China has reportedly tested a new ship-borne fighter jet on its aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. The new jet, whose details remain undisclosed, was featured in a documentary titled “Quenching,” which included footage of the J-15 “Flying Shark” from 12 years ago but did not show the new aircraft.
The exact timing of the tests is unclear, as the documentary did not specify this information. Zhang, an operator from the aircraft take-off control unit, praised the new jet, likening its appearance to the sunny day when the J-15 first took off.
China is developing the J-31 or J-35 fighter jets for its carriers, intended to complement the existing J-15s. These new jets are expected to rival the US F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin. The J-31, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, has been seen on the Liaoning’s deck in recent photos.
The documentary also highlighted a recent sea trial of China’s advanced Fujian aircraft carrier, showcasing the country’s continued advancements in naval aviation technology.