


| Name | J‑16 |
| Manufacturer | Shenyang Aircraft Corporation |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Type / Role | Multirole fighter / strike aircraft |
| Generation | 4+ / 4.5 |
| Status | In service |
| First Flight | 2011–2012 |
| Introduction / In Service Since | 2015 |
| Number Built | 300+ (est.) |
| Operators | People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) |
| Length | 21.9 m (~71 ft 10 in) |
| Wingspan | 14.7 m (~48 ft 3 in) |
| Height | 6.36 m (~20 ft 10 in) |
| Wing Area | ~62 m² (~670 ft²) |
| Empty Weight | ~17,700 kg (~39,000 lb) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | ~35,000 kg (~77,000 lb) |
| Internal Weapons Bay | None |
| External Hardpoints | 12 |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2 (~2,120 km/h) |
| Range | ~3,000 km (~1,900 mi) |
| Combat Radius | ~1,500 km (est.) |
| Service Ceiling | ~17,300 m (~56,800 ft) |
| Rate of Climb | ~230 m/s (~45,000 ft/min) |
| Thrust-to-Weight Ratio | Classified / Approx. |
| G Limits | +9 g |
| Engine Type | Shenyang WS‑10B afterburning turbofan |
| No. of Engines | 2 |
| Thrust (each) | ~135 kN (~30,000 lbf) |
| Thrust Vectoring | No |
| Fuel Capacity | Classified |
| Gun | 1×30 mm GSh‑30‑1 (150 rounds) |
| Missiles (Air-to-Air) | PL‑10, PL‑9, PL‑12, PL‑15 |
| Missiles (Air-to-Ground) | KD‑88, LS‑500J, other LACMs |
| Bombs | Laser/GPS guided bombs |
| Hardpoints | 12 |
| Payload Capacity | ~9,700 kg |
| Radar | AESA radar |
| Radar Range | Classified |
| Electronic Warfare (EW) System | J‑16D EW variant available |
| Targeting System | Sensor fusion, HMD |
| Helmet Display | Yes |
| Navigation | GPS/Inertial/BeiDou |
| Autopilot / AI Assistance | Partial AI/backseat support |
| Communication | Networked datalink |
| Radar Cross Section (RCS) | Non-stealth, reduced via coatings |
| Stealth Features | Radar-absorbent paint, com |
| Infrared Signature Reduction | Radar-absorbent paint, com |
| Sensor Fusion | Yes |
| Networking Capabilities | Multi-aircraft datalink |
| Special Export Versions | - |
| Major Conflicts / Deployments | Patrols, interceptions in South China Sea/Taiwan Strait |
| Notable Operators | PLAAF |
| Combat Proven? | Not publicly confirmed |
| Mission Types | Air superiority, strike, SEAD, anti-ship, EW |
| Unit Cost | Classified |
| Development Cost | Classified |
| Program Name | J‑16 / Qianlong (‘Hidden Dragon’) |
| Funding Countries | China (domestic funding) |
| Upgrades Planned | Avionics, sensors, missile integration |
| Future Replacement | Next-gen Chinese fighters (TBD) |
| Export Restrictions | Primarily domestic use |
| Notable Achievements | Largest Flanker derivative fleet in China |
| Competitors | F-15E, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale |
The J‑16 is China’s premier multirole fighter, blending advanced avionics, long-range strike capability, and air superiority performance. Developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), the J‑16 is an evolution of the Su-27/30 platform, incorporating modern Chinese technologies to serve as both a strike and air dominance aircraft.
Designed to operate in complex combat environments, the J‑16 excels in precision strike missions, air interdiction, and fleet defense. Its robust airframe supports high-speed maneuvers, with a top speed exceeding Mach 2.2, and a combat radius suitable for long-range missions over hostile airspace. The aircraft carries a diverse array of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including guided missiles, bombs, and precision ordnance.
Equipped with modern avionics, the J‑16 features an advanced radar system, digital fly-by-wire controls, and an electronic warfare suite capable of countering radar-guided threats. The platform also supports precision targeting pods, advanced sensors, and datalink connectivity, allowing coordinated operations within China’s integrated air defense and strike networks.
Operationally, the J‑16 provides China with a versatile tool for power projection, maritime strike, and tactical support. Its twin-engine configuration ensures reliability and high thrust, while its payload capacity allows for flexible mission profiles. In recent years, the J‑16 has become a core component of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), demonstrating its capability in large-scale exercises and rapid deployment scenarios.
With a combination of speed, firepower, and modern avionics, the J‑16 represents a significant step in China’s development of high-performance, multirole combat aircraft, catering to both defensive and offensive operational requirements.
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