(http://gmpg.org/xfn/11) (https://www.twz.com/xmlrpc.php) (../wp-content/uploads/2026/08/China-Aircraft-transport-new.jpg@quality=85)   (https://fonts.googleapis.com/)  (https://fonts.gstatic.com/)  Our Best Look At China’s New Y-15 Turboprop Airlifter  (our-best-look-at-chinas-new-y-15-turboprop-airlifter.html)                       (https://btloader.com/)  (https://static.chartbeat.com/)  (../_static/index.html@%253F%252Fwp-content%252Fclient-mu-plugins%252Frecurrent%252Fdist%252Fcss%252Ffrontend.css,%252Fwp-content%252Fthemes%252Ftwz%252Fcss%252Fapp.css%253Fm=1787669496.css)  (https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Source+Serif+4%3Aital%2Copsz%2Cwght%400%2C8..60%2C200..900%3B1%2C8..60%2C200..900&display=swap&ver=0.1.0)  (../../fonts.googleapis.com/css2@family=Source+Serif+4%253Aital,opsz,wght@0,8..60,200..900%3B1,8..60,200..900&display=swap&ver=0.1.0.css)  (../wp-content/client-mu-plugins/recurrent/dist/css/lightbox.css@m=1787669494g.css)         (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-at-chinas-new-y-15-turboprop-airlifter.md)       (https://www.twz.com/feed)  (https://www.twz.com/category/air/feed)  (https://www.twz.com/category/air-forces/feed)  (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-air-force/feed)  (https://www.twz.com/category/transports/feed)  (../wp-content/uploads/2024/01/30/TWZ_Favicon.png@quality=85&w=32)  (../wp-content/uploads/2024/01/30/TWZ_Favicon.png@quality=85&w=167)  (../wp-content/uploads/2024/01/30/TWZ_Favicon.png@quality=85&w=167)      We have updated our (https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy . Please review to learn more. By continuing to use our services, you agree to these updates.   ×         (https://www.twz.com/) (TWZ Logo)        (https://www.twz.com/) (TWZ Logo)     Search for: ()            (https://www.twz.com/latest) Latest  (https://www.twz.com/category/news-features) News & Features   (https://www.twz.com/category/artificial-intelligence) Artificial Intelligence  (https://www.twz.com/category/bunker-talk) Bunker Talk  (https://www.twz.com/category/cyber-warfare) Cyber Warfare  (https://www.twz.com/category/espionage) Espionage  (https://www.twz.com/category/procurement) Procurement  (https://www.twz.com/category/terrorism) Terrorism  (https://www.twz.com/category/history) History  (https://www.twz.com/category/around-the-globe) Around The Globe  (https://www.twz.com/category/continuity-of-government) Continuity Of Government  (https://www.twz.com/category/bunkers-installations) Bunkers & Installations  (https://www.twz.com/rebuilding-the-arsenal-2026) Rebuilding the Arsenal  (https://www.twz.com/category/news-features) Show More...    (https://www.twz.com/category/air) Air   (https://www.twz.com/category/air-forces) Air Forces  (https://www.twz.com/category/airships-blimps) Airships & Blimps  (https://www.twz.com/category/military-aviation-history) Military Aviation History  (https://www.twz.com/category/naval-aviation) Naval Aviation  (https://www.twz.com/category/fighters) Fighters  (https://www.twz.com/category/attack) Attack  (https://www.twz.com/category/aggressors) Aggressors  (https://www.twz.com/category/air) Show More...    (https://www.twz.com/category/sea) Sea   (https://www.twz.com/category/navies) Navies  (https://www.twz.com/category/naval-history) Naval History  (https://www.twz.com/category/amphibious-operations) Amphibious Operations  (https://www.twz.com/category/us-marine-corps) U.S. Marine Corps  (https://www.twz.com/category/carriers) Carriers  (https://www.twz.com/category/big-deck-amphibious-assault-ships) Big Deck Amphibious Assault Ships  (https://www.twz.com/category/amphibious-assault-ships) Amphibious Assault Ships  (https://www.twz.com/category/sea-bases) Sea Bases  (https://www.twz.com/category/cruisers) Cruisers  (https://www.twz.com/category/destroyers) Destroyers  (https://www.twz.com/category/sea) Show More...    (https://www.twz.com/category/land) Land   (https://www.twz.com/category/armies) Armies  (https://www.twz.com/category/land-warfare-history) Land Warfare History  (https://www.twz.com/category/tanks) Tanks  (https://www.twz.com/category/armored-vehicles) Armored Vehicles  (https://www.twz.com/category/light-vehicles) Light Vehicles  (https://www.twz.com/category/unmanned-ground-vehicles) Unmanned Ground Vehicles  (https://www.twz.com/category/artillery) Artillery  (https://www.twz.com/category/tactical-ballistic-missiles) Tactical Ballistic Missiles  (https://www.twz.com/category/mrbms-irbms) MRBMs/IRBMs  (https://www.twz.com/category/land-based-conventional-hypersonic-weapons) Land-Based Conventional Hypersonic Weapons  (https://www.twz.com/category/anti-aircraft-artillery) Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA)  (https://www.twz.com/category/man-portable-air-defense-systems) Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS)  (https://www.twz.com/category/counter-unmanned-aerial-vehicles) Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (C-UAS)  (https://www.twz.com/category/land) Show More...    (https://www.twz.com/category/space) Space   (https://www.twz.com/category/us-space-force) U.S. Space Force  (https://www.twz.com/category/war-in-space) War In Space  (https://www.twz.com/category/nasa) NASA  (https://www.twz.com/category/russian-space-program) Russian Space Program  (https://www.twz.com/category/chinese-space-program) Chinese Space Program  (https://www.twz.com/category/orbital-systems) Orbital Systems  (https://www.twz.com/category/anti-satellite-capabilities) Anti-Satellite Capabilities  (https://www.twz.com/category/launch-vehicles) Launch Vehicles  (https://www.twz.com/category/space) Show More...    (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear) Nuclear   (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-command-and-control) Nuclear Command And Control  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-power) Nuclear Power  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-propulsion) Nuclear Propulsion  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-policy) Nuclear Policy  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-history) Nuclear History  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-proliferation) Nuclear Proliferation  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-ballistic-missiles) Nuclear Ballistic Missiles  (https://www.twz.com/category/air-launched-nuclear-missles) Air Launched Nuclear Missles  (https://www.twz.com/category/ground-launched-nuclear-cruise-missile) Ground-Launched Nuclear Cruise Missile  (https://www.twz.com/category/battlefield-nuclear-weapons) Battlefield Nuclear Weapons  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-warheads) Nuclear Warheads  (https://www.twz.com/category/status-6-poseidon) Status-6 Poseidon  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear-bombs) Nuclear Bombs  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear) Show More...    Events   (https://www.twz.com/space-missile-defense-symposium-2026) SMD Symposium 2026  (https://www.twz.com/special-operations-forces-week-2026) SOF Week 2026  (https://www.twz.com/modern-day-marine-2026) Modern Day Marine 2026  (https://www.twz.com/sea-air-space-2026) Sea-Air-Space 2026  (https://www.twz.com/army-aviation-association-of-america-2026) AAAA Summit 2026  (https://www.twz.com/ausa-global-force-2026) AUSA 2026  (https://www.twz.com/afa-warfare-symposium-2026) AFA Warfare Symposium 2026  (https://www.twz.com/tailhook-event-2025) Tailhook 2025  (https://www.twz.com/air-space-cyber-2025) Air, Space & Cyber 2025    More   (https://the-war-zone-shop.fourthwall.com/) MERCH  (https://twz.beehiiv.com/) Newsletter Signup  (https://www.twz.com/about) About TWZ       Search for: ()           (https://www.facebook.com/thewarzonewire)       (https://twitter.com/thewarzonewire)       (https://www.instagram.com/thewarzonewire)         (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-war-zone/)       (https://www.youtube.com/@thewarzone)        (https://www.twz.com/feed)                  (https://www.twz.com/category/air) Air  (https://www.twz.com/category/air-forces) Air Forces  (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-air-force) People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)    Our Best Look At China’s New Y-15 Turboprop Airlifter The four-engine turboprop is expected to form a key new piece of China’s modernizing military transport fleet. By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick      Published  Aug 20, 2026 2:13 PM EDT     (our-best-look-at-chinas-new-y-15-turboprop-airlifter.html#comments)    0           (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=twz.com) Add TWZ (opens in a new tab)      More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results.        (The Y-15 at an unidentified test airfield.)   via Chinese internet    The TWZ Newsletter  Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.   (handle_newsletter_email_submission) (139ac70a01)  (/air/our-best-look-at-chinas-new-y-15-turboprop-airlifter)  (TWZInline) (0) Email address  (Enter your email) (Please enter a valid email address)  Sign Up  Thank you!      (https://recurrent.io/terms-and-conditions/) Terms of Service and(https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy        China’s new (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-y-30-turboprop-airlifter-spotted-for-the-first-time) medium-sized tactical airlifter is emerging from the shadows, as much clearer imagery becomes available. Previously widely referred to as the “Y-30,” the four-turboprop transport now appears to be designated the Y-15, a change reflected by the prototype’s (https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/y-15.htm) apparent “15001” serial number and increasingly supported by open-source reporting. ()  A new inflight view of the Y-15. via Chinese internet   New imagery provides a much better appreciation of the aircraft’s configuration. Developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation (SAC), the Y-15 is intended to provide a modern replacement for older (https://www.twz.com/chinas-massive-fleet-of-radar-planes-and-the-strategy-behind-it) Y-8-series transports and, eventually, the (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-new-standoff-electronic-warfare-plane) Y-9 , while giving China a more capable turboprop airlifter suited to operations from relatively austere airfields. While the Y-9 is a modernized Y-8, the older design is a direct copy of the Soviet (https://www.antonov.com/en/history/an-12) Antonov An-12 , first flown in 1957. (Another new underside view of the Y-15.)  