BEIJING – Media reports suggest the J-16 multi-purpose fighter jets havebeen inducted into China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force.

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

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

South China Morning Post recently reported that the J-16 is not as advancedas the J-20s but may have already been inducted into the country’s airforce as a key part of possible operations against Taiwan and as adeterrent to the US. Quoting military observers, the report says that basedon serial numbers seen, it is very possible that J-16s are already inservice.