JH-7A/A2 Flounder/Flying Leopard
A PLAN JH-7A was patrolling while carrying a YJ-83KB AShM. The first batch of JH-7A entered the service with PLAAF (S/N 64x2x, 69x4x, 72x1x, 78x6x, 73x7x) in late 2004. Unlike the naval JH-7A (S/N 83x9x, 82x5x, 82x7x) which first entered the service earlier in 2004, it wears a medium-blue color scheme and has the serial number painted under the side of cockpit. First revealed as a full-scale mockup, this improved variant of JH-7 was seen carrying a full range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapon load, reflecting its enhanced capability of launching precision strikes using anti-radiation missiles and LGBs. The precision strike capability is believed to be a major requirement JH-7A has to meet in order to attract orders from PLAAF. This capability is thought to be achieved by the JL-10A/AG (K/LKK10?) multi-mode PD radar integrated into a new fire-control system, plus an improved "stabilizing" system (analog FBW) giving the aircraft a true terrain-following capability. The aircraft also features a one-piece windshield and a tandem glass cockpit (front/rear) and HOTAS. It also has new wings and horizontal stabilizers made of composite materials and have the 1950 style wing fences removed. As the result, a few hundred kilograms of weight has been eliminated. The engines are the indigenous WS-9 Qinling turbofans (certified in July 2003) replacing the original R&R Spey MK202s. The aircraft has a total of 11 hardpoints, 6 underwing, 2 wingtip, 2 under the engine intakes and 1 under the fuselage. Currently JH-7As are equipped with PL-8 AAM, JG-500 & JG-500B LGB, KD-88/KD-88A TV/IIR guided ASM and YJ-91 ARM. The aircraft was also seen carrying a Russian Kh-29T TV guided ASM for testing purpose. A datalink pod can be carried underneath the engine intake for KD-88 ASM. Similarly a laser designation pod (K/JDC01 or K/JDC03A) can be carried to paint targets for LS-500J LGBs. The naval JH-7A can also carry two large ECM pods. In addition to ECM missions, the aircraft can also fly ELINT/SIGINT missions carrying two receiver pods. It can also drop 250kg aerial mines (MKC-03-500?) as well. 5 prototypes were built (#811-815), with the first JH-7A prototype taking off on July 1, 2002. Since 2009 most JH-7As have been upgraded with a new UHF/VHF antenna behind the cockpit. In 2014 PLAAF JH-7A started to carry KL700A ECM pod (KG600) for self-defence. An image released in November 2016 suggested that the PLAAF JH-7A2 started to carry the bigger and more powerful K/RKZ900-x ECM pod, which can provide the electronic protection for the entire attacking formation. Its export version was called JH-7E but failed to attract any foreign customer due to its obsolete design. JH-7A's production is believed to have ended in 2016 and is expected to be replaced by J-16 (see below). An improved version called JH-7B was developed during the 2010s in order to carry the large YJ-12 AShM. Two prototypes (821, 822) were built before the project was cancelled. A recent image (August 2020) indicated that PLAAF JH-7As started to carry the serial numbers on the vertical fins. A recent video (May 2021) indicated that few PLAN JH-7As started to carry a two-digit low visibility code number. A recent image (September 2021) suggested the PLAN JH-7A started to carry an improved YJ-83K AShM (YJ-83KB?) featuring an integrated active radar/passive IIR dual mode seeker. A recent image (November 2022) indicated that the PLAAF JH-7A2 started to carry KF-98A standoff submunition dispenser, KF-088C standoff ALCM, and YJ1000 1000kg class penetrating LGB. A recent video (December 2022) indicated that the naval JH-7A started to carry a low visibility code number and insignias as well as "China Navy" characters outside its engine intakes. Another recent image (February 2023) suggested that all naval JH-7As have been transferred to PLAAF with the "China Navy" characters (some even the "August 1" insignias) removed. The latest image (August 2024) indicated that the newly transferred JH-7As started to wear yellow serial numbers (S/N 83x9x, 72x7x) on the vertical fins, similar to JH-7A2. The latest image (August 2024) suggested that JH-7A started to carry a new type of datalink pod. Its exact role is still unknown.