The Y-15 in the process of retracting or deploying its landing gear. via Chinese internet via Chinese internet  The new Chinese aircraft first became publicly associated with the Y-30 designation after a model appeared at the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow. That designation subsequently became widely used in reporting about the program. ()  A model of the “Y-30” displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2014. via Chinese internet   The program then went quiet, before unofficial reports in 2023 that work had resumed at SAC. The first flight-test imagery of the prototype appeared in December 2025, (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-y-30-turboprop-airlifter-spotted-for-the-first-time) as we reported at the time . ()  Above and below: Two of the first images of the Y-15. via Chinese internet   ()  via Chinese internet   The Y-15 has four turboprop engines driving six-blade high-efficiency propellers. Its overall configuration is notably different from China’s larger, jet-powered Y-20 and instead puts it in the same broad operational category as aircraft such as the (https://www.twz.com/sponsored-content/c-130-factory-how-iconic-hercules-airlifters-are-born) Lockheed Martin C-130J . The configuration also has some obvious visual similarities to the (https://www.twz.com/35573/british-a400m-transport-gets-tasked-with-low-level-patrols-to-track-migrant-boats-from-france) Airbus A400M . The Chinese aircraft has a relatively broad fuselage, a rear loading ramp, heavy-duty landing gear, a high-mounted wing, and a T-tail.  Unlike the swept wing of the A400M, the Chinese transport has a comparatively straight high-lift wing, with substantial winglets (lacking on the European design) at the tips. The arrangement should help the aircraft combine useful cruise efficiency with the low-speed performance needed for tactical transport operations.  (A400M, the airlifter of the 21st Century thumbnail)  A400M, the airlifter of the 21st Century       (A400M, the airlifter of the 21st Century)   Despite its A400M-like appearance, the Y-15 appears to be a smaller aircraft in a different weight and performance class. The A400M’s four TP400-D6 engines each produce around 11,000 horsepower, while the Chinese aircraft’s WJ-10 turboprops are understood to produce substantially less — around 6,800 horsepower. That suggests the Y-15 is a more natural counterpart to the C-130J and China’s own Y-9 than to the A400M.  Unconfirmed estimates have suggested a payload of around 30 metric tons, although that figure should be treated cautiously while the aircraft remains in testing. For comparison, the Y-9 is generally credited with a payload of roughly 25 tons, while the C-130J-30 is in the roughly 21-ton range. At the same time, the Y-15 is (https://chinese-military-aviation.blogspot.com/p/transport-tanker.html) assessed to have a larger internal cargo space than the Y-9, with a greater height and width to accomodate bulkier payloads. ()  via Chinese internet   Interesting size comparison of all three PLAAF transports: Y-9, Y-15 & Y-20 as CG made by @大包CG (https://t.co/9JsykjK2Ei) pic.twitter.com/9JsykjK2Ei  — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) (https://x.com/RupprechtDeino/status/2001318672107724946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) December 17, 2025    One of the most obvious features of the flight-test aircraft is the long air-data boom projecting from the nose. Such booms are standard equipment on developmental aircraft, allowing engineers to collect precise measurements of air pressure, temperature, airflow, and other parameters during testing. Previous reports have (https://china-defense.blogspot.com/search?q=Y-15) erroneously identified this feature as an inflight refueling probe. There is currently no refueling probe fitted to the prototype. That does not necessarily mean the capability will never be incorporated, however, especially as China continues to build its aerial tanker fleet.  ()  A YY-20A aerial tanker tops up a pair of J-16s. via Chinese internet   Chinese Y-8 and Y-9 derivatives have demonstrated how a common transport airframe can become the basis for substantially different configurations, including (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-new-standoff-electronic-warfare-plane) aircraft equipped for specialized missions . The same is likely for the Y-15, once it enters People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) service. For the PLAAF, the aircraft’s rear loading ramp and heavy-duty  landing gear will likely be particularly important. The aircraft appears designed not simply to move cargo between major airbases, but to operate closer to the battlefield and from runways that may be shorter, rougher, or otherwise less developed. ()  An early rear three-quarter view of the Y-15. via Chinese internet   The PLAAF still operates substantial numbers of older Y-8-family transports, while the Y-9 has become the more modern turboprop workhorse. At the heavier end, the (https://www.twz.com/31667/a-whopping-20-y-20-airlifters-seen-at-chinese-aircraft-plant-and-test-base) Y-20 is rapidly replacing remaining PLAAF Il-76 transports and provides the long-range strategic airlift capacity that the older fleet could not match. Speaking to TWZ , Andreas Rupprecht, an expert on Chinese aviation and (https://www.twz.com/authors/andreas-rupprecht) contributor to this website, said he expected the Y-15 to replace the Y-9, a type that the PLAAF does not consider adequate for the tactical transport role, on account of its small cargo hold and underpowered engines. Its turboprop propulsion and apparent emphasis on short-field performance should make it particularly useful for moving troops, vehicles, supplies, and other equipment into locations where operating a large Y-20 would be impractical. ()  Another new underside view of the Y-15. via Chinese internet   That could include dispersed bases and remote Chinese facilities, as well as (https://www.twz.com/chinas-manmade-island-fortresses-like-youve-never-seen-them-before) the country’s island outposts . The rapid reinforcement of units in remote regions such as (https://www.twz.com/land/china-building-sam-sites-that-allow-missiles-to-be-fired-from-within-bunkers) Tibet would also be an obvious wartime mission. The aircraft could also provide a useful platform for airborne assault and airdrop missions, capabilities that have become increasingly important as the PLA has expanded the scope and sophistication of its joint operations.  An export drive is also highly likely, especially as the Y-15 will be immune to the tight export restrictions that typically apply to comparable Western designs. In the meantime, the Y-9 continues to win foreign orders, most recently being bought by Kazakhstan, which (https://www.twz.com/air/paint-job-on-kazakhstans-new-a400m-looks-like-a-soviet-plane-in-a-bond-film) already operates the A400M — another signal of these two types’ very different capabilities. Well, that's an interesting start into the day: Two mayor Y-9 news!!First, as the Y-9E's second customer (after Namibia), the Kazakhstan AF has introduced this type. (https://t.co/saHqbEF3oN) pic.twitter.com/saHqbEF3oN  — @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) (https://x.com/RupprechtDeino/status/2088134851123724548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) August 14, 2026    With flight testing now apparently ramping up, the next major questions will be how closely its eventual performance matches the estimates surrounding it, and how quickly China moves from a single prototype to a production fleet. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com   (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) (Thomas Newdick Avatar)   (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick   Staff Writer    Thomas Newdick is a staff writer at  TWZ  , where he covers military aviation, defense technology, weapons systems, and international security. Based in Berlin, Germany, he reports on conflicts, military modernization efforts, and emerging aerospace technologies around the world, with a particular interest in airpower and its role in contemporary warfare. His reporting is informed by deep expertise in modern and historical airpower, particularly in Europe, with a focus on military aviation, air campaigns, and aerospace developments across the continent and beyond.   (https://twitter.com/CombatAir)           Loading comments…  Comments couldn’t be loaded. Please refresh the page.         Latest in People's Liberation Army Air Force (China) (https://www.twz.com/air/how-many-j-20-stealth-fighters-does-china-actually-have) (How many J-20s does china have?)     (https://www.twz.com/category/j-20) J-20   (https://www.twz.com/air/how-many-j-20-stealth-fighters-does-china-actually-have) How Many J-20 Mighty Dragon Fighters Does China Actually Have?   