GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Military Special Mission Aircraft ·Shaanxi

KJ-500

Chinese third-generation airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed in the late 2000s, deployed by the Chinese military for aerial surveillance and command. Key figures: top speed 550 km/h, range 5,700 km, max takeoff weight 77,000 kg, built 60. In service with 1 air force as of 2026 — China (60).

Shaanxi KJ-500 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
Side profile · Shaanxi KJ-500
Shaanxi KJ-500 military special mission aircraft in flight
Max speed
550km/h
Range
5,700km
Produced
60units
Active worldwide
60
Technical SpecificationsVersion: KJ-500
Max. takeoff weight77,000 kg (169,756 lbs)
PerformanceVersion: KJ-500
Maximum speed550 km/h (342 mph)
Operational range5,700 km (3,542 mi)
Endurance12 hours
Operators — 2026
ActiveOn order
All Operators
🇨🇳 China
Air Bases — 2
🇨🇳 Gonggar Air Base 🇨🇳 Lingshui Air Base 3rd Naval Aviation Division
Similar Aircraft
KJ-500 vs

Description

The Shaanxi KJ-500 is a third-generation airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft built by the Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Based on the Y-9 airframe, development began in the late 2000s to address capabilities of modern fighter aircraft and low-altitude cruise missiles. The platform was designed to meet operational requirements for networked, multi-functional, integrated, and lightweight systems. The KJ-500 reached full operational capability in 2018, at which point production of older Chinese AEW&C platforms reportedly ceased. The PLAAF operates 40 KJ-500 aircraft, while the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force operates more than 20 units.

Design

The aircraft is configured with a fixed dorsal radome containing three active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar arrays that provide 360-degree coverage. This sensor suite provides a detection range of 470 km against fighter-sized targets. Performance specifications include a maximum takeoff weight of 77 tons, a maximum speed of 550 km/h, a maximum range of 5,700 km, and a maximum endurance of 12 hours.

Operational History

In March 2022, U.S. Pacific Air Forces command identified the KJ-500 as an enabler for long-range Chinese air-to-air missiles. Pakistan officially announced plans to acquire four KJ-500 aircraft for its air force on June 6, 2025.

Variants

  • KJ-500: The base variant of the AEW&C aircraft.

  • KJ-500H: A variant developed for the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force.

  • KJ-500A: A variant featuring an aerial refueling probe and sensor enhancements that entered service in late 2020.

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Illustrations generated by AI. Last updated on 14 August 2026. Suggest a change
China-Taiwan Tensions 2020–2024

Identified in 122 sorties in the official China-Taiwan Tensions activity reports between 2020 and 2024 — a floor, not a census: only sorties the source identified by type are counted, and how much it disclosed varies by year.

See all types tracked →

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the KJ-500?
The Shaanxi KJ-500 is a military special mission aircraft aircraft developed by Shaanxi and entered service in 2018.
What is the maximum speed of the KJ-500?
The Shaanxi KJ-500 has a maximum speed of 550 km/h (341 mph).
What is the range of the KJ-500?
The Shaanxi KJ-500 has an operational range of 5,700 km (3,541 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
How many KJ-500 have been built?
Approximately 60 units of the Shaanxi KJ-500 have been produced since it entered service in 2018.
Which countries operate the KJ-500?
The Shaanxi KJ-500 is in service with China only, with approximately 60 aircraft in active service.
Latest Data Updates
  1. AUG 142026 Updated Air force inventory entries linked to this aircraft page
  2. JUN 302026 Created Page created: KJ-500; then built added; manufacturer updated