The Chinese J-16 fighter airplanes are serving with the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The aircraft are equipped with an electronic flight control system and a modified AESA radar. They can simultaneously track surface and aerial targets. The aircraft can also operate in all weather conditions. These fighters can perform both air-to–air and ground combat operations.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation created the J-16 as a fourth-generation Chinese twin engine strike fighter. It was built from the Soviet-era Su-30 Flanker aircraft. The J-16 can engage and detect targets instantly thanks to its electronic scanned array radar, and glass cockpit. The PL-10 airto-air weapon has high sensitivity, and thrust vector control. This weapon can reliably hit a variety of air targets including anti-aircraft and helicopter missiles.
The Royal United Services Institute says that the J-16 Chinese multi-role fighter is the most advanced. The aircraft is currently under mass production. China is expected to produce at least 90 of these aircraft by 2019. Many analysts believe that the aircraft was built in response to India’s Dassault Rafale fighters. The aircraft will not replace the Su-30MKI and Su-27UBK currently in service.
China recently sent 39 warplanes into Taiwan’s air defense identification area. 24 J-16s were included in the fleet. The fighters engaged in mock combat with the enemy during this time. The J-20, J-16 and J-20 jets flew head on but the J-20 was still able to escape from the attack.
Chinese state media has reported on the J-16's prowess. According to some, the J-16 is more powerful than the Su-30. Jiang Jiaji, a PLAAF pilot, who won three Golden Helmet contests, has been reportedly involved in ground attack exercises using rocket projectiles. He claimed that the J-16 is coated with silver-gray painting, which he recorded on CCTV in early 2019
Numerous experts have said that Russia is behind the aircraft in many aspects. Many have suggested that China plans to reverse-engineer engines from the Su-35 jet. However, it is not clear whether China can produce enough engines for the J-15 and J-16 fighters.
J-16, a new generation Chinese twin engine strike fighter, is now available. It was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, which also has the J-11. The J-16 was inspired by the J-11. It is capable of engaging and detecting targets in realtime. It has been through a series of test flights and is now in production.
The People's Liberation Army Air Force will be intensifying efforts to replace the aging fighter aircraft. Some 100 fighters are currently in active duty and it is hoped they will be able take on Indian as well as Russian combat aircraft. China has invested heavily in electronic warfare capabilities as well new engines to improve reliability. China will slow down manufacturing the jet while the new engines are being developed.
The success of Soviet Union 20 years ago has been repeated by China's aviation industry. The Chinese air force has deployed J-16s and other fighters into the airspace of the breakaway province of Taiwan.