- Last Updated 11/12/24
H-6G (H/JH6G?) was first "leaked" in a promotional video by AVIC I at the 2002 Zhuhai Airshow. This variant is capable of carrying 4 YJ-83K AShMs under its wings, the same type being carried by the JH-7/7A strike aircraft. However H-6G has a considerably longer range (~6,000km) than JH-7/7A but at a lower speed. Other improvements include MAWS sensors on both sides of the nose and tail cone, RWR antennas on top of the tail cone (facing backward) and the vertical fin (facing forward), a new dorsal UHF/VHF antenna as well as chaff/flare launchers for better self-protection. The side observation windows in the rear fuselage were also removed. At least one prototype was used for testing at CFTE (#089). H-6G was flying long-range sea strike training missions over the East China Sea facing Japan. A few were seen having two small windows installed underneath the rear fuselage which could house cameras or a dispenser. Some have been upgraded with a new ECM antenna aft the cabin (S/N 81x1x, 81x2x). In December 2017 some H-6Gs were seen carrying two large ECM pods similar to the ones carried by JH-7A to further enhance its survivability. In recent years most H-6Gs (H-6L? S/N 81x1x) have been modified to carry the new YJ-12 supersonic long range anti-ship cruise missiles (up to 2) under the stretched inner pylons, while ECM pods can be carried under the outer pylons. In May 2020 it appeared that a few H-6Ls started to wear a new two-digit code number. A recent image (May 2021) indicated that some have been upgraded with a dorsal SATCOM antenna similar to the one onboard H-6J. Another recent image (June 2023) suggested that H-6G/Ls have been transferred to PLAAF, together with H-6J. Some were seen wearing low visibility insignias and “China Navy” characters to be removed in the future. H-6G/L is excepted to be replaced by the more advanced H-6J (see below). H-6H Badger
A PLAAF H-6H (K/JH6H) stand-off missile carriers carrying two KD-63B LACMs are shown here. This variant (S/N 20x1x, 40x7x, 1x2x) is thought to have been be derived from H-6D AshM carrier featuring a large chin mounted surface search radar and a pair of large underwing pylons. All WWII style self-defense guns throughout the aircraft were removed except the tailguns were retained on some which were converted from old H-6Fs. The aircraft also adopts a new light gray color scheme. A green fairing is seen underneath the rear fuselage behind the bomb bay doors, which was thought as the datalink antenna for the KD-63 stand-off missile. KD-63 LACM has a cruise speed of Mach 0.9 and a max range of 200km using INS/GPS mid-course and TV terminal guidance, while carrying a 500kg warhead. This has made it the first generation Chinese stand-off LACM. H-6H first flew in December 1998, first fired KD-63 successfully in November 2002. The TV-guided KD-63 has been replaced by the IIR-guided KD-63B LACM for better all-weather performance. Images released in May 2014 indicated that several H-6Hs (S/N 20x1x) were upgraded with RWR antennas installed on the vertical fin, as well as chaff/flare dispensers on the side of rear fuselage. Others had VLOC antennas installed on the vertical fin. A recent image (May 2020) indicated that some H-6Hs started to carry a new yellow serial number on it vertical fin. A recent video (August 2020) suggested that H-6H practiced touch-and-go at the Woody Island in the South China Sea, probably in 2018. The latest image (March 2021) indicated that some were upgraded with a new dorsal SATCOM antenna. H-6H is expected to be replaced by the more modern H-6K (see below). - Last Updated 9/10/22
H-6M/MW Badger
A PLAAF H-6M (K/JH6M?) cruise missile carrier was seen here. First entering service in 2007, this new variant (S/N 41x7x, 21x1x) were converted from the older H-6F, as its twin 23mm tailguns are retained. Similar to H-6H, H-6M was modified with a large chin mounted surface search radar and two pairs of underwing pylons. Other noticeable features are the much improved self-protecting measures including UV band MAWS sensors on the nose and above the rear gunner compartment, RWR antennas on the vertical fin tip, and chaff/flare dispensers along the side of rear fuselage. Its cockpit was also upgraded with some analog displays replaced by color MFDs. Two KD-20 ALCMs can be carried underneath the large inner pylons while two KL700A ECM pods can be carried underneath the smaller outer pylons. A small pylon underneath the fuselage behind the bomb bay could be the place to carry additional datalink pod (for guiding the KD-63/63B ASM). H-6M appears to be a low-cost, stop-gap solution until the more advanced H-6K enters PLAAF service. It has also been speculated to be the carrier (H-6MW, S/N 21x1x?) of the new WZ-8 high speed high altitude recon UAV by attaching a pair of clamp pylons/adaptors to its belly. Consequently the 4 underwing pylons as well as the small ventral pylon were removed. In addition a dorsal SATCOM antenna and a ventral AIFF antenna were installed. It was rumored that H-6MW could also carry a large ballistic or hypersonic glide ASM similar to H-6N (see below), but this has not been confirmed. A recent image (March 2021) indicated that H-6M started to carry a yellow serial number on its vertical fin. The latest image (December 2022) suggested that a ventral AIFF antenna has been installed underneath the rear fuselage, similar to that of H-6MW. H-6M is expected to be replaced by the new H-6K (see below). 
