As the representation of PLAGF transformation from Warsaw Pact caliber to NATO caliber howitzer, the PLZ05 is the earlier variant of its family with basic digitized equipment. The hybrid of Russian carousel autoloader and NATO caliber howitzer is what makes PLZ05 unique among its counterparts; the introduction of this artillery piece also fills a gap in Chinese tech-tree with a long-anticipated SPH equivalent to NATO counterparts.

The default skin for the J-8B includes the number “81192” painted on the sides below the cockpit. This number has become the spiritual number of military enthusiasts and players in mainland China due to the Hainan Island Incident between the PLANAF and the USN.