At the 2023 Changchun Air Show in mainland China, the “White-Domed” J-11BG fighter jet made its first appearance, attracting considerable attention from military enthusiasts. The J-11BG, an upgraded version of the J-11 fighter jet, had participated in the Sino-Thai “Eagle Strike-2023” joint training exercise, where it achieved excellent “air combat” results.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) performed the main upgrade by replacing the original WS-10A engine, which had a thrust of 12.5 tons, with the WS-10B with a thrust of 13.2 tons. This increased the range and combat radius of the jet to a certain extent. The maximum takeoff weight of the J-11BG has been increased from the 30 tons of the J-11B to 32 tons. The jet now has 10 external hardpoints, six of which are heavy-duty, increasing the maximum payload capacity from 4.5 tons to 8 tons.
Notably, the J-11BG can now carry anti-radiation missiles and off-zone ammunition dispensers, among other precision-guided munitions. The onboard avionics equipment was upgraded to the Chinese-made JKL-24 new type of electronically scanned Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which was implemented as part of a new policy, greatly improving the detection range and accuracy for targets.
SAC also transplanted technology from the J-16 multirole fighter, including a digital cockpit, data link system, and weapons system. This allows the J-11BG to launch the most advanced active service “PL-15” long-range air-to-air missiles and “PL-10” short-range infrared air-to-air missiles, enhancing its air superiority capabilities.
Despite a slight lack in ground attack capabilities, the upgraded J-11BG has air combat performance comparable to the 4.5 generation J-16 fighter. The government plans to implement export control policies on gallium, replacing the active phased array radar of the J-11B on a large scale with devices using gallium arsenide or gallium nitride which may help absorb excess production capacity in the short term.
The J-11BG has become the most advanced domestic “Flanker” series heavy fighter, excelling in air-to-air combat and has also added a certain degree of ground attack capabilities. It is gradually aligning it with multirole fighters like the J-16, achieving the multipurpose ability of a fighter.
The J-11BG’s payload capacity is 8 tons, still inferior to the 12 tons of the J-16. However, its overall combat performance is very close to that of the J-16, making it a near 4.5 or even a full 4.5 generation fighter, significantly improving the PLA’s air combat and ground attack capabilities.
After modernization and upgrades by SAC, the J-11BG has realized the transition from imitation to surpassing the J-11 series. Its performance is even stronger than the Su-35, having high detection capabilities and powerful firepower. It is capable of competing with famous foreign fighters such as the F-15, F-16, and F/A-18E/F in the air, demonstrating significant practical use and equipment significance.
