China KJ-3000 radar aircraft spotted at factory

Satellite imagery from October 2026 shows four KJ-3000 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft at the Xi’an Aircraft Company (XAC) facility in Xi’an-Yanliang. The presence of these aircraft suggests that China may have entered serial production or low-rate initial production for the new model.

The KJ-3000 is based on the Y-20B military transport aircraft and utilizes Chinese-made engines, which reduces reliance on Russian components. This new platform is intended to replace the existing fleet of four KJ-2000 aircraft, which were developed using the Russian Il-76 platform.

Experts hold differing views on the current development stage. Some analysts suggest the four aircraft represent the first production units, while others argue the images might simply show previously identified prototypes gathered at the facility. The KJ-3000 program is expected to significantly expand China’s airborne surveillance and battle-management capabilities.