The Most Advanced Chinese Fighter Jet, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the jet you think is the most advanced!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:16

In the realm of air superiority, the race to maintain or gain a technological edge can be as fierce as the skies in which these aircraft roar. As nations innovate and deploy state-of-the-art fighter jets, understanding the capabilities and advancements of these machines becomes crucial. Particularly for enthusiasts and analysts, keeping an eye on the developments in China's aerospace technology can offer insights into global military trends and balance. Ranking these advanced aircraft not only quenches curiosity but also provides a clearer picture of where they stand in comparison to global counterparts. By casting your vote, you contribute to real-time insights into which jets are seen as the pinnacle of aviation innovation by a community of peers. This dynamic interaction enriches the discussion and understanding of military aviation capabilities.

What Is the Most Advanced Chinese Fighter Jet?

1

87
votes
Alert5 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Chengdu J-20

It is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet that China developed to compete with advanced aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. The J-20 has advanced avionics, stealth technology, and supersonic speeds.
Chengdu J-20 in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most advanced planes
- Position 6 of 10 in Most advanced bomber in the world
2

54
votes
wc · CC BY-SA 4.0

Shenyang J-31

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation

Also known as the FC-31, it is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It has advanced features such as stealth technology, a glass cockpit, and advanced avionics.
The Shenyang J-31, also known as the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, is a fifth-generation, multi-role stealth fighter aircraft. It is designed to meet the requirements of both air superiority and ground attack missions. The J-31 features advanced stealth capabilities, high maneuverability, and a wide range of weapons and sensors.

Length: 16.9 meters

Wingspan: 11.5 meters

Height: 4.8 meters

Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8

Range: 2,000 kilometers
3

22
votes

中華民國國防部 · Attribution

Chengdu J-10

It is a fourth-generation fighter jet developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. It has advanced features such as an advanced avionics suite, a fly-by-wire flight control system, and a digital cockpit.
4

16
votes
Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen · Public domain

Shenyang J-11

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation

It is a fourth-generation fighter jet developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is an improved version of the Russian Sukhoi Su-27, with advanced avionics and a digital cockpit.
The Shenyang J-11 is a highly advanced Chinese fighter jet that was developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is an indigenous version of the Russian Sukhoi Su-27SK and is capable of a wide range of air combat missions.

Crew: 1

Length: 21.935 meters

Wingspan: 14.7 meters

Height: 5.932 meters

Maximum Speed: Mach 2.35 (2,470 km/h)
5

17
votes
Peng Chen · CC BY-SA 2.0

JF-17 Thunder

It is a fourth-generation fighter jet developed jointly by China and Pakistan. It has advanced features such as a glass cockpit, fly-by-wire flight control system, and advanced avionics.
The JF-17 Thunder, also known as the FC-1 Xiaolong, is a multirole fighter aircraft jointly developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. It is considered one of the most advanced fighter jets in China's inventory.

Role: Multirole fighter

First Flight: 2003

Introduced: 2007

Crew: 1 or 2

Length: 14.93 m (49 ft)
6

14
votes
Xu Zheng · CC BY-SA 4.0

Hongdu JL-10

It is a third-generation fighter jet developed by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group. It has advanced features such as a glass cockpit, digital flight control system, and advanced avionics.
The Hongdu JL-10, also known as the L-15 Falcon, is an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by the Nanchang-based Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation in China. It is designed to provide comprehensive training for pilots and can also be used as a light attack aircraft.

Role: Jet trainer and light attack aircraft

First flight: March 2006

Introduction: 2012

Crew: 2

Length: 12.29 m (40.3 ft)
7

5
votes
Greg Goebel (original uploader was Aerobird at en.wikipedia) · Public domain

Nanchang Q-5

It is a third-generation fighter jet developed by Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. It has advanced features such as a digital cockpit, advanced avionics, and a fly-by-wire flight control system.
The Nanchang Q-5, also known as the Qiang-5 or A-5, is a Chinese twin-engine supersonic ground-attack aircraft. It was designed and developed by the Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (now known as the Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation) in the 1960s.

Crew: 2

Length: 20.52 meters

Wingspan: 9.82 meters

Height: 4.86 meters

Empty Weight: 7,400 kg
8

11
votes
J-15 Flying Shark

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation

It is a fourth-generation fighter jet developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is a carrier-based fighter jet with advanced features such as a digital cockpit, advanced avionics, and a fly-by-wire flight control system.
The J-15 Flying Shark is a carrier-based fighter jet developed by the Chinese company Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is currently one of the most advanced Chinese fighter jets and has gained significant attention due to its capabilities and design. The J-15 is known for its agility, versatility, and superior performance in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. It is designed to operate from aircraft carriers and has extended range and endurance compared to its predecessor, the J-11. The aircraft features modern avionics systems, including a radar system that provides enhanced detection and tracking capabilities. It is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons systems and advanced electronic warfare systems for self-protection. The J-15's sleek design resembles that of a shark, giving it its distinctive nickname.

