"As a pathfinder for China's aircraft carrier construction and an incubator for carrier talent, the Liaoning has played an irreplaceable role," Senior Colonel Jiang Bin said, describing the carrier's evolving role as it conducts training farther from home waters.
What was observed: J-35 and J-15DT operating from Liaoning's ski‑jump
Photographs and reporting linked to the exercise show the J‑35 and a J‑15 variant operating from the CV‑16 Liaoning using the carrier's ski‑jump ramp. CCTV News on May 23 drew attention to whether the new‑generation J‑35 could adapt to ski‑jump takeoff from the Liaoning and noted the exercise could signal that "the new‑generation stealth fighter J‑35 and the catapult‑capable J‑15T can perfectly adapt to the ski‑jump takeoff mode of the carrier." The initial public notice accompanying the photographs identified the J‑15DT specifically alongside the J‑35.
Training scope: far‑seas tactical flight, live firing, and integrated search and rescue
The PLA Navy announced that on May 19 it sent a carrier task group led by the Liaoning into "relevant waters of the Western Pacific" to conduct training in "far‑seas tactical flight, live firing, support and cover, and integrated search and rescue," intended to test and enhance realistic combat training capabilities. Senior Colonel Jiang Bin described these operations as routine and conducted according to the annual plan, and said the Liaoning's carrier group training is expanding toward far‑seas combat application to form "system‑of‑systems combat capabilities."
Type 054B frigate Luohe joins the carrier group
The Japanese Defense Ministry Joint Staff reported observing takeoffs and landings on the Liaoning and publicly identified the composition of the carrier group, highlighting the Type 054B guided‑missile frigate Luohe. According to the reporting, this marks the first time the Type 054B has joined an aircraft carrier group for training, one year after entering service, and the first time this ship type has entered the Western Pacific for far‑sea missions. Military affairs expert Zhang Junshe told Global Times the Type 054B features enhanced radar performance with greater air detection range and upgraded strike capabilities, with missile range, accuracy and lethality superior to its predecessor.
How the J‑35 and J‑15 are being portrayed by Chinese sources
Chinese commentary quoted in the reporting frames the J‑35 as a domestically developed fifth‑generation stealth fighter with "long radar detection range, large combat radius, long range," the ability to carry air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ship missiles with extended range, supersonic cruise capability, and "exceptional stealth performance." Zhang Junshe described a combat role for the J‑35 as a "door‑kicker," capable of penetrating enemy air defenses and striking fighters and radar installations from long range. He contrasted that with the J‑15 heavy fighter's large payload and capacity for saturation strikes, arguing the high‑low combination of J‑35 and J‑15 will enhance the carrier group's air penetration and strike capabilities and expand maritime defense depth.
What this means for the PLA Navy, Japan, and carrier task‑group safety
- For the PLA Navy: Senior Colonel Jiang framed the Liaoning as an instrument for building carrier talent and said it will "continue to make greater contributions" as the navy "sails toward blue waters," while the May 19 deployment demonstrates a focus on far‑seas combat application and integrated, multi‑domain training.
- For Japan: The Japanese Defense Ministry's Joint Staff reported observations of carrier flight operations, and earlier Japanese vessels and aircraft have been characterized in Chinese reporting as repeatedly conducting close‑in reconnaissance during PLA carrier group training. Zhang warned such close approaches "seriously threaten the safety of the strike group" and said infringing parties "will bear the consequences."
- For carrier task‑group operations and safety: The PLA Navy cited integrated search and rescue, support and cover, and live‑firing exercises as part of the task group's agenda, reflecting an operational emphasis on testing realistic combat capabilities and safety procedures during far‑sea sorties.
Taken together, the photographs and state media reporting present a carrier group that Chinese officials say is shifting from a training platform to an operational tool for far‑sea missions: the Liaoning is sailing with newer airframes operating from its ski‑jump, an upgraded frigate has joined the formation, and public commentary emphasizes integrated, system‑level combat capability. Senior Colonel Jiang Bin reiterated that these are routine exercises under the annual plan and that the Liaoning will continue to contribute as the PLA Navy moves toward blue‑water operations.
https://china-defense.blogspot.com/2026/05/confirmation-j-15dt-and-j-35-are-now.html
