During the Victory Day military parade, held on Wednesday (3) to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II, China showcased for the first time the carrier-based early warning aircraft KJ-600.
The model took part in the flight formation alongside the carrier-based fighter J-15T, marking what is considered a strategic step for the country’s naval operations.
According to experts interviewed by the state-run Global Times, the commissioning of the KJ-600 represents the “final piece of the puzzle” for the full operational capability of China’s carrier groups, strengthening both offensive and defensive roles.
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Military analyst Zhang Xuefeng emphasized that the aircraft can be described as a “force multiplier” for carrier-based air operations. He explained that until now, early detection was primarily carried out by destroyers, frigates, and helicopters. However, land and naval radars face limitations in identifying low-altitude targets due to the curvature of the Earth.
“The main function of fixed-wing early warning aircraft is to detect those extremely low-flying targets,” Zhang said. He stressed that, unlike helicopters, which have smaller radars and limited endurance, the KJ-600 can carry more powerful systems with greater range and longer operating time.
In addition to enhancing defense, the aircraft also expands the offensive potential of aircraft carriers. According to Zhang, the KJ-600 can support strike missions against land and maritime targets, operating in regions beyond the coverage of ground-based radars. “These aircraft enable airborne command operations and significantly increase the strike capability of carrier groups,” he stated.
With the debut of the KJ-600, China consolidates a new level in its naval aviation, aligning itself with practices already employed by military powers that use aircraft carriers as a strategic axis of power projection.
Source and images: Globaltimes | CCTV Reproduction. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