An H-6K (BC-1, K/JH6K?) cruise missile carrier was taking off carrying 2 KD-20 ALCMs under its wings. The development of this new variant officially started in May 2003. The #001 prototype first flew on January 5, 2007 at XAC. Two prototypes were produced (861 & 862). Its major improvement is to replace two fuel-thirsty WP-8/AM-3 turbojet engines with Russian D-30KP-2 turbofan engines (TO thrust 12,000kg, similar to the engine used by Il-76MD in service with PLAAF), resulting in a greater range (combat radius ~3,500km) and a higher weapon load (~12t). Its max TO weight is 95t and fuel capacity is 40t. By 2016 a total of 463 D-30KP-2 engines were ordered from Russia. As the result the engine compartment was completely redesigned and appears longer. It was speculated that D-30KP-2 was reverse-engineered by the Chengdu Engine Corporation as WS-18 which might have been powering the latest production batches. Other improvements include a redesigned solid nose housing a large ground scanning radar developed by the 607 Institute (PESA? might have SAR and TF/TA modes) and a chin mounted EO turret containing FLIR, CCD TV camera and a laser designator for night/poor weather missions. The aircraft also has nose mounted ECM antennas, nose and tail MAWS sensors (RKG963A), RWR/ECM antennas on top of the vertical fin, a SATCOM antenna on the top of rear fuselage, a large ECM antenna underneath the rear fuselage, solid tail cone housing electronics with the tail gunner compartment removed, 6 underwing missile pylons and use of composite materials to reduce weight. Its cockpit has been completely redesigned featuring 6 color MFDs. The aircraft now has 3-member crew located in the forward cabin (two pilots+navigator/WSO), each equipped with a new ejection seat (HTY-6F) to improve survivability. The crew can also get into/out of the cabin quickly through a side door. Its internal bomb bay is retained. Therefore the aircraft still maintains its conventional bombing capability for low intensity conflict/anti-terrorism missions. A total of 6 KD-20/KD-20A long-range cruise missiles may be carried by H-6K, which are the air-launched version of DF-10 cruise missile (range ~1,500km, similar to Russian Kh-55). Besides KD-20, it can carry KD-63/KD-63B LACM (up to 4). In that case the aircraft would carry a datalink pod under a small pylon underneath the rear fuselage. It was revealed in April 2020 that H-6K started to carry 4 YJ-12 long-range supersonic AShMs in order to boost its anti-ship capability. The aircraft was seen carrying 36 250kg or 12 500kg GP bombs under the 6 large pylons for carpet bombing. It can also carry a single large bomb (similar to American BLU-82B) internally. H-6K is capable of flying strategic missions with these long-range cruise missiles (armed with nuclear warheads, even though so far there is no such evidence). The first batch of H-6Ks (~20) entered the service with PLAAF 8th Division (S/N 11x9x) in early 2011 facing Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Japan and American military base at Guam. The second batch of H-6Ks entered the service with PLAAF 10th Division (S/N 20x1x) in mid-2013 facing Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Guam. The third batch entered the service with PLAAF 8th Division (S/N 10x9x) in summer 2015. Currently H-6K is in production and is thought to be a stop-gap measure until the new H-20 stealth bomber enters the service in the next decade. The fourth batch entered the service with PLAAF 36th Division (S/N 41x7x) facing India by January 2017. Since 2016 H-6K has been flying long-range cruise-missile attack training missions over the West Pacific Ocean as well as the South China