In a recent talk show, General Zhang Zhaozhong shared some insights about China’s J-16 fighter. And here is a summary of them:
As a deeply improved model of Su-27 fighter, J-16’s avionics represent the highest level among the Su-27 family. The two-seat design effectively guarantees the efficiency of ground attack, while the Su-27’s excellent aerodynamic layout gives J-16 a powerful maneuverability. Finally, J-16 fighter is a completely localized fighter. It is very important that production and service will not be affected by the outside world.
The universal service of multi-role fighters like J-16 is very important for a modern air force. Replacing multiple old models with one model will undoubtedly greatly simplify pilot training, reduce logistics support tasks, and provide more flexible combat capabilities. Compared to strategic bombers, multi-role fighters cannot carry the same amount of bombs, but in terms of cost and flexibility, multi-role fighters far outweigh strategic bombers.
Some people believe that as J-16 fighter does not have stealth capability and thus cannot cope with fifth-generation fighters like F-22 and F-35. Therefore, it should not be used in large numbers. Such view undoubtedly lacks common sense.
Even the US Air Force has a large number of F-15 and F-16 fighters, and F-15’s service time has been extended to 2045. In the next 30 years, the fourth-generation aircrafts will still be an important part of national air forces. And in the Chinese Air Force’s combat system, J-16 will play an extremely important role in the next few decades.