Max Speed: 2,175 km/h

Range: 3,500 km

Max Takeoff Weight: 33,000 kg

Wingspan: 14.7 m

Length: 22.3 m
9

8
votes
J-16

It is a fourth-generation fighter jet developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is an improved version of the J-11 with advanced features such as a digital cockpit, advanced avionics, and a fly-by-wire flight control system.
The J-16 is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the People's Republic of China. It is considered one of the most advanced fighter jets in Chinese military aviation.

Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft

Range: 2,200 km

Speed: Mach 2.2 (2,700 km/h)

Crew: 2

Length: 22.56 m
10

6
votes
J-7

It is a second-generation fighter jet developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. It has been in service since the 1960s but has been upgraded with advanced avionics and a digital cockpit.
The J-7, also known as the Chengdu F-7, is a highly capable Chinese fighter jet that was developed as a licensed variant of the Soviet MiG-21. It has been widely used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and has also been exported to several other countries.

Length: 15.76 meters

Wingspan: 7.15 meters

Height: 4.10 meters

Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0

Range: 2,175 kilometers

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Ranking factors for advanced jet

Design and Stealth

How advanced is the aircraft's design in terms of aerodynamics, stealth capabilities, and overall appearance? Stealth features can include radar-absorbing materials, optimized shapes, and reduced heat signature.
Avionics and Sensors

Evaluate the quality and capability of the aircraft's avionics suite, which includes radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and communication equipment. Advanced sensors can provide better situational awareness, target identification, and tracking capabilities.
Engine and Performance

Consider the engine technology, maximum speed, range, maneuverability, and overall performance of the fighter jet. More advanced engines can provide greater thrust, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Weapons and Payload

Assess the fighter jet's armament, including the variety and capability of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and cannon. Also, consider the aircraft's payload capacity and the ability to carry various weapons systems.
Combat Radius and Range

Evaluate the aircraft's operational range, the distance it can travel without refueling, and its combat radius – the distance it can travel and carry out combat operations and return to base.
Interoperability and Networking

Assess the fighter jet's ability to operate with other aircraft, ground units, and naval assets through secure data links and communication systems. This can enhance situational awareness, targeting, and overall combat effectiveness.
Survivability and Self-Protection

Evaluate the aircraft's features designed to enhance its survivability, such as countermeasures, armor, and damage tolerance. These factors can improve the aircraft's chances of surviving enemy threats and damage during combat.
Maintainability and Reliability

Consider how easy it is to maintain and service the fighter jet and its systems. More advanced aircraft may have higher availability rates, fewer maintenance requirements, and greater reliability.
Cost and Affordability

Take into account the price of the aircraft, its operating and maintenance costs, and the cost-effectiveness of its capabilities. More advanced fighters may offer better value in terms of performance and survivability.
Export Potential and Global Influence

Assess the potential for the Chinese fighter jet to be exported to other countries and its ability to shape global military aviation trends, which can contribute to China's global influence.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most advanced Chinese fighter jet. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or jet is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1647 views
239 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each jet once every 24 hours. The rank of each jet is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most advanced chinese fighter jet

Background: Chinese Fighter Jet Advancements China has made significant strides in the development of their fighter jets in recent years. With a focus on indigenous design and production, the country has successfully created several advanced fighter jets that have caught the attention of the world. The most notable of these fighter jets is the J-20, which is often compared to the United States' F-22 Raptor. The J-20, which first flew in 2011, is a fifth-generation fighter jet that is designed for air superiority and ground attacks. It features stealth technology, advanced avionics, and a range of sophisticated weaponry. With a top speed of Mach 2.5 and a range of over 2,700 miles, the J-20 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. China has also developed other advanced fighter jets, such as the J-10 and the J-16. The J-10 is a fourth-generation fighter jet that is designed for air-to-air combat and ground attacks. It features advanced avionics and a range of weaponry, including air-to-air missiles and precision-guided bombs. The J-16 is a dual-role fighter jet that is designed for both air-to-air combat and ground attacks. It features advanced avionics, a larger payload capacity, and a range of sophisticated weaponry. Overall, China's advancements in fighter jet technology have made them a major player in the global military arena. With continued investment in research and development, it is likely that China will continue to produce advanced fighter jets that rival