The spotlight may be on sixth-gen designs, but the J-20 Mighty Dragon is transforming the PLAAF through sheer production scale. By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick        1:53 PM  July 15, 2026      (https://www.twz.com/air/massive-chinese-stealth-flying-wings-spotted-together-at-secretive-drone-test-base) (Two Massive Chinese Stealth Flying Wings Spotted Again at Secretive Drone Base)     (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-air-force) People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)   (https://www.twz.com/air/massive-chinese-stealth-flying-wings-spotted-together-at-secretive-drone-test-base) China’s Massive Stealth Flying Wings Spotted Together At Secretive Test Base   Testing of China's very large flying-wing drones appears to be ramping up, along with one unmanned fighter-like design. By (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) Tyler Rogoway ,  (https://www.twz.com/authors/ian-ellis-jones) Ian Ellis-Jones        5:12 PM  May 1, 2026        ()    The TWZ Newsletter  Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.   (https://twz.beehiiv.com/) Sign Up  By signing up you agree to our(https://recurrent.io/terms-and-conditions/) Terms of Service and(https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy.           More in People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-y-30-turboprop-airlifter-spotted-for-the-first-time) (The latest Chinese military aircraft to appear in flight test is a tactical transport aircraft, known, unofficially for now, as the Y-30. Not perhaps as headline-grabbing as China’s string of new crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft designs, the transport is nonetheless highly significant, reflecting the People’s Liberation Army’s growing ambitions to be able to conduct out-of-area operations.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/y-20) Y-20   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-y-30-turboprop-airlifter-spotted-for-the-first-time) China’s ‘Y-30’ Turboprop Airlifter Spotted For The First Time   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/how-many-j-20-stealth-fighters-does-china-actually-have) (How many J-20s does china have?)     (https://www.twz.com/category/j-20) J-20   (https://www.twz.com/air/how-many-j-20-stealth-fighters-does-china-actually-have) How Many J-20 Mighty Dragon Fighters Does China Actually Have?   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-massive-pl-17-air-to-air-missile-seen-up-close) (One of the most enigmatic weapons in the arsenal of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the PL-17 very long-range air-to-air missile, appears to have been shown for the first time at close quarters.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/j-20) J-20   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-massive-pl-17-air-to-air-missile-seen-up-close) China’s Massive PL-17 Air-To-Air Missile Seen Up Close   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-new-kj-3000-airborne-early-warning-radar-jet-seen-in-detail-in-new-image) (Aircraft like the KJ-3000 help Chinese forces extend and support anti-access and area denial bubbles, including around the mainland, Taiwan, and the hotly contested South China Sea, as well as project power further afield.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/airborne-radar) Airborne Radar   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-new-kj-3000-airborne-early-warning-radar-jet-seen-in-detail-in-new-image) China’s New KJ-3000 Airborne Early Warning Radar Jet Seen In Detail In New Image   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-gj-11-mysterious-dragon-stealth-drone-soars-out-of-the-shadows) (A month after the emergence of satellite imagery that showed GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) in an apparently semi-operational state, China has released the first air-to-air video of the drone. China also revealed that the official People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) name for the GJ-11 is Mysterious Dragon.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/ucavs) UCAVs   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-gj-11-mysterious-dragon-stealth-drone-soars-out-of-the-shadows) China’s Stealthy GJ-11 ‘Mysterious Dragon’ Soars Out Of The Shadows   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-kj-700-airborne-early-warning-plane-seen-in-new-detail) (We have gotten our best look so far at China’s enigmatic KJ-700 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). This latest addition to China’s rapidly proliferating family of AEW&C platforms remains somewhat mysterious, although multiple accounts suggest that it’s something of a unique ‘dual-mode’ aircraft, combining both airborne radar as well as an array of electro-optical and infrared sensors, likely intended to track stealthy and low-radar-signature targets.