Recent footage of the Shenyang J-11D in factory primer suggests the program has not been cancelled and that production of the type could go ahead

Two major Chinese fighters, the J-11D and the J-20, appear to be competing for prioritised budget funding, despite the two platforms appearing to have distinctly differentiated missions, according to recent information provided to Jane's by Chinese sources.

Some details of these projects have been revealed through a special documentary produced by the China Aviation Testing Institute (CFTE: Flight Test Establishment) at Xi'an Yanliang Air Force Base. The documentary was published on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of China Aviation Testing Institute.

The documentary shows a series of close-ups of the J-11D fighter aircraft that are still in the factory primer. And was described as "One of the latest aircraft that succeeded in passing the flight test procedure of the project" 

The display of this J-11D fighter aircraft is a clear sign that the development project has not been cancelled as it had been previously rumoured. And the production line of this highly modern fighter aircraft will move forward, according to news sources in the Chinese security industry.

The J-11 fighter aircraft is based on the Soviet/Russian Sukhoi Su-27SK fighter aircraft, which Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) received patents for production as the J-11. Later models were equipped with revised internal engine systems, modern avionics and weapon systems.

The same news source stated earlier also indicated the total cost of ongoing testing and completion of both the J-11D design and the rare J-20 Stealth fighter jets that in operation with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLAAF), which was designed and built by Shenyang's competitors, namely Chengdu Aerospace in Sichuan County, which is part of why the progressive J-11 fighter aircraft was once believed to be on the cancelled list. 

Another reason the J-11D was thought to be in jeopardy was the notion that the Shenyang design team appeared to have another more pressing assignment mainly the development of a carrier variant of the FC-31 fifth-generation multi-role fighter. Several previous reports have stated that the need for a carrier-capable fighter to replace one of Shenyang's older products, the J-15, is becoming more pronounced.

Ohter Chinese sourced reports indicate that there is a need for China to develop a new aircraft carrier fighter aircraft for People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force and as well for the Chinese People's Liberation Army fleet (PLANAF). 

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