Chinese Air Force begins inducting J-16 fighter jets to its arsenal: Report

J-16 fighter jets reportedly have an advanced radar and tracking systems and are capable of in-flight refuelling.

Chinese Air Force begins inducting J-16 fighter jets to its arsenal: Report
Representational image

In 2015, photos of a brand new Chinese fighter jet had gone viral the world over - inviting both admirations as well as sparking fear. Close to three years later, reports suggest the F-16 multi-purpose fighter jets may have completed combat trails and are possibly already inducted into the country's People's Liberation Army Air Force.

China is on the fast-track to modernise its military and military arsenal to make them directly rival the US and Russia. Developing cutting-edge weapons and machines is an integral part of Xi Jinping's plans and the indigenously made J-16 jets are seen as a prime example of this.

Local Chinese media previously reported that the J-16 - designed and manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Industry Group - is a multi-role fighter/bomber variant, based on the J-11BS with longer range and upgraded avionics. It has a marginally different vertical stabiliser than the J-11 fighter jets and the J-15 naval fighter jets. It has in-flight refuelling capabilities and a radar and tracking system.

South China Morning Post recently reported that the J-16 is not as advanced as the J-20s but may have already been inducted into the country's air force as a key part of possible operations against Taiwan and as a deterrent to the US. Quoting military observers, the report says that based on serial numbers seen, it is very possible that J-16s are already in service.

Zee News App: Read latest news of India and world, bollywood news, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Zee news app now to keep up with daily breaking news and live news event coverage.