OVERVIEW: The J-16 Flying Shark is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4.5 generation multirole strike fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Entering advanced series production by 2019, equipped with radar-absorbent material (RAM) coating to reduce radar cross-section.

DETAILS: The J-16 is based on the Su-30MKK airframe but redesigned with Chinese systems, including composite structure elements and WS-10A engines, enabling speeds around Mach 2.0. It features 12 hardpoints and is equipped with a Chinese AESA radar, IRST system, internal ECM, digital RWR, and a fully glass cockpit with multifunction displays and helmet-mounted sight. By 2019, production models were observed with a grey low-observable coating believed to reduce radar signature, though the airframe remains non-stealth. It is armed with PL-15 and PL-10 air-to-air missiles, AKD-88 for precision strike, and PGMs such LS-6.

“J” denotes “Jianjiji” (fighter), and “16” indicates evolution beyond the J-11 series. The 2019 production batch included observable enhancements in external RAM coating, likely to improve survivability in high-threat environments without altering the airframe. These aircraft retained the full multirole capability while incorporating electronic upgrades and standoff engagement systems.

TYPE: Multirole strike fighter

FUNCTION: The J-16 is employed for air superiority, deep interdiction, and standoff precision strike. The inclusion of low-observable coatings and long-range weapons enhances its ability to operate in contested environments against both air and ground targets.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UBK (1987), Su-30MKK (2001 China), J-16 (2014 China)
Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (China)
Operators: China
Conflict used in: Taiwan Strait aerial patrols (2021–present)

SOURCE:
China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI): https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/CASI ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Military Balance (IISS) ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2020 ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; U.S. Department of Defense China Military Power Report