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/airborne-radar) Airborne Radar   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-kj-700-airborne-early-warning-plane-seen-in-new-detail) China’s New KJ-700 Multi-Intelligence Radar Plane’s Interesting Features   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-stealthy-ch-7-long-endurance-drone-is-now-flying) (We have got what could be our first look at China’s CH-7 stealthy flying-wing drone in flight. While it’s far from the biggest Chinese drone of this configuration, it’s still of impressive size and, as we have noted in the past, appears to be tailored for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR), as well as strike missions as an uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).)     (https://www.twz.com/category/ucavs) UCAVs   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-stealthy-ch-7-long-endurance-drone-is-now-flying) China’s Stealthy CH-7 Flying Wing Drone Has Flown   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-j-35-naval-stealth-fighter-seen-like-never-before) (A new photo provides our best view so far of the Shenyang J-35, China’s next-generation carrier-based fighter. It’s part of a relative flurry of imagery showing some of China’s latest military aircraft. In sharp contrast to the blurry or heavily edited shots we have become familiar with out of China in the past, these various higher-quality images provide a fascinating snapshot of the breadth of developments taking place right now in China’s military aerospace realm.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-air-force) People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-j-35-naval-stealth-fighter-seen-like-never-before) China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Seen Like Never Before   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-air-force) SEE MORE   More in Air Forces   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-big-r6000-tiltrotor-drone-has-entered-full-flight-testing) (New footage confirms the R6000 uncrewed tiltrotor has moved into a new and more demanding phase of flight testing.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/air-forces) Air Forces   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-big-r6000-tiltrotor-drone-has-entered-full-flight-testing) China’s Big R6000 Tiltrotor Drone Has Entered Full Flight Testing   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/air-force-wants-family-of-expendable-target-drones-that-can-mimic-everything-from-stealth-fighters-to-uav-swarms) (A rendering of a 5GAT drone dueling with an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The drone appears to have released countermeasure flares to help evade an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile fired by the F-35.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/us-air-force) U.S. Air Force   (https://www.twz.com/air/air-force-wants-family-of-expendable-target-drones-that-can-mimic-everything-from-stealth-fighters-to-uav-swarms) Air Force Wants Family Of Expendable Target Drones That Can Mimic Everything From Stealth Fighters To UAV Swarms   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/land/this-may-be-our-best-look-at-ukraines-secretive-new-surface-to-air-missile) (A new Ukrainian surface-to-air missile appears to have made its first public appearance. The weapon is apparently an example of the Koral (also sometimes spelled Coral), the development of which has been known about for some time, as part of an effort to field homegrown ground-based air defense systems, something that the head of Ukraine’s Brave1 defense tech incubator discussed with TWZ in the past.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/ukrainian-army) Ukrainian Army   (https://www.twz.com/land/this-may-be-our-best-look-at-ukraines-secretive-new-surface-to-air-missile) This May Be Our Best Look At Ukraine’s Secretive New Surface-To-Air Missile   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/ukraines-drone-hunting-an-28-turboprop-is-now-launching-interceptor-drones) (Ukraine is air-launching its SHahed-136 interceptor drones now.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/ukrainian-air-force) Ukrainian Air Force   (https://www.twz.com/air/ukraines-drone-hunting-an-28-turboprop-is-now-launching-interceptor-drones) Ukraine’s Drone-Hunting An-28 Turboprop Is Now Launching Interceptor Drones   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/the-worlds-ugliest-airplane-just-flew-for-the-first-time) (Japan's ugly EC-2 surveillance aircraft.