The introduction of the Shenyang J-16D electronic warfare plane adds a new dimension to the contested skies of the Indo-Pacific, where Chinese and US Air Forces leverage their capabilities in East Asia.
For the American EA-18G Growler, it's the J-16D that will be its main opponent in electronic warfare, which is crucial to allow units to operate without getting detected. The Chinese plane is not an F-35, but it has the means to spoof and blind radar for electronic stealth that benefits not only one unit.
PLAAF's Strike Fighter
Adding the J-16D to the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is an important feat to counter American Growlers in the electronic warfare realm, reported the View60s.
Recently the plane was on exhibition in the southern China city of Zhuhai Airshow, showcasing the jamming pods for electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, cited South China Morning Post.
It is not sure how well the plane is based on the carrier base J-16 that is initially templated from the Sukhoi Su-27 flanker, mentioned Air Data News.
Replacing what is the nose-mounted infrared search and track radar system with the 30-mm cannon from its equipment. Now add an enhanced EW suite and scanned array radar as it swapped out equipment.
Allow an offensive capacity with ground attack bombs and air to air missiles to fight in a normal dimension as in regular combat.
Chinese Fighter Inspired by US Peers
Photos of what appear to be four fancy modern and distinguishable jamming pods in the undercarriage and air inlets of the Chinese fighter are viral on social media. It is just a sample of the hardware in the planning stage, which is not as good as modern western EW equipment. But the western analysts give consolation for the Shenyang J-16D electronic warfare plane flying in as airworthy.
Experts contend that if the plane is already operational and fully tested, the system will need to be synchronized with the Chinese Shaanxi KJ-500, which is comparable to the US AWACS that does warning and controls aerial assets made in more numbers, noted Defense News.
According to Western experts, there is doubt that the PLAAF has the real deal. The US does not want such a system for electronic countermeasures that can confound its superiority.
Chinese Strategy
Fears that the J-16D will jam and fool an AWACS like the naval E2-C Hawkeye that the US Navy relies on for recon and air control are not cheery.
A concept of anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) that will lock out the US Navy in the South China Sea might endanger its Carrier Strike Groups, lessening its capability.
Allowing the PLAAF to conduct aerial bombing and hamper Taiwanese fighter defense by confusing radar and electronic equipment on the island.
Many Chinese planes with J-16s have been in restricted Taiwan air space. If the J-16D can confuse the US Aegis AN/SPY-1 radar, it will mean disaster, but Americans doubt China can cause such chaos.
Chinese equipment capabilities are guarded secrets that the USAF and US Navy may learn to their dismay. The PLAAF is not hiding its answer to the Growler, but it might be, according to the US, as nothing; no substance, but if it can perform, then it's another matter.
Shenyang J-16D electronic warfare plane is built with one thing in mind is providing electronic cloaking at a lesser cost with more fighters at the PLAAF's disposal in the Taiwan Strait.
