China's KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft upgrade boosts detection of US F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters.

On November 4, 2024, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) KJ-500, an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, arrived at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport to participate in the Zhuhai Airshow 2024. Developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation and based on the Y-9 airframe, the KJ-500 features a radar system capable of detecting various targets, including low radar cross-section aircraft such as the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters.
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Equipped with a tri-array active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the KJ-500 operates with a fixed radome, enabling full coverage without a rotating radar. (Picture source: Weibo/Hunter Chen)

The KJ-500, measuring 34 meters in length and spanning 38 meters, represents a significant advancement in China’s AEW&C systems. It is more compact than earlier models like the KJ-2000 and integrates digital phased-array radar technology, enabling continuous 360-degree surveillance coverage. Powered by four WJ-6C turboprop engines with six-blade composite propellers designed by Zhuzhou Southern Aviation Engine Company, the aircraft generates 3,800 kilowatts, supporting a maximum cruising speed of 550 kilometers per hour. With a range of 5,700 kilometers and an endurance of 12 hours, the KJ-500 extends operational reach within China’s air defense network. Its radar can track 60 to 100 targets within a 470-kilometer radius, providing capabilities suited for identifying stealth, high-speed, and maneuverable targets.

Equipped with a tri-array active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the KJ-500 operates with a fixed radome, enabling full coverage without a rotating radar. This setup differs from the KJ-200’s “balance beam” array, enhancing detection range and efficiency. Incorporating digital advancements and lighter materials, the KJ-500 has gradually replaced older AEW&C models in the PLAAF, whose production ceased in 2018. These features enhance target data update rates and improve resilience against electronic interference, supporting operations in challenging environments.

China’s AEW&C program has evolved significantly, starting with the KJ-1 in the 1960s and progressing through the KJ-2000 and KJ-200 models in the early 21st century. The KJ-500 addresses specific operational gaps in China’s AEW&C infrastructure and operates alongside combat assets, such as the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, to extend command and control in long-range air engagements. According to General Kenneth Wilsbach of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, the KJ-500 plays a critical role in supporting longer-range air-to-air missile operations, underscoring its importance in the PLAAF’s strategy for extended engagement distances.

In addition to the standard KJ-500, the PLAAF has deployed a naval variant, the KJ-500H, operated by the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force for surveillance and command over maritime areas. This variant reflects China’s modular approach to AEW&C aircraft, adapting capabilities to specific branches. Another version, the KJ-500A, introduced in 2020, includes an in-flight refueling probe, extending its endurance for prolonged missions.

Internally, the KJ-500 features a cabin layout aimed at reducing crew workload. Liquid-crystal display screens and modular communication and data processing systems enhance the operational environment, while rest areas support crew performance during extended flights. Various antennas on the fuselage facilitate satellite communications, enabling integration with China’s air defense network.

The KJ-500’s radar system is configured to detect a wide range of targets, including those with low radar cross-sections. Its AESA radar supports a high update rate, providing tracking capabilities for stealth targets, as well as fast-moving and maneuverable aircraft. With a maximum detection range of 470 kilometers, the radar is designed to counter threats from hypersonic and low-altitude cruise missiles, processing large volumes of data without signal loss.

Recent reports suggest that China has advanced its radar technology to enhance detection of U.S. stealth aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Some Chinese scientists have reportedly developed radar systems using the BeiDou satellite network, capable of switching to alternative networks like GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS in case of jamming. Studies also explore using electromagnetic disturbances from drones and signals from satellite constellations like Starlink for stealth detection. These developments indicate ongoing evolution in China’s radar capabilities, potentially impacting the operational landscape for stealth aircraft in contested regions.