Chinese AEW ISR and Special Mission Aircraft

[Deino]

Is this speed... beyond your expectations?
LOL.

Well, not really even if I am always amazed by China's production capability.

In fact, that is the subject of a lecture I am currently preparing on China’s military quantum leap, which focuses not only on technological progress but, above all, on the increase in production capacity, using the example of fighter production since the J-10/11 to now J-20/35 was commissioned over the years. This is more than impressive and, by comparison, the constant claims made by a neighbouring country about China are utterly embarrassing.

 

[Deino]

Here is more ...

Four KJ-3000 Radar Jets At Chinese Factory Point To Serial Production

The KJ-3000 is the most capable of China’s rapidly expanding airborne early warning and control aircraft fleet. The KJ-3000 is the most capable of China’s rapidly expanding airborne early warning and control aircraft fleet.

www.twz.com

I discussed this with Thomas that at least the KJ-20 at the CFTE portion of the airfield is clearly a prototype since it bears the typical 782X serial number. The three others however do not show such a number and therefore could indeed be LRIP aircraft even if it must be reminded, we still haven't seen clear images of the no. 03 & 04 prototype to check if they also have these 782x numbers.

 

[Michael]

Here is more ...

Four KJ-3000 Radar Jets At Chinese Factory Point To Serial Production

The KJ-3000 is the most capable of China’s rapidly expanding airborne early warning and control aircraft fleet. The KJ-3000 is the most capable of China’s rapidly expanding airborne early warning and control aircraft fleet.

www.twz.com

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I discussed this with Thomas that at least the KJ-20 at the CFTE portion of the airfield is clearly a prototype since it bears the typical 782X serial number. The three others however do not show such a number and therefore could indeed be LRIP aircraft even if it must be reminded, we still haven't seen clear images of the no. 03 & 04 prototype to check if they also have these 782x numbers.

View attachment 220337

The KJ-3000 is a strategic-level airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and its actual deployed fleet size is likely quite small—I estimate a final total of around 10 units, rather than the dozens that some might imagine.

Based on past practice, the senior-most commander aboard a KJ-2000 during routine operations is typically an Air Force major general; during extraordinary circumstances, this role—and the authority for top-level decision-making—can be assumed by an Air Force lieutenant general or even a full general.

The primary mission of the KJ-3000 is to succeed the KJ-2000 in its role as a strategic-level AEW&C platform. Meanwhile, routine operational tasks will continue to be handled by tactical-level AEW&C assets, such as the KJ-500, KJ-600, and KJ-700.

 

[Deino]

The KJ-3000 is a strategic-level airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and its actual deployed fleet size is likely quite small—I estimate a final total of around 10 units, rather than the dozens that some might imagine.

Based on past practice, the senior-most commander aboard a KJ-2000 during routine operations is typically an Air Force major general; during extraordinary circumstances, this role—and the authority for top-level decision-making—can be assumed by an Air Force lieutenant general or even a full general.

The primary mission of the KJ-3000 is to succeed the KJ-2000 in its role as a strategic-level AEW&C platform. Meanwhile, routine operational tasks will continue to be handled by tactical-level AEW&C assets, such as the KJ-500, KJ-600, and KJ-700.

This is interesting ... I guessed so far, about two dozen would be a not unrealistic number.

 

[Michael]

This is interesting ... I guessed so far, about two dozen would be a not unrealistic number.

Generally speaking, China needs to keep at least one strategic-level Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft in a state of operational readiness for each strategic direction, tasked with aerial command and decision-making for that theater. Given China’s current system of five theater commands—and accounting for the need to rotate aircraft for operational readiness, maintenance, and other requirements—a total deployment of 10 KJ-3000s would be a baseline figure. Your estimate of over 20 aircraft seems a bit extravagant.

Of course, as Chinese military enthusiasts, we would naturally love to see China deploy more of these strategic-level assets. However, they are truly expensive, so we must also consider the balance of assets.

Since this is just a casual, recreational form of analysis and discussion, it doesn’t require a great deal of supporting evidence.