The J-15T is a Chinese fourth-generation carrier-based fighter jet. In 2008, China attempted to purchase Russian Su-33s, but the negotiations reached an impasse. Russia was concerned about technology theft after the J-11B incident, in which the J-11B was copied from the Su-27. Although China officially pledged to cease the illegal appropriation of Russian intellectual property that same year, it was already conducting its own development work. The J-15 project began with the purchase of the T-10K-03 prototype from Ukraine. Testing of the J-15 began in 2009. According to media reports, by September 2012, six J-15 aircraft—nicknamed the "Flying Shark"—were participating in flight tests. Despite its resemblance to the Su-33, Chinese authorities claim the J-15 is a modified version of the J-11B. It is equipped with an arresting gear, a tailhook, and a folding wing. Developing these features posed the project's primary technical challenge.

The introduction of new aircraft carriers into the PLAN's arsenal created a need for an aircraft adapted to a different takeoff method. To this end, a new variant of the J-15 was developed. In 2016, the new aircraft began test flights using land-based catapult systems. In December 2021, the aircraft was officially unveiled as the J-15T. Its key feature is the ability to operate from ski-jump carriers and carriers equipped with catapults. The J-15T also underwent a major upgrade of its onboard avionics. In November 2022, Chinese media first reported on the production model of the J-15 equipped with WS-10 engines. The J-15T is expected to replace earlier J-15 variants by the late 2020s.

The J-15T was introduced in Update 2.55 "Ninth Wave". It inherits all the strengths of the J-11B, including excellent maneuverability and a large arsenal of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It received a new radar and PL-12A missiles. For mixed battles, its arsenal was expanded to include 500-kg IR-guided bombs and KD-88 missiles. Drawbacks include its size and weight, which limit its performance compared to lighter Western fighters.