Zitat:PLAAF converting air divisions into brigades
5 January 2014
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Zitat:Shenyang J-16 undergoing flight test
5 January 2014

Chinese social media revealed yet another new fighter aircraft development programme currently undergoing flight test. The latest revelation is a Shenyang (SAC)-produced copycat of the Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKK (NATO code name: Flanker-G) two-seater multirole fighter, reportedly designated by the PLAAF as the J-16.
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The J-16 is likely going to be equipped with Chinese-made weapon suite, possibly including the PL-12 ‘beyond-visual-range’ MRAAM, the YJ-91 (Kh-31P copy) anti-radiation missile, the YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missile, the KD-88 TV-/radar-guided air-to-surface missile, and various laser-guided bombs.

The Su-30MKK/J-16 has a combat radius of 1,600 km without requiring aerial refuelling. This is increased to 2,600 km with one refuelling, or 3,500 km with two. This allows the aircraft to reach targets as far as the Java Sea even taking off from inland airfields, or loiter for significant periods over contested areas of the South China Sea. Another distinctive advantage of the aircraft is its sophisticated C4ISR capability, which allows the aircraft to either operate alone, or as an airborne command post for other combat aircraft (as how the Su-30 was originally proposed for the Soviet Air Force).
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Zitat:PLA’s Flanker fighter family

By DX on 15 February 2014
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Zitat:...
31 March

CHINA
The Chinese air force has carried out its first ever exercise over the western Pacific Ocean … several long-range bombers „of a new type“ flew over the ocean via the Bashi Channel (between Taiwan and the Philippines).
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Zitat:...
21 May

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CHINA
Chinese air force bombers flew over the Miyako Strait for „routine training“ in the West Pacific.
(rmks: shows clearly that the air force has a maritime strike role)
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Zitat:Possible J-16 EW variant makes its first flight

A possible new electronic warfare (EW) variant of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) J-16 twin-seat strike fighter made its first flight on 18 December, according to Chinese sources, potentially adding a significant offensive capability to the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

Zitat:Beijing shifts large number of naval aviation units to air force

China appears to have conducted a major reorganisation of its naval airpower, with several key People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aviation units moving to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). According to the US Air Force’s China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), at least 10 PLAN brigades and one bomber regiment have been transferred to the PLAAF. [...] The transfers account for most of the PLAN’s strike and air combat capabilities. [...]

The reorganisation also creates a more seamless air defence picture along China’s coastline. While the PLAAF was tasked with air defence along most of China’s coast, the PLAN had responsibilities for two areas, including Hainan Island and the province of Zhejiang. The PLAN and the PLAAF were jointly responsible for air defence of the northern Shandong province.

Zitat:Black Mystery Craft Spotted Slung Under Chinese H-6 Bomber

What is seen hanging underneath an H-6 in a recent picture is not a WZ-8 rocket drone, leaving open multiple possibilities.

The object is not a WZ-8 rocket-powered supersonic spy drone, which is designed to be air-launched from a version of the H-6. What can be seen of its general shape and size does not appear to directly conform to any other known operational or in-testing Chinese air-launched systems, which leaves its identity a mystery. [...]