Military observers have long been speculating about the possible features of a new-generation carrier-borne combat plane.
Several pictures of a middle-sized stealth fighter jet circulating on Chinese weapons websites have reinforced assertions that the new plane is nearly ready for delivery.
The J-15, built by the AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is regarded as the spearhead of China’s carrier force.
Though the jet has strong capabilities comparable to those of Russia’s Su-33 and the United States’ F/A-18 Hornet, analysts have said it is not good enough to confront stealth aircraft, and therefore China needs to develop a new type to handle challenges from neighboring navies equipped with such jets.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 