Sea, escorted by Su-30MKKs. A recent image (May 2018) indicated that H-6K practiced touch-and-go at the Woody Island in the South China Sea. Another rumor (July 2018) claimed that a small hypersonic ALBM was test fired from a modified H-6K in June 2018. Two missiles can be carried under the wings. The success has allowed PLAAF/PLAN to achieve for the first time a long-range strike capability against aircraft carriers. Four years later H-6K was first publicly seen carrying a hypersonic ALBM (KD-21) at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow similar to the earlier CM-401 AShBM. A recent image (January 2019) indicated that H-6K was being upgraded (as H-6KG?) with a new AIFF similar to American AN/APX-111(V) with blade antennas installed under its nose, plus additional ESM/ECM antennas on top of the fin (forward) as well as on its tail cone (aft). A recent image (July 2020) indicated that H-6K started to adopt a yellow serial number on its vertical fin. Another image (October 2020) showed that H-6Ks started to carry two H-6J style ECM pods underneath the additional outer wing pylons to further enhance its self-defense capability. A recent image (November 2021) indicated that a rectangular window or panel was fitted underneath the tail section of an H-6K. Its exact purpose is unknown (photo reconnaissance or some sort of dispenser?). A recent image (December 2022) indicated that additional ESM/ECM antennas have been installed outside the engine intakes on the latest batches (S/N 2061x). In July 2024 H-6K started to conduct joint "strategic" air patrols with RuAF Tu-95MS over the northern Pacific Ocean and into the Alaska ADIZ.
H-6J God of War
After the success of H-6K cruise missile carrier for PLAAF, an AShM carrier variant called H-6J (H/JH6J?) has been under development for PLAN to replace the old H-6G (see above). The aircraft is also powered by the same D-30KP-2 turbofan engines. A prototype reportedly already flew by 2014. The aircraft can carry up to 6 YJ-12 ramjet powered supersonic AShMs (range >300km) under the wings. However normally only 4 YJ-12 or 4 smaller YJ-83K AShMs are carried. It was also speculated to carry the mysterious YJ-100/CJ-100 long-range supersonic anti-ship cruise missile (range ~1,000km at Mach 4) but has yet to be confirmed. Its dorsal SATCOM antenna appears bigger and more powerful than that of H-6K. A satellite image taken in May 2015 indicated that one H-6J prototype (S/N 865?) was carrying two large ECM pods underneath the outer wings to ensure it can safely launch the missiles by suppressing the air defense system of enemy warships. By mid-2020, at least 12 H-6Js have entered the service with the PLAN independent regiment facing the South China Sea (S/N 9xx1). It was also rumored in May 2019 that at least two (around 7 by November 2020) entered the service with another unit near Shanghai facing Japan, South Korea and Taiwan (S/N 9xx5). Some started to wear a new two-digit code number. A recent image (January 2020, taken from a Malaysian oil platform) indicated that H-6J flew long range recon/"show of force" missions over the disputed South China Sea, carrying 4 YJ-12 AShMs. Another recent image (August 2020) suggested that H-6J was deployed briefly to Woody Island in the South China Sea. A recent image (May 2022) indicated that a rectangular window was fitted underneath the tail section of an H-6J, probably for photo reconnaissance purpose or housing some sort of dispenser. A recent image (February 2023) suggested that all H-6Js were transferred to PLAAF. The latest image (June 2023) indicated that the PLAAF H-6J started to practice carpet bombing with 36 250kg GP bombs carried by 6 underwing pylons. 
