J-16

AVIC describes the J-16 as a twin-seat heavyweight multirole fighter developed and improved from the J-11B, according to China Daily. RUSI estimated approximately 450 deliveries to the PLAAF by the end of 2025, without a separate baseline J-16/J-16D breakdown.

Overview

AVIC describes the J-16 as a twin-seat heavyweight multirole fighter developed and improved from the J-11B, according to China Daily. The Aviationist identifies the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as its sole operator. The USAF's FY2026 posture statement assessed China's fleet at more than 225 J-16s in May 2025 and identified their ability to carry a very-long-range air-to-air missile. RUSI subsequently estimated approximately 450 deliveries to the PLAAF by the end of 2025; its cumulative delivery estimate does not provide a separate baseline J-16/J-16D total. RUSI also uses the designation “Flanker-N” for the aircraft.

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