China's J-16 fighter jet, a versatile powerhouse, delivers unmatched combat strength with its robust propulsion system and ability to carry a vast array of weapons, according to its designers.
The fighter jet made waves at the grand military parade on Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
J-16 fighters appeared in the early warning command aircraft formation, special mission aircraft formation and the aerial refueling aircraft formation.
As the mainstay fighter of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, the J-16 series aircraft is truly in its prime.
"The J-16 fighter jet boasts exceptional maneuverability alongside formidable weapon-carrying capacity. Its platform can integrate a wide array of the Air Force's air-to-air weapons and its radar has upgraded to active phased array radar, which significantly enhances both its detection range and simultaneous target tracking capabilities. It also possesses strong integrated capabilities for multi-source situational awareness. Furthermore, it can form integrated combat systems with other equipment," said Wang Chenguang, a staffer of Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
Due to its strong weapon-carrying capacity, the J-16 fighter is also dubbed as the "bomb truck."
To enhance the J-16's overall combat performance, researchers implemented numerous innovations during the design and development process.
"The large number of weapons means their permutations and combinations grow exponentially. Through this rapid optimization design approach, our J-16 aircraft can adapt to more than 100 configurations while maintaining stable flight and combat readiness," said Wang.
China's J-16 fighter boasts robust combat capabilities: insider
China's J-16 fighter boasts robust combat capabilities: insider
A group of Japanese citizens held a study session in Shibuya, Tokyo on Saturday to reflect on Japan's history of aggression during World War II and voice opposition to the government's push for constitutional revision and military buildup.
During the session, the organizers screened videos about Japan's invasion of China, stressing that only a genuine understanding of history can the country be prevented from starting another aggressive war.
"We must earnestly study history and understand what the Japanese military did to China and other Asian countries, and what Japan has done in the past. Without understanding this part of history, it is very difficult to truly oppose war," said an organizer of the session.
At the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) convention in Tokyo last Sunday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared that "the time has come" to reform the Constitution, saying that "we would like to hold next year's convention with a proposal for a constitutional amendment in sight."
The ruling party also formally announced its new policy vision, recognizing its goal of revising the Constitution as "critically needed" in shaping Japan's future security framework.
Japan's Constitution, which took effect in 1947, is often referred to as the pacifist Constitution because its Article 9 renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits Japan from possessing "war potential" such as military forces.
The ruling party's move has sparked widespread concern and criticism in Japan as it could mark a significant turning point in Japan's postwar trajectory.
"The constitution clearly states that Japan forever renounces war. To change that would be equivalent to Japan reemerging on the world stage as an imperialist, war-waging nation. I believe all Japanese people must stand up to stop this," said a participant.
"We must never allow Takaichi's tendency to wage war. We must resolutely prevent Japan from going to war again," said another participant.
"The so-called enhancing 'deterrence' does not prevent war from happening. If all countries keep enhancing their military preparations in the name of deterrence, there will be no end to it. I think this actually serves the vested interests of imperialist capitalists and the arms industry, so we must never allow endless increases in defense budgets and arms races. Tax money should be used to improve the lives of workers and ordinary people," said another participant.
Japanese citizens hold study session to reflect on WWII aggression, oppose constitutional revision
Japanese citizens hold study session to reflect on WWII aggression, oppose constitutional revision