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/japan-air-self-defense-force) Japan Air Self Defense Force   (https://www.twz.com/air/the-worlds-ugliest-airplane-just-flew-for-the-first-time) Japan’s EC-2 Electronic Warfare Jet, Arguably The World’s Ugliest Aircraft, Just Flew For The First Time   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/trump-set-to-clear-critical-f110-turbofan-engine-sale-for-turkeys-kaan-fighter) (Turkey's 5th generation warplane: KAAN)     (https://www.twz.com/category/f-35a) F-35A   (https://www.twz.com/air/trump-set-to-clear-critical-f110-turbofan-engine-sale-for-turkeys-kaan-fighter) Trump Set To Clear Critical F110 Turbofan Engine Sale For Turkey’s Kaan Fighter   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/spitfire-completes-unique-formation-flights-with-royal-air-force) (Image of Spitfire “K5054”, seen here alongside two F35 Lightning II Jets from RAF Marham as they transit to RAF Coningsby in the UK. The first flight of the eagerly anticipated commemorative Spitfire90 tour has successfully landed at RAF Coningsby. The nine flights have been organised to celebrate 90 years since the Supermarine Spitfire’s maiden flight. Departing from Southampton International Airport earlier today, the very site where Captain Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers piloted the original Spitfire prototype K5054 on 5th March 1936, the specially painted two-seat Spitfire, replicating the original K5054, was escorted by the Dakota and Spitfire AB910 belonging to the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) as it made its way to RAF Coningsby, the home of the BBMF. During the flight, "K5054" was also joined in the vicinity of RAF Marham by two F35 Lightning II aircraft.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/f-35b) F-35B   (https://www.twz.com/air/spitfire-completes-unique-formation-flights-with-royal-air-force) Spitfire Completes Unique Formation Flights With Royal Air Force   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-new-standoff-electronic-warfare-plane) (Alternatively known as the Y-9LG, the Y-8GX-12 is another ECM version based on the Y-8 Category III Platform. It was first identified in satellite imagery in late 2017. Surprisingly, considering its assumed role, the Y-8GX-12 has a ‘balance beam’ radar antenna above its fuselage, as found on the KJ-200 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. It is believed, however, that the radar aboard the Y-8GX-12 is instead used for long-range jamming, using its powerful electronically scanned radar beams to suppress enemy radar signals.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/airborne-radar) Airborne Radar   (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-new-standoff-electronic-warfare-plane) Our Best Look Yet At China’s New Standoff Electronic Warfare Plane   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/category/air-forces) SEE MORE   More in Air   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-bohai-sea-monster-reappears-with-apparent-weapons-hardpoints) (Less than a year after we got our first proper look at China’s wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft, dubbed the ‘Bohai Sea Monster,’ the aircraft has appeared again, with evidence that it has a combat role, likely including launching weapons. We can also confirm that, contrary to some earlier assessments, the craft is powered by four turboprop engines, rather than turbofans. The possibility of propeller engines is something that we had raised in previous coverage.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/air) Air   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-bohai-sea-monster-reappears-with-apparent-weapons-hardpoints) China’s “Bohai Sea Monster” Reappears With Apparent Weapons Hardpoints   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/sea/chinese-j-15-fighter-seen-launching-from-a-carrier-with-four-anti-ship-missiles-for-first-time) (Apparently for the first time, an image has appeared showing a Chinese J-15T carrier-based fighter launching while carrying four anti-ship missiles. The photo offers the clearest indication so far that China’s rapidly evolving carrier force is overcoming one of its longstanding operational constraints: getting heavily loaded strike fighters airborne from its flattops.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/peoples-liberation-army-navy) People's Liberation Army Navy (China)   (https://www.twz.com/sea/chinese-j-15-fighter-seen-launching-from-a-carrier-with-four-anti-ship-missiles-for-first-time) Chinese J-15 Fighter Seen Launching From A Carrier With Four Anti-Ship Missiles For First Time   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-at-chinas-new-j-15dt-carrier-based-electronic-warfare-jet) (The latest addition to China’s growing family of Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter series, the J-15DT electronic warfare version, appears to have entered operational service. Crucially, this electronic attack Flanker is equipped for operations aboard catapult-equipped aircraft carriers like the Fujian, which recently began to host fixed-wing aircraft trials. Progress with the J-15DT points not only to China’s the scope of carrier aviation ambitions, but the growing focus on catapult assisted takeoff but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) operations, which offer many advantages.