China Deploys Multi-Role Fighter J-16 Across All Units to Enhance Firepower

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] China is deploying the multipurpose fighter jet J-16 across its military regions.

According to China Central Television (CCTV) on the 21st, China recently deployed the J-16 for the first time to the People's Liberation Army Western Theater Command, which is responsible for border security in the Himalayas. The Western Theater Command is the largest area among the PLA's five theater commands, including Xinjiang and Tibet.

The J-7 is a second-generation fighter jet developed by China in the 1960s based on the Soviet MiG-21 technology. Chinese experts explained that the J-16 has been deployed to all five PLA theater commands?East, West, South, North, and Central?and is replacing the J-7.

The twin-engine multipurpose fighter J-16 is equipped with powerful firepower, including a 30mm cannon, 12 air-to-air missiles, satellite-guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles. It also has electronic warfare capabilities to disrupt enemy radar. Along with the stealth fighter J-20, it is considered a mainstay fighter jet of the Chinese Air Force.