H-6N God of Thunder
It was first rumored in February 2017 that an ALBM carrier (H-6N, K/JH6N?) was being developed based on H-6K as an A2/AD weapon platform. The aircraft is equipped with a nose-mounted inflight refueling probe similar to Russian Tu-95MS and a prototype already flew. It was also speculated that a single large ballistic missile (KF-21? dubbed CH-AS-X-13 by the western intelligence) could be carried externally underneath the fuselage in a semi-recessed fashion. Due to the weight and drag of the missile H-6N's internal fuel is expected to be reduced at take-off and the aircraft has to be refueled by the YY-20A tanker in order to fully extend its range. The KF-21 ALBM is powered by a two stage solid fuel rocket engine and could carry a nuclear warhead. Its estimated specifications are: length 13m, diameter 1m, weight 10t. Three H-6N prototypes were built at XAC. The first batch might have entered the service with PLAAF in 2018. The first air launch of KF-21 from a H-6K testbed was rumored to have taken place in December 2016. Recent images (August 2019) indicated that a small number of H-6Ns have been in service with PLAAF (S/N 55x3x) stationed in central China armed with KD-63B and KD-20 ALCMs. The aircraft also features an AIFF with blade antennas underneath its nose, new ECM antennas on the cheeks, a section of fuel pipe rerouted outside the cabin on the starboard side as well as a pair of teardrop shaped fairings (datalink?) underneath the real fuselage. New wide-angle IIR MAWS blisters have been installed on the rear fuselage for better self-protection. A recent image (April 2022) indicated that H-6N features a pair of semi-conformal clamp pylons/adaptors for KF-21 underneath the mid-fuselage and consequently the internal bomb bay has been removed. Two forward ECM/ESM antennas are fitted outside the engine intakes. A recent video (April 2022) suggested that two variants ALBM might have been developed for H-6N. The first variant (KF-21A?) could feature a double-cone shaped warhead with small control fins similar to DF-21D, while the second variant (KF-21B?) could feature a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead with small control fins similar to DF-17. It appears that the head of HGV could be encased inside a protective fairing. Both variants are believed to have an extended range and extremely difficult to be intercepted by the current ABM defense systems. A recent rumor (October 2021) suggested that one H-6N (#879 prototype?) was lost in September 2021 during a refueling test flight with YY-20A. The latest news (November 2024) indicated that H-6N conducted for the first time a joint "strategic" air patrol with RuAF Tu-95MS over the Sea of Japan. The aircraft carries a yellow serial number on its vertical fin.
In late 1999 a $1.85 billion contract was signed by Chinese and Russian military leaders to purchase 38 Su-30MKK fighter bombers for PLAAF, with the first 10 delivered by KNAAPO on December 20, 2000, and the second 10 delivered on August 21, 2001 (S/N 62x0x). The rest of the batch were delivered by the end of 2001. More advanced and powerful than JH-7A, Su-30MKK has become the first fighter bomber operated by PLAAF capable of carrying a wide range of Russian-made precision-guided air-to-surface weapons including TV guided missiles (Kh-29T & Kh-59ME), anti-radiation missiles (Kh-31P), TV guided bombs (KAB-500KR & KAB-1500KR). In addition it can also carry Sorbtsiya ECM pods at wingtips and APK-9 datalink pod for Kh-59ME underneath its engine air intake. Its maximum weapon load is 8 ton. Its range can be extended up to 5,200km by in-flight refueling, using the newly acquired Il-78 as the tanker. As the result, it is expected to replace some roles of H-6 medium bomber to launch strikes against high value targets deep inside the enemy territory. The aircraft features Su-35 style fins with square tips and twin nose wheels. It also features a glass cockpit (front/back), an NIIP N001VE fire-control radar (range 100km, engage 2 aerial targets simultaneously, plus multiple AG modes) capable of firing R-77E active radar homing AAM. Consequently Su-30MKK can fulfill the role as a long-range interceptor. In addition, the older R-27 semi-active radar homing AAM can also been carried. It was rumored that Su-30MKK can be used as a mini-airborne command post to direct up to 16 of the same type via datalink to engage the enemy aircraft. Unlike Su-30MKI acquired by IAF, it lacks canard foreplanes, AL-31FP thrust-vectoring engine (Su-30MKK still uses AL-31F) and N-011M phased-array radar, however its delivery schedule is two and half years faster (in full standard). The acquisition of this F-15E class fighter bomber by PLAAF would inevitably tip the military balance in the North East Asia. In July 2001 China ordered the 2nd batch of 38 Su-30MKKs worth $1.5 billion during Chinese President's visit to Moscow. Some of them were delivered to PLAAF 54th Brigade Stationed at Changsha Airbase (S/N 66x5x), others went to the PLAAF Flight Test Training Base. In January 2003 China ordered 24 Su-30MK2s (featuring an upgraded N001VEP radar able to fire Kh-31A AShM to attack two targets simultaneously) for the PLAN. All were delivered to the PLA Naval Aviation 4th Division (S/N 81x4x) by the end of August 2004. They have been used mainly as long-range interceptors carrying R-73 & R-77 AAMs over the East China Sea facing Japan and South Korea, as the two pilot crew are perfectly suitable for this type of mission. Unfortunately one was lost in March 2004 due to pilot error. The aircraft was later replaced. Su-30MKK is expected to be superseded by the indigenous J-16 currently under development (see below). Since April 2015 Su-30MKK has been upgraded to carry the indigenous KL700A ECM pod. It is likely that more Chinese made weapons (e.g. PL-12 AAM, LS-500J LGB and KD-88 ASM) would become compatible with the aircraft. An image released in October 2015 indicated that the fire control system onboard the naval Su-30MK2 has been upgraded locally and the aircraft is now able to carry the indigenous PL-12 active radar homing AAMs replacing the original R-77. Images released in August 2018 indicated that PL-8B IR homing AAM has been integrated as well. Its cockpit has been upgraded as well with a small display (for GPS/Beido?) installed next to the HUD. A small datalink antenna (?) was installed on its back. It would be interesting to see to what extent this domestic weapon upgrade would continue onboard Su-30MKK/MK2 as the import of Russian missiles would end eventually. Images released in August & September 2016 indicated that Su-30MKK flew long-range escort missions with H-6K over the West Pacific Ocean as well as the South China Sea and Sea of Japan, supported by the Il-78 tanker and the KJ-2000 AWACS. Recent images (February 2021 & July 2023) indicated that some Su-30MK2s and Su-30MKKs have been upgraded with a new blade IFF antenna under the nose replacing the old "Odd Rod" IFF antenna. A recent image (December 2022) suggested that the naval Su-30MK2s started to carry low visibility insignias, regiment emblems, "China Navy" characters and code numbers (H10420xx). Another recent image (April 2023) indicated that all Su-30MK2s have been transferred to PLAAF. Su-30MKK/MK2s are expected to be replaced by the indigenous J-16 (see below). The video (October 2024) indicated that Su-30MKK has finally been upgraded to carry the domestic PL-8B and PL-12 AAMs.
A rare aerial shot of two PLAAF J-16s is shown here. It was first rumored in August 2010 that 601/SAC are developing a 3.5 generation heavy multi-role fighter bomber for PLAAF based on J-11BS. J-16 (K/JJ16?) can be viewed as an upgraded and indigenized version of Su-30MKK (see above) based on its mission and capability, and is comparable to American F-15E. Like Su-30MKK, J-16 features a retractable IFR probe on the port side of the nose to increase its range. As the result the IRST/LR system was offset from the center to the starboard side. The tanker is believed to be the indigenous YY-20A. The aircraft also has twin nose wheels due to increase of the TO weight. J-16 also has tandem seats with a copilot/WSO sitting in the backseat. Its most powerful asset is an AESA fire-control radar inside a gray radome with 00multiple air-to-ground and air-to-sea modes. The radar, developed by the 607 Institute, was thought to have been tested onboard a J-11B radar testbed in 2014. As the result the nose tip pitot tube was removed. Like J-11BS, it is also powered by two WS-10D (13.2t?) turbofans. The aircraft also has a glass cockpit featuring two large MFDs (front and back) and being NVG compatible. A Beidou antenna was installed on its back. J-16 is capable of carrying a variety of indigenous guided weapons, such as PL-10, PL-12, PL-15 AAM, KD-88A ASM, YJ-83K/KA/KB AShM, YJ-91 ARM, LS-500J LGB, 500kg submunition dispenser (TL500/GB6? similar to American AGM-154 JSOW), KF-98A standoff submunition dispenser, and possibly wind corrected munition dispenser (WCMD) similar to American CBU-103/104. J-16 is also capable of carrying the 1,000kg YJ1000 "bunker buster" LGB. The pilot can direct the missile to lock the target using HMDS. In November 2016 the aircraft was f seen testing a large VLRAAM (PL-17? range >500km) against enemy AWACS and tankers. The aircraft has been seen carrying an FLIR pylon (CHW-13/YINGS II) as well as a K/JDC03A or YINGS III/Type 390 targeting pod plus a KL700A ECM pod underneath the engine intake. Compared to JH-7A, J-16 is expected to have a more powerful radar (AESA), a greater weapon load (8t) and a longer range (4,000km). First flight was rumored to have taken place in late 2011. Since spring 2013 at least two J-16 prototypes (1601 & 1603) have been undergoing tests at CFTE. It was rumored in October 2013 that the first batch of production J-16s (01 batch) was preparing to enter the limited service with PLAAF. A recent image (August 2015) indicated that the 01 batch of J-16s have entered the service with PLAAF (78x7x, 61x8x). Recent images (October 2024) suggested that they were upgraded with the new WS-10D 03 series engine and probably the same AESA radar fitted on the latest batches. It was rumored in September 2016 that an improved AESA radar developed by the 14th Institute has been fitted onboard J-16 (02 batch?) replacing the original one developed by the 607 Institute which caused the delay of achieving FOC. Images disclosed in August 2017 indicated that the 02 batch has entered the service with PLAAF (78x3x, 78x7x, 70x9x). The newly constructed J-16s started to wear a medium gray color scheme with low-visibility PLAAF insignias (light gray) and serial numbers (black) similar to those of J-20 and JL-10. Images released in April 2018 indicated that the 03 batch of J-16 (65x1x, 70x9x) has entered the service with PLAAF. Images released in September 2018 indicated that the 04 batch has entered the service with PLAAF as well (S/N 61x4x). Newly built J-16s all feature a light gray radome (05 batch). A recent image (March 2020) indicated that the 06 batch entered the service with PLAAF (S/N 71x0x). Another image (August 2020) indicated that the 07 batch has entered the service with PLAAF (S/N 63x7x), which could be powered by the new WS-10D 03 series turbofan engine featuring a modified nozzle. Recent images (January & March 2022) indicated the 08 batch and 09 batch have entered the service with PLAAF (78x3x, 70x9x, 68x9x). A recent rumor (March 2021) suggested that a J-16 testbed featuring the AI algorithm Intelligence Victory acting as the copilot in the backseat has been undergoing test flights at SAC. Recent images (October & November 2022, July & August 2024, November 2024) indicated that the 10th batch, 11th batch, 12th batch, 13th batch and 14th batch have entered the service with PLAAF (S/N 65x1x, 78x3x, 62x6x, 73x6x, 66x5x?). Another recent image (January 2023) indicated that J-16 was deployed briefly to Woody Island in the South China Sea facing Vietnam and Philippines. 
J-16D is an EW Wild Weasel variant of J-16 (K/JJ16D) in the same class of American EA-18G. The aircraft carries a pair of large wingtip ESM/ELINT pods similar to American AN/ALQ-218 tactical jamming receiver onboard EA-18G. It also has multiple antennas mounted on its fuselage including one on the side of engine intake, one behind the cockpit, one underneath the cockpit plus a rectangular dielectric panel behind the radome. A shorter radome on the nose suggests it might be equipped with a smaller AESA radar with integrated EW modes similar to AN/APG-79. A family of new generation ECM pods (RKZ930-xx, at least as capable as American AN/ALQ-99) utilizing AESA technology can be carried under the wings and engine intakes to achieve the maximum "soft kill" capability. As a dedicated EW aircraft, J-16D can fly fast enough to escort the fighter/fighter bomber formation and clear the pathway for the air strike with YJ-91 as well as the new generation of ARMs (e.g. LD-10, CM-102). Consequently its windshield IRST/LR system and the starboard 30mm gun have been removed to reduce weight and create additional room for electronics. Therefore J-16D might rely solely on medium-range AAMs (e.g. PL-15) for self-defense and would avoid engagement in any WVR dogfight. Some of its technology could have been applied towards the J-15D EW aircraft which is also under development at SAC. J-16D flew for the first time on December 18, 2015 at SAC. An image released in February 2017 suggested that the 2nd prototype had flown at SAC. It was rumored in February 2019 that the first batch of J-16D was being built for PLAAF. A PLAAF J-16D (01 batch) was unveiled for the first time at the 2021 Zhuhai Airshow, wearing a typical light gray color scheme. Recent video (November 2021) confirmed that J-16D is in service with PLAAF (S/N 63678, 63771, 63773). The aircraft is believed to have been deployed in southeast China facing Taiwan. A recent video (January 2022) suggested that one J-16D prototype was evaluated by PLAN. A 02 batch J-16D to enter the service with PLAAF was displayed at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow. Another recent video (April 2023) indicated that J-16D flew escort missions for H-6K over the Taiwan Strait, carrying an unknown type of ECM pod.
- Last Updated 11/3/24