Y-9GR High New 17
An image first disclosed in April 2025 suggested that a new electronic jamming aircraft (Y-9GR/High New 17?) was being developed by SAC. It features a stretched nose cone housing a large EW antenna. Two additional oval/cylindrical shaped EW antennas protrude from both sides of the lower fuselage near the nose landing gear. All three antennas are thought to be part of a new long-range standoff electronic jamming (SOJ) system. The rear fuselage appears similar to that of Y-9Z, equipped with various ELINT, ESM and SATCOM antennas. Y-9GR is expected to replace the old Y-8G.
Y-9PT High New 18
A blurry image first disclosed in December 2025 suggested that a possible gunship variant based on the Y-9 transport (Y-9PT? High New 18?) might have been under developement at SAC. The aircraft features an enlarged nose cone housing a multi-function search radar, an EO turret underneath the nose for all-weather flights, four box shaped ESM/ECM antennas underneath the forward fuselage and the tail, two DIRCM turrets on both sides of the rear fuselage against IR-guided missiles, a SATCOM antenna on top of the rear fuselage. The most powerful weapon carried by Y-9PT is a large caliber cannon with a long barrel inside a moveable (?) round gun turret underneath the mid-fuselage. A second EO turret is located in front of the barrel for targeting purposes. In addition, two pylons are installed under the outer wings for carrying multiple AGMs or loitering munitions. Y-9PT is expected to fly CAS missions similar to American AC-130J.
--Last Updated 5/20/26