As the basic variant JH-7 did not meet all the requirements by the PLA, an improved variant JH-7A with enhanced precision strike capabilities was proposed by 603 Institute in the mid-1990s, with the full-scale development commencing in 1999. The JH-7A was embraced by the Air Force and Navy, as both services were facing increasing pressure in finding a replacement for their ageing H-5 and Q-5 fleets. The JH-7A was first delivered to the PLA Naval Aviation in early 2004, followed by the delivery to the PLA Air Force in late 2004. The JH-7A is updated with the JL-10A pulse doppler radar, fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system, one-piece windscreen, additional hardpoints and capability to use Laser-guided bombs (LGB) and Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles.