Chinese J-11 Fighter is an unauthorised clone of the Russian made Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker"

Images have emerged in Chinese state-owned media showing at least two People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shenyang Aircraft Corporation J-11B multi-role combat aircraft featuring light-grey radomes instead of the usual black ones, prompting speculation that some of the fighters may have been upgraded with a locally built active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system.

Recently released images showing J-11Bs featuring a light-grey radome (an example of which is seen on the right) have fuelled speculation that some of these aircraft might have been upgraded with AESA radars. (Via CCTV)

Recently released images showing J-11Bs featuring a light-grey radome (an example of which is seen on the right) have fuelled speculation that some of these aircraft might have been upgraded with AESA radars. (Via CCTV)

The images, which were shown in early November by China Central Television (CCTV) and on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) website, show the aircraft at an undisclosed airbase alongside several standard J-11Bs.

CCTV reported that the J-11Bs, which based on their serial numbers belong to the PLAAF’s 1st Air Brigade at Anshan, were participating at the time in combat exercise over the desert.