In 2002 China started work developing an improved variant of the J-11A. In 2004 China stopped production of the J-11A after 100 were produced. The J-11A used older Russian technology that was deemed unfit for China’s desire to make the J-11 series a multirole aircraft. The new J-11B would have improved radar, a glass cockpit, new engines and would be capable of carrying new modern weapons. The Chinese company Shenyang Aircraft Corporation J-11B aircraft was first set for a 2007 delivery but problems with the new China made WS-10A engines delayed delivery until 2009.

In 2018 Exercise Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) “Peace Mission 2018” was held at Chebarkul, Russia beginning on August 24, 2018. There were eight participating countries involved in varying degrees. The main members were Russia which sent 1,700 members followed by China with 700 and India sent 200 personnel. The purpose of this exercise is for members to train in counter terrorism operations and how to work other units. China also sent a mixed artillery battery, an artillery battery and detachment of PLAAF aircraft.