The Chinese J-16 fighter aircraft are in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The aircraft are equipped both with an electronic control system and a modified AESA radio. They can track surface and air targets simultaneously. In addition, the aircraft can operate in all weather conditions. These fighters can perform both air-to–air and ground combat operations.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation has developed the J-16 as a fourth-generation Chinese twin-engine strike fighter. It was based on the Soviet-era Su-30 Flanker fighter jet. The J-16 is equipped with an advanced electronically scanned radar and a glass cockpit that allows it to engage and detect targets in real-time. The PL-10 is an air-to-air missile with high sensitivity and thrust vector controls. This weapon can hit multiple air targets reliably, including helicopters and antiaircraft missiles.
According to the Royal United Services Institute, the J-16 is China's most capable multi-role fighter. The aircraft is currently under mass production. By 2019, China plans to build at least 90 of these aircraft. Analysts believe that the aircraft is responding to India's Dassault Rafale fighters. The aircraft isn't yet ready to replace current Su-30MKI/Su-27UBK models.
China recently deployed 39 warplanes in Taiwan's air defence identification zone. The aircraft included 24 J-16s. The fighters engaged in mock combat with the enemy during this time. 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 has been said that the J-16 is superior to 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. On CCTV in early 2019, he stated that the J-16 is covered with silver-gray paint.
Numerous experts have said that Russia is behind the aircraft in many aspects. Some experts have claimed that China intends to reverse-engineer Su-35's engines. It isn't known if China can produce enough engines to support the J-15 fighters or J-16 fighters.
J-16, a new generation Chinese twin engine strike fighter, is now available. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation was responsible for the development of this new generation of Chinese twin-engine strike fighters. The J-16 is a derivative of the J-11. It can detect and engage target in real-time. The aircraft has successfully completed numerous test flight missions, and is currently in production.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAF) is intensifying its efforts to replace aging fighter jets. There are several hundred fighters in active service. It is hoped that these aircraft can take on Indian or Russian combat aircraft. China has invested in new engines as well as electronic warfare capabilities to increase the aircraft's reliability. China will need to slow down production of the jet until the engines are developed fully.
Twenty years ago the Soviet Union had a successful aviation industry. J-16s and other fighters have been deployed by the Chinese air force into the airspace of Taiwan's breakaway province.