According to a report from China Arms, the Northern Theater Command's Navy aviation force in China recently conducted flight training involving several aircraft. These exercises focused on anti-ship assault and group confrontation, aiming to enhance the force's capabilities in aerial information warfare. A highlight of the training was the participation of the Gaoxin-8 Integrated Electronic Warfare Aircraft, a seldom-seen asset of the Navy.
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Gaoxin-8 Integrated Electronic Warfare Aircraft in low observable coating (Picture source: PLA Chinese Navy)

This Gaoxin-8 Integrated Electronic Warfare Aircraft not only participated but also featured a new low observable coating, indicating an upgrade in its stealth capabilities. The Gaoxin-8, part of the Navy's specialized Gaoxin series, is equipped with advanced electronic and reconnaissance technology for a variety of missions including electronic countermeasures, maritime patrol, and anti-submarine warfare.

The Gaoxin family, stemming from the "Gaoxin Project," includes aircraft based on the Y-8 and Y-9 platforms, designed for a broad spectrum of tasks. While electronic warfare aircraft like the Gaoxin-8 are rarely made public, other members of the family such as the anti-submarine Gaoxin-6 (KQ-200) and the early warning Gaoxin-5 and Gaoxin-9 (KJ-200 and KJ-500) are more commonly reported.

The Gaoxin-8, also known as the Y-9JB, represents the eighth iteration in the "Gaoxin Family," serving as a new generation naval electronic warfare and intelligence collection platform. It plays a crucial role in long-range naval electronic reconnaissance, similar in function to the U.S. EP-3, by detecting, intercepting, and analyzing electronic signals for tactical intelligence.

The aircraft's new low observable coating, a blend of gray-green, is designed to camouflage the PLA emblem and aircraft number, making it hard to identify. This strategic use of coating aligns with the Chinese Air Force's initiative since 2020 to enhance stealth capabilities across its fleet. The adoption of such coatings by various Chinese naval aircraft marks a significant step in enhancing their operational stealth and counter-reconnaissance abilities, making it challenging for adversaries to gather intelligence on these platforms.