Satellite Images Reveal Four KJ-3000 Radar Jets at Chinese Factory, Hinting at Serial Production

New satellite imagery captured on October 5 by Vantor reveals the presence of four KJ-3000 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft at the Xi’an Aircraft Company (XAC) facility in Xi’an-Yanliang. This development has raised speculation about whether China’s new radar planes are entering or have already begun serial production.

The images show three KJ-3000s positioned near the XAC factory in the western part of the facility, with a fourth aircraft spotted at the nearby China Flight Test Establishment (CFTE). According to J. Michael Dahm, a senior fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, the presence of four such aircraft strongly suggests that the KJ-3000 program has moved into serial production.

However, Andreas Rupprecht, an analyst specializing in Chinese military aviation and contributor to TWZ, offers a more cautious interpretation. He notes that while the imagery could indicate the start of series production or low-rate initial production (LRIP), it is also possible that all four previously identified prototypes are simply being assembled at the facility simultaneously.

The KJ-3000, also known as the KJ-20, is based on China’s Y-20 transport aircraft, specifically the improved Y-20B variant equipped with domestically manufactured WS-20 turbofan engines. The aircraft boasts a large circular radome mounted above its rear fuselage and features a series of antennas on the forward fuselage. Additionally, it includes an aerial refueling probe positioned above the cockpit and a distinctive intake at the base of the tailfin designed to cool onboard electronics.

The first low-quality photographs of the KJ-3000 began circulating in December 2024, with more detailed imagery emerging in May 2025. These earlier images showed an aircraft bearing serial number 7821 and still wearing primer at an undisclosed Chinese airfield. The current satellite images depict a much more advanced stage of the program, indicating significant progress since then.

China’s investment in airborne surveillance capabilities is part of a broader strategy to enhance its military readiness and strategic reach. The KJ-3000 will play a crucial role in expanding China’s aerial reconnaissance and battle-management capacities, complementing existing radar planes like the KJ-500. This new aircraft represents a significant technological leap for China's air force, potentially altering regional dynamics by providing enhanced surveillance and command capabilities.

The emergence of these images underscores the ongoing modernization efforts within China’s defense industry. As more details about the KJ-3000 become public, it highlights the country’s commitment to developing advanced military technology independently, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. This trend is likely to continue as China seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

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