The Xian JH-7A is a Chinese twin-seat fighter-bomber developed in the late 1980s to replace aging strike aircraft and tactical bombers. Its maiden flight took place in 1988, and it entered service in 1992. The JH-7A Prototype was the first major combat aircraft of the PRC to be developed largely with domestic resources.

Its fixed armament consists of a 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon. For air-to-air combat, the aircraft can be equipped with short-range missiles such as the PL-5B, PL-5C, and PL-5EII. For ground-attack missions, it is capable of carrying unguided bombs weighing 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1000 kg, in various loadouts ranging from four to eight bombs.

Precision strike capability is provided by guided munitions, including the GB1000, GB500, GB250, and LS-6 bombs (250 kg and 500 kg variants), which are employed in conjunction with the K/ADC03A targeting pod. To engage armored targets, the JH-7A Prototype can carry up to 42 Type 90-1 HEAT unguided rockets.

In addition, the aircraft can be fitted with external fuel tanks to extend its range, as well as targeting and navigation pods that enable the use of precision-guided weapons.