China Developing New KJ-3000 Early Warning Aircraft to Detect US Stealth Jets

China is moving ahead with the development of its latest airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft — the KJ-3000. This advanced surveillance plane is designed to detect enemy stealth fighter jets like the American F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and even the upcoming B-21 Raider bombers from long distances. The new aircraft is part of China’s plan to build a fully indigenous air warning system, reducing reliance on older foreign-supplied models.

First Clear Look at the KJ-3000

On June 2, 2025, a high-resolution image revealed the first prototype of the KJ-3000 parked at an undisclosed airbase. The aircraft, still covered in primer paint, was identified by its serial number 7821. Its most noticeable feature is a large radar dome mounted on top of the fuselage’s rear, along with several antennas and an aerial refueling probe above the cockpit.

This comes after the aircraft’s maiden flight on December 27, 2024, marking a major milestone for Chinese military aviation.

Why Is the KJ-3000 Important?

The KJ-3000 is meant to replace China’s aging fleet of KJ-2000 aircraft, which are based on old Russian Il-76 transport planes. Unlike its predecessor, the KJ-3000 uses a modern Chinese-made Y-20B heavy-lift transport aircraft as its base. This not only makes production easier but also allows China to upgrade and expand its early warning capabilities without depending on foreign suppliers.

More importantly, the KJ-3000 is designed to track fifth-generation stealth aircraft and cruise missiles — threats that are hard to detect using older systems.

Specifications and Capabilities

• Radar Coverage: The KJ-3000 is believed to have a 360-degree radar system that can detect stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35 from over 360 kilometers away.

• Detection Range: It can reportedly detect regular aircraft between 600 and 1,000 kilometers. Some estimates suggest the total radar detection range could be as high as 3,000 kilometers.

• Tracking Ability: The system may be capable of tracking up to 100 targets at the same time.

• Radar Type: There are reports that the KJ-3000 might use a dual-band radar system with Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based transmitter and receiver modules, although this is yet to be officially confirmed.

• Engine Power: It uses four WS-20 high-bypass turbofan engines, offering better fuel efficiency and higher thrust than the Russian engines in older models.

• Payload Capacity: The Y-20B airframe can carry up to 66 tons, giving it room for bigger radars, advanced electronics, and mission equipment.

• Aerial Refueling: An in-flight refueling probe allows the KJ-3000 to stay in the air for extended missions without landing.

China’s Expanding Airborne Early Warning Fleet

The KJ-3000 will join a family of Chinese AEW&C aircraft:

• KJ-2000: Based on the Russian Il-76, with a rotating radar dome.

• KJ-500: Built on a smaller Y-9 platform, widely used by both the air force and navy.

• KJ-200 (Y-8W): A lighter early warning aircraft for regional missions.

• KJ-600: A twin-turboprop plane for aircraft carriers.

• KJ-700: A newer variant spotted in 2024, featuring mid-life upgrades.

• WZ-9 Divine Eagle: A twin-fuselage unmanned AEW&C drone for long-range surveillance.

• Y-8J: Used by the navy with British-origin radar systems.

Each aircraft plays a unique role in China’s strategy to create layered radar coverage over both land and sea.

Future Roles and Combat Applications

The KJ-3000 is expected to play a vital role in future combat situations by:

• Coordinating operations with China’s advanced fighters like the J-20, J-16, and J-10C.

• Enhancing air and missile defense capabilities.

• Supporting long-range precision targeting for missiles and bombers.

• Possibly carrying PL-17 air-to-air missiles for limited self-defense.

• Integrating future electronic warfare systems to jam enemy radars and communication systems.

• Working alongside unmanned AEW&C drones to extend surveillance beyond 1,000 kilometers.

Some radar experts believe it might even track stealth bombers like the B-21 Raider from long distances.

What’s Next for the KJ-3000?

As of mid-2025, the KJ-3000 remains a prototype, but development has been rapid. Its introduction reflects China’s larger plan to build a self-reliant, multi-layered air defense system, especially in sensitive regions like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

There’s no word yet on whether China will export the KJ-3000, though it’s likely to remain for domestic use in critical surveillance and airborne command missions for the foreseeable future.

The KJ-3000 marks a major leap in China’s airborne early warning capabilities. With its powerful radar, large detection range, and ability to coordinate with modern stealth fighters, it strengthens China’s defenses against future air threats. It also reflects China’s commitment to building modern military technology independent of foreign suppliers.