Chinese engineers have overhauled the J-15T carrier-based fighter with reinforced landing gear and a catapult tow bar, optimizing it for the electromagnetic catapults aboard the soon-to-commission Fujian aircraft carrier.
These upgrades - including 20-percent thicker struts and dual-wheel main gear, address the extreme stresses of catapult launches and arrested recoveries, marking a critical step in China's push to narrow the gap with global naval aviation leaders.
A major difference between J-15T and its predecessor J-15 is a tow bar in front of the nose gear.
"This tow bar is J-15T's signature feature. The catapult of the aircraft carrier pulls the aircraft via this bar before release at takeoff," said Li Guo'en, test pilot of the first J-15 fighter of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force.
To withstand the brutal demands of carrier landings, the J-15T's landing gear has been completely redesigned. It is equipped with a 20-percent thicker struts and dual wheels to distribute landing impact pressure evenly, reducing deck wear.
"The aircraft's attitude is like this. Then when the tailhook catches, the front landing gear smacks down onto the deck. This tests its strength. Secondly, the energy absorption of this front landing gear is a major technical challenge. You can see the landing gear is extremely thick. Our country's overall industrial capability is advancing. In the future, we hope to make its structure slimmer and lighter. The lighter the aircraft, the better its airborne performance," said Li.
On Monday, the naval fleet led by Shandong aircraft carrier left the special administrative region after concluding its five-day visit to Hong Kong.
During its stay, J-15T made its first public appearance on the aircraft carrier deck, attracting significant attention.
China upgrades J-15T carrier jet for catapult launches on next-gen carriers
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."
Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.
Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.
"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.
The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.
Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM
