China Is Getting Closer to Using KJ-600 Carrier-Based Airborne Early Warning Aircraft to Counter American E2D

China is approaching the last stage of development for its new carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, the Xi’an KJ-600, according to recent high-resolution images posted on Chinese social media. In concept and design, this twin-turboprop craft closely resembles the U.S. E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, and it has been seen flying in formation with J-15 carrier-based fighters. The aircraft's near-complete operational capabilities with the People's Liberation Army Navy is clearly suggested by these test flights.

China developed the KJ-600, a carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. Its design and intended purpose are very similar to that of the U.S. Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, with a conspicuous rotodome radar, a high-mounted wing, and a twin-engine turboprop layout.

The new-generation Type 003 aircraft carrier, Fujian, which has electromagnetic catapult launch systems, is where the KJ-600 is supposed to operate. The capabilities of the air wing are significantly increased by this technical development, which makes it possible to operate larger fixed-wing aircraft like the KJ-600. Modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that provides 360-degree coverage is housed in a massive rotating radar dome positioned atop the aircraft's high-wing design. Its main goal is to increase the reach and lethality of China's carrier strike groups by detecting, tracking, and managing marine and aerial threats across great distances.

Extensive testing, including trials on land-based facilities intended to replicate aircraft carrier conditions, has been a part of the development process. China has been able to educate carrier staff and expedite deck operations prior to the aircraft's introduction into service thanks to these preparations. The KJ-600 is anticipated to play a key role in improving China's maritime domain awareness, targeting assistance, and fleet coordination during both possible combat operations and peacetime patrols because to its advanced radar and command capabilities.

The KJ-600's upcoming operational status marks a significant turning point in China's attempts to match American naval aviation capabilities, especially in disputed areas like the Western Pacific and the South China Sea. The PLAN's goal to build a fully networked, power-projection fleet comparable to other international maritime powers is expected to be strengthened by the deployment of this aircraft.

For the Chinese Navy, the introduction of a high-performance AEW&C aircraft like the KJ-600 is essential to closing a critical capability gap. Until now, China has lacked a fixed-wing airborne early warning platform that could operate from carriers, relying instead on land-based systems and limited-range rotary-wing assets such as the Z-18J. This has constrained the operational range and responsiveness of its carrier strike groups. With the KJ-600, China will be able to detect and manage threats beyond the line of sight of its surface fleet, provide early warning against enemy aircraft and missiles, and support coordinated multi-domain operations. This force multiplier significantly enhances China's ability to contest airspace far from its shores and conduct independent naval operations in blue-water environments.

From a U.S. perspective, the emergence of the KJ-600 introduces a new layer of complexity in the Indo-Pacific theater. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has long given the U.S. Navy a dominant airborne surveillance capability with its AN/APY-9 radar, advanced networking, and battle management systems. Comparing the two aircraft in tactical and technical terms highlights the narrowing gap in AEW&C capabilities between the PLAN and the U.S. Navy.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is powered by two Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A turboprop engines and features the AN/APY-9 radar, capable of simultaneously tracking air and surface targets, including stealth fighters and cruise missiles, at ranges exceeding 550 km. The E-2D is fully integrated into the U.S. Navy’s Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), allowing it to share sensor data in real time with Aegis-equipped ships, F-35s, and other platforms. This high level of connectivity enables a seamless common operational picture and facilitates precision engagements at long range.

The KJ-600, although newer, appears to follow a similar structural and operational design philosophy. It is also equipped with a twin-turboprop propulsion system and a rotodome housing an AESA radar, which is believed to provide comparable 360-degree coverage and multi-target tracking capabilities. While specific radar performance metrics are not publicly confirmed, Chinese military sources suggest it can track low-observable targets and manage high-density airspace. However, the KJ-600’s data fusion and interoperability may still lag behind the E-2D, as China is in earlier stages of developing an integrated combat cloud comparable to U.S. CEC systems.

In terms of payload and crew configuration, both aircraft likely operate with a five-person crew consisting of two pilots and three mission system operators. The KJ-600’s cabin reportedly incorporates advanced mission consoles, though the level of automation and sensor integration remains an area where the E-2D retains an edge due to its maturity and combat-proven performance.

Tactically, the KJ-600 enhances China’s capacity for fleet coordination, missile defense, and deep-water air control. It is a key enabler for extending China’s anti-access/area denial envelope and improving real-time response to U.S. or allied carrier incursions. Still, while the E-2D is fielded in significant numbers across multiple U.S. carrier strike groups and benefits from a well-established operational ecosystem, the KJ-600 remains in limited deployment and must prove its effectiveness in integrated carrier operations under combat conditions.

While the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye remains the global benchmark for carrier-based AEW&C, the KJ-600 represents China’s most credible challenge yet to U.S. dominance in airborne naval command and control. As the PLAN continues to evolve its carrier strike doctrine, the KJ-600 will be pivotal in shaping the future maritime balance in the Asia-Pacific region. (Red)

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