project 891, a secret naval program launched in 1989, reveals that China's aircraft carrier ambitions began decades earlier than previously understood. The project focused on catapult-assisted takeoff designs and carrier-based aircraft, providing the essential technical groundwork for the modern People's Liberation Army Navy.
Beyond the Blue Water: China’s 'Flying Shark' Pivots to Land-Attack Missions
The Chinese PLA Navy has released footage of J-15 carrier-based fighters performing ground-attack drills with live rockets. This shift toward multi-role operations indicates a maturing naval aviation wing capable of supporting amphibious and littoral combat rather than just maritime defense.
Wings of the Dragon: China’s Naval Aviation Leap and the Quest for Blue-Water Dominance
China has finalized its core carrier-based aircraft architecture, integrating stealth fighters and fixed-wing early warning aircraft to achieve full-spectrum maritime combat capabilities. This milestone signifies the transition of the People’s Liberation Army Navy into a true blue-water force capable of far-seas power projection.
Wings over the East: The PLA Navy’s Delicate Balance of Public Diplomacy and Combat Readiness
A naval aviation unit under the PLA's Eastern Theater Command held an open day that combined public hardware displays with live-action combat training. The event illustrates China's strategic effort to integrate national defense education with visible demonstrations of high-readiness military capabilities.
China’s 'Sichuan' Amphibious Ship Signals a New Era of Drone-Centric Naval Warfare
China's new 40,000-ton amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, utilizes electromagnetic catapults to launch stealth drones, transforming its role from a landing craft to a secondary aircraft carrier. This development marks a significant leap in naval aviation technology, allowing for high-efficiency unmanned strikes and enhanced fleet flexibility.