Immediately after receiving the first JH-7 aircraft, the PLAAF began exploring possibilities for modernization, focusing on the aircraft's strike capabilities, particularly its ability to perform high-precision strikes against ground targets. The new version of the aircraft, the JH-7A Flying Leopard II, began being delivered to troops in large numbers in 2004 and received significant electronic upgrades, including a new JL-10A pulse-Doppler radar, a digital weapons control system, and the ability to carry various guided bombs and air-to-surface missiles, as well as a targeting pod. Currently, the PLA Air Force and Navy have approximately 240 JH-7As in service, forming the backbone of China's strike aviation.

The JH-7A Prototype was introduced in Update 2.51 "Spearhead". It differs from the researchable machine in its unique camouflage. The JH-7A is primarily a strike aircraft with an extensive arsenal of suspended weapons, including high-precision weapons such as laser-guided bombs and fire-and-forget Kh-29T air-to-surface missiles. Together with a targeting pod with a thermal imager, this aircraft is quite dangerous in mixed combat. Additionally, this fighter-bomber is can be pretty dangerous to enemy planes. Although its flight characteristics are inferior to those of its competitors, its large number of countermeasures and advanced PL-8 and PL-5 missiles give it the ability to fend off opponents in the air.