The T-10K-3, an unfinished prototype of the Su-33,[5] was acquired by SAC from Ukraine[6] in 2001 and is claimed to have been studied extensively and reverse-engineered, with development on the J-15 beginning immediately afterward.

[18] The program goal was to develop a naval-capable fighter aircraft from the Shenyang J-11, with technologies reverse-engineered from T-10K-3, a Soviet Su-33 prototype acquired from Ukraine.

[30] According to Chinese observers, compared to the AL-31 the WS-10 had superior safety, reliability, and service life, aspects which are magnified by the constraints of carrier aviation.

[18] The aircraft incorporated a higher portion of composite materials than the Sukhoi Su-33 to save weight and improve aerodynamic performance, allowing for a slower landing speed compared to Su-33.

[19] An article in the China SignPost believes the J-15 "likely exceeds or matches the aerodynamic capabilities of virtually any fighter aircraft currently operated by regional militaries, except for the U.S. F-22 Raptor", alleging that the J-15 likely possesses a 10% greater thrust-to-weight ratio and 25% lower wing loading than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

[35] Hu Siyuan of the PLA National Defense University said that "the current weak point of the J-15 is its Russian-made AL-31 engines, which are less powerful than that of the American F-35 fighter".

[36] The J-15's chief designer, Sun Cong of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has said that the J-15 could match the F/A-18 in bomb load, combat radius and mobility.

[46] In July 2018, PLAAF Lieutenant General Zhang Honghe reported that a carrier-based replacement for the J-15 was in development after two crashes and "unpardonable mechanical failures".

[47][48] In October 2024, Chinese state media reported the J-15T and J-15D flying with Liaoning and Shandong in the South China Sea, suggesting the aircraft had entered service.

[50][51][52] Data from Jianyue (Tianjin) Information Technology,[61] CCTV (Sun Cong interview transcript)[62][citation needed]General characteristics Performance Armament Avionics Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era