China has begun using an advanced J-11B fighter jet that can carry Thunderbolt-10 and Thunderbolt-15 missiles with a launch range of up to 300 kilometres

China's People's Liberation Army recently held another military exercise involving combat aircraft. They used an improved J-11B fighter jet, which is a derivative of the Russian Su-27.

Here's What We Know

The exercise was reported by China Central Television. The event took place on the islands. At the same time, the TV channel did not specify the specific location of the military exercise. The Global Times, a publication close to the Communist Party, writes about the use of two J-11Bs.

In the photo above you can see two Shenyang fighters, which are externally distinguished by the colours of the nose section. According to the Global Times, the old configuration of the aircraft has a black nose, while the new one has a grey nose.

The improved J-11B is said to be equipped with an active phased array radar. The radar improves situational awareness and allows the aircraft to carry PL-10, PL-15 missiles. This brings it closer to the 4.5 generation.

PL-10 translates to Thunderbolt-10. It's an air-to-air missile. In NATO classification, it is listed as CH-AA-9. The missile weighs over 100 kg, is 3 metres long and has a launch range of up to 20 km.

PL-15 translates as Thunderbolt-15. In NATO classification it is CH-AA-10. It is another air-to-air missile. It can hit targets up to 300 kilometres away. The 230-kilogram missile is almost 4 metres long and can reach speeds of over Mach 4 (1,370 km/h).

Source: Global Times