China J-15 carrier-based fighter enters production.

According to wantchinatimes, the Shenyang J-15, China's first carrier-based fighter designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, has entered mass production and has been received by various units of the PLA Navy Air Force, the Beijing-based Sina Military Network reported on Dec. 3.

Citing a video clip released by Shenzhen Satellite Television, the Sina Military Network stated that the original yellow paint on the fuselage of J-15 had been replaced by light grey. In addition, a logo of a Flying Shark — a nickname for the aircraft — can be seen on the its tail. On the nose of four of the J-15 fighters shown by Shenzhen Satellite Television, serial numbers such as 101, 102, 103 and 104 can be seen clearly. This indicates that J-15s have officially started production.

The Sina Military Network estimates that the production of six or eight J-15 fighters has been completed recently while between six and seven aircraft are still being constructed. As China's only carrier-based fighter in service, the J-15 plays a crucial role in the PLA Navy's ambitions to develop the combat capability of its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, which up to now was without any fighters.