Shenyang J-11 “FLANKER L”

In the mid-90s China and Russia signed a trade agreement whereby China would manufacture 200 Sukhoi Su-27SK air superiority fighters that Russia would deliver in kits. In 1998, the Chinese Shenyang Aircraft Corporation began the production of Shenyang J-11A or “Flanker-L“, according to NATO designation. The J-11A is a fourth generation fighter with capabilities similar to modern Russian and Western fighters. This model was a milestone for the People’s Liberation Air Force (PLAF), which surprisingly decided to stop production in 2004 after receiving only 100 units. The reason given for this decision was that Russian’s avionics and radar were only suitable for air superiority role, and China wished to have a multirole fighter. Because of this, in 2002 China had secretly started the development of an indigenous improved variant. The new aircraft was designated as J-11B and had a new radar, new armament and new avionics, and was able to perform anti-ship and ground attack missions. This new model was officially confirmed in 2007 when a J-11 with Chinese WS-10A engines could be seen. However, due to numerous problems with engine integration, it was not until 2009 that J-11B block 02 was finally operational.

Shenyang J-11 gallery and more info