PLA Navy releases photos of KJ-200 AWACS aircraft during a flight training exercise

The People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force has released photos of a KJ-200 AWACS early warning aircraft attached to an aviation regiment of the North China Sea Fleet during a flight training exercise in late September, 2017.

The Shaanxi KJ-200 AWACs platform was introduced sometime in 2009 and is based on the Y-8 transport platform. The KJ-200 is said to maintain about 20% commonality with the original Y-8 design.

The key component of this aircraft is an AESA radar system, visually similar to the Saab Erieye system, mounted on struts above the rear fuselage, as well as ventral sensor domes. The KJ-200 will provide intelligence collection and maritime surveillance capabilities.