The Chinese Air Force continues its growth with the addition of new J-16 multi-role fighter jets and J-20 stealth fighter jets, signaling a constant focus on air superiority.
China’s Rise in Airpower with J-16 and J-20
The People’s Liberation Army of China Air Force (PLAAF) has added 15 Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) J-16s and 11 Chengdu Aircraft Industries Group (CAC) J-20 stealth fighters to its service since January 2023. This new incorporation shows a progressive modernization of the fleet, removing old models.
The air force could have grown significantly with these new aircraft. According to data from Janes Satellite Imagery and Analysis (JSIA), the PLAAF currently has approximately 233 J-16s, not including the 7 J-16D electronic warfare specialists, and up to 127 J-20As.
The numbers show a strategic change in the air brigades of the PLAAF. The J-20As complement the CAC-equipped J-10 Meng Long and J-16. In the 56th Air Brigade, J-20As are replacing J-10B and J-10AS aircraft, marking a refresh in the unit’s operational lineup.
The J-16: multi-role combat aircraft in the Chinese Air Force
The J-16 is a multi-role combat aircraft developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, based on the Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKK model. Considered one of the most advanced aircraft of the Chinese Air Force, it reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 and a combat radius of more than 1,000 kilometers.
Equipped with advanced avionics and weaponry systems, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, the J-16 is tasked with providing air superiority and ground attack capabilities. Additionally, it can perform electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses, making it a valuable resource in modern air warfare.
Developed by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the PLAAF, the J-20 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed for air superiority missions and ground attack roles, the J-20 features stealth technology that makes it difficult to detect by radar.
It reaches a top speed of Mach 2.5 and has a range of about 3,000 kilometers. The J-20 is armed with various air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles and a 30mm cannon. Its stealthy technology and long-range capabilities have raised concerns in some nations in the region, primarily the United States and Japan.
Strategic coordination between the J-20 and J-16
In the event of a theoretical military confrontation, the J-16 and J-20 could work together in an aerial assault. Thanks to its stealth abilities, the J-20 would be able to bypass adversary air defenses and attack important targets, while the J-16 would provide air support and engage hostile aircraft in direct engagements.
Another military assumption envisions the J-16 and J-20 collaborating on a long-range strike mission. The J-20’s long-range and stealth abilities would be used to penetrate enemy territory and attack infrastructure or key military targets. The J-16 would provide air support and engage any adversary aircraft that tried to intercept the J-20.
The J-16 and J-20 could also work together in a defensive situation. For example, if an incursion by adversary aircraft threatened China’s airspace, the J-20 would engage the enemy aircraft. At the same time, the J-16 would provide additional air support and defend against any incoming attacks or missiles. The J-16 could also be used to escort transport planes or other aircraft.
The J-16 and J-20: a powerful combination
China reinforces its combat fleet with the addition of more J-16 fighters.The J-16 and J-20 are advanced combat aircraft that could cooperate in different military scenarios. Their unique capabilities and strengths could be used to complement each other and provide China with a formidable air force.
The Chinese J-16 is a multi-role fighter similar to the American F-15E Strike Eagle. Both aircraft are designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and have similar capabilities in terms of range, speed, and weapons systems.
However, the J-16 has some unique features that set it apart from the F-15E. For example, it has a greater payload capacity and can carry a wider range of weapons, including Chinese-made missiles and bombs. Additionally, the J-16 has a more advanced electronic warfare system that allows it to jam enemy radars and communication systems.
The modernization and expansion of the Chinese Air Force in 2023 is evidenced by the addition of advanced combat aircraft to its fleet. In particular, 15 J-16 multirole fighter jets and 11 J-20 stealth fighter jets have been added since the start of the year. This decision shows a strategic approach towards air superiority and the constant modernization of the fleet, replacing older models with more advanced technology.
The J-16 is a multi-role combat aircraft developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 and a combat radius of more than 1,000 kilometers. It is equipped with advanced avionics and weapon systems, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. Its primary role is to provide air superiority and ground attack capabilities, and it can also perform electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses.
The J-20 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft developed by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. It reaches a top speed of Mach 2.5 and has a range of about 3,000 kilometers. It is equipped with stealth technology that makes it difficult to detect by radar and is armed with various air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as a 30mm cannon. Its design is oriented towards air superiority missions and ground attack functions.
In a military confrontation scenario, the J-16 and J-20 could work together in an aerial assault. The J-20, thanks to its stealth abilities, could bypass adversary air defenses and attack important targets, while the J-16 would provide air support and engage hostile aircraft in direct engagements. In a long-range strike mission, the J-20 could penetrate enemy territory and attack key infrastructure or military targets, while the J-16 would provide air support and engage any adversary aircraft that tried to intercept the J-20.
The Chinese J-16 is a multi-role fighter similar to the US F-15E Strike Eagle, with both aircraft designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and possessing similar capabilities in terms of range, speed and weapon systems. However, the J-16 has some unique features that set it apart from the F-15E. It has a greater payload capacity and can carry a wider range of weapons, including Chinese-made missiles and bombs. Additionally, the J-16 has a more advanced electronic warfare system that allows it to jam enemy radars and communication systems.
