The Chinese J-16 fighter planes are currently in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The aircraft come with an electronic flight control and a modified AESA-radar. They can track surface and air targets simultaneously. They can operate in any weather condition. These fighters have the ability to perform air-to, and ground combat operations.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation developed the J-16 as a fourth generation Chinese twin-engine striker fighter. It is built on the basis of the Soviet-era Su-30 Flanker jet. The J-16's advanced electronically scanned antenna radar and a transparent cockpit allow it to detect and engage targets real-time. The PL-10 airto-air weapon has high sensitivity, and thrust vector control. This weapon is capable of reliably hitting various air targets such as helicopters and anti-aircraft missiles.
The Royal United Services Institute claims that the J-16 is China’s most versatile multi-role fighter. Currently, the aircraft is undergoing mass production. China intends to build at most 90 of these aircraft in 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. During this time, the fighters engaged with the enemy in mock battles. The J-20 and J-16 jets flew side-by-side, but the J-20 was able escape the attack.
Chinese state media has reported on the J-16's prowess. It is believed that the J-16 has a superior performance to the Su-30. Jiang Jiaji has reportedly carried out ground attack exercises with rocket projectiles as a PLAAF pilot. Jiang Jiaji has also won three Golden Helmet competitions. The J-16 was painted with silver-gray paint by Jiang Jiaji, who appeared on CCTV in early 2019.
Numerous experts warn that Russia is still ahead of China in many areas of aircraft development. Many have suggested that China plans to reverse-engineer engines from the Su-35 jet. It is not known whether China can produce enough engines in order to make J-15 and J-16 fighters.
J-16 is a new generation of Chinese twin-engine strike fighter. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation was responsible for the development of this new generation of Chinese twin-engine strike fighters. The J-16 was inspired by the J-11. It is capable of engaging and detecting targets in realtime. As of the end of 2014, the aircraft has completed a number of test flight missions and is currently in production.
The People's Liberation Army Air Force is stepping up efforts to replace the aging fighter jets. 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 also invested in new engines, and electronic warfare capabilities to make the aircraft more reliable. China will need to slow down production of the jet until the engines are developed fully.
The success of Soviet Union 20 years ago has been repeated by China's aviation industry. J-16s and fighters were deployed by the Chinese airforce into the airspace in Taiwan, a breakaway province.