The electronic warfare version of the fighter, named J-16D, was developed in 2010s. The aircraft reportedly made its first flight in 2015.[11] J-16D is designed to suppress enemy air defenses (SEAD), capable of housing internal jamming equipment and carrying various external electronic warfare pods.[12]
According to aviation researcher Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute, J-16 holds advantages over Russian Flanker variants with its wide application of composite materials, longer range missiles, advanced sensors, and avionics. J-16 represents a transition by the Chinese aviation industry away from a past dependence on Russian technology towards developing modern derivatives that are superior to the Russian originals in many aspects.[13][14]
The Chinese military is developing advanced autonomous capabilities for its combat aircraft. In March 2021, it was reported that a J-16 variant with the backseat co-pilot replaced by an artificial intelligence algorithm called "intelligence victory" (Chinese: 智胜; pinyin: Zhì shèng) was undergoing testing at Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. A similar aircraft was also spotted by satellite image at an experimental test base near Malan, Xinjiang in June 2021.[15]
In 2021, Chinese Air Force began inducting J-16D in combat training.[18]
According to the Australian Department of Defence, on 26 May 2022 a J-16 intercepted a RAAFP-8 Poseidonsurveillance aircraft over the South China Sea while the latter was "conducting routine maritime surveillance operations" over international waters.[19] The newly elected Australian defence minister Richard Marles said that the J-16 first flew closely alongside the P-8, released flares and then flew in front of the P-8 where it released chaff into the flight path, of which some were ingested by the P-8's engine.[19] The Australian Government lodged a protest with the Chinese Government over the incident and Marles said that Australia would not be deterred from conducting operations of the same or a similar nature in the future.[20][21] According to a Chinese defense ministry spokesman, the Australian pilots acted "dangerously and provocatively," and ignored repeated warnings before the J-16 drove the Australian aircraft away.[22] An article by the Lowy Institute, an Australian thinktank, said the interception marked an escalation in the grey zone actions that China was using to enforce its claims in the South China Sea.[23]
Out of all aircraft deployed in the Taiwan strait, J-16 fighters are the most frequently used, possibly due to its electronic warfare capabilities.[24] In August 2022, China dispatched large amount of J-16 fighters to the Taiwan strait, in response to the Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit.[25]
On May 26, 2023, a J-16 fighter made a fly-by cutting directly in front of the nose of a RC-135 Rivet Jointreconnaissance aircraft over South China Sea, forcing the American plane to fly through its jet wash. The RC-135 was conducting "safe and routine operations" in international airspace according to United States Indo-Pacific Command.[26] The PLA stated in response the following day that the American spy aircraft "deliberately intruded" into China's military training area. The Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected the American assertion of aggressive behavior and accused the US of posing a "serious danger" to China by frequently deploying reconnaissance aircraft and vessels to China, and spokespersonMao Ning said during a regular briefing, "The US's provocative and dangerous moves are the root cause of maritime security issues. China urges the US to stop such dangerous provocations... China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely defend its sovereignty and security."[26]
Variants
J-16D with electronic warfare pods on display
J-16
J-16D: Electronic warfare variant. Equipped with wingtip EW pods; internal EW system replaces IRST and 30 mm cannon.[1] Reportedly first flew in December 2015.[11]