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/flankers) Flankers   (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-at-chinas-new-j-15dt-carrier-based-electronic-warfare-jet) Our Best Look At China’s New J-15DT Carrier-Based Electronic Warfare Jet   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/is-this-chinas-truck-mounted-drone-launching-electromagnetic-catapult-system) (New imagery of Chinese catapult-capable low-observable combat drones, or possibly mockups thereof, together with some unusual trucks, may point to plans to launch them from the ground, as well as ships.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/china) China   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/is-this-chinas-truck-mounted-drone-launching-electromagnetic-catapult-system) Is This China’s Truck-Mounted Electromagnetic Catapult?   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick           (https://www.twz.com/air/new-autonomous-air-combat-drones-look-set-to-be-unveiled-at-upcoming-china-military-parade) (Satellite imagery of preparations for a major upcoming military parade in China points to the possibility that one or more 'loyal wingman' type drones, or at least mockups thereof, are set to be revealed.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/stealth) Stealth   (https://www.twz.com/air/new-autonomous-air-combat-drones-look-set-to-be-unveiled-at-upcoming-china-military-parade) China’s New Drone Wingmen Look Set For Military Parade Unveiling   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick           (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-large-r6000-uncrewed-tiltrotor-is-now-in-flight-testing) (Images show that a large tiltrotor drone called the R6000, being developed by United Aircraft in China, has now entered flight testing.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/future-vertical-lift) Future Vertical Lift   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-large-r6000-uncrewed-tiltrotor-is-now-in-flight-testing) China’s Large R6000 Uncrewed Tiltrotor Is Now In Flight Testing   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/joseph-trevithick) Joseph Trevithick           (https://www.twz.com/nuclear/a-guide-to-chinas-growing-long-range-nuclear-missile-arsenal) (China's DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles are seen during a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. (Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP) (Photo by GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images))     (https://www.twz.com/category/icbms) ICBMs   (https://www.twz.com/nuclear/a-guide-to-chinas-growing-long-range-nuclear-missile-arsenal) A Guide To China’s Growing Long-Range Nuclear Missile Arsenal    By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-j-35-naval-stealth-fighter-looks-set-for-service) (A new photo suggests that China’s Shenyang J-35, its next-generation carrier-based fighter, has now entered limited series production and is also in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The photo joins a succession of imagery showing some of China’s latest military aircraft in great detail, including previous views of the same type of jet, although still in prototype form, as you can see in our previous coverage here.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/j-31) J-31   (https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-j-35-naval-stealth-fighter-looks-set-for-service) China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Looks Set For Service   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/category/air) SEE MORE         (https://www.twz.com/) ()    The TWZ Newsletter  Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.   (handle_newsletter_email_submission) (139ac70a01)  (/air/our-best-look-at-chinas-new-y-15-turboprop-airlifter)  (TWZInline) (0) Email address  (Enter your email) (Please enter a valid email address)  Sign Up  Thank you!      (https://recurrent.io/terms-and-conditions/) Terms of Service and(https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy       (https://www.twz.com/editorial-standards) Editorial Standards  (https://www.twz.com/about) About TWZ  (https://www.twz.com/contact-us) Contact Us  (https://www.twz.com/the-team) The Team   (https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy  (https://recurrent.io/terms-and-conditions/) Terms & Conditions  (https://www.twz.com/sitemap) Sitemap   FOLLOW US (https://www.facebook.com/thewarzonewire)      (https://twitter.com/thewarzonewire)      (https://www.instagram.com/thewarzonewire)        (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-war-zone/)      (https://www.youtube.com/@thewarzone)       (https://www.twz.com/feed)             DISCLAIMER(S) © 2026(https://recurrent.io/) Recurrent Ventures. All Rights Reserved. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information .       (https://www.twz.com/category/news-features) News & Features  (https://www.twz.com/category/air) Air  (https://www.twz.com/category/sea) Sea  (https://www.twz.com/category/land) Land  (https://www.twz.com/category/space) Space  (https://www.twz.com/category/nuclear) Nuclear  (https://the-war-zone-shop.fourthwall.com/) Merch