China's J-16 fighter jet gains praise for versatility, aerodynamic power

China's domestically developed J-16 fighter jet, a fourth-generation multirole aircraft, is a highly rated piece of military hardware among engineer for its aerodynamic design, heavy weapon load, and evolving combat capabilities, including air, sea, and land strike missions.

This praise is rooted in the jet's advanced structural design. 

According to Ai Zhiqiang, an engineer at AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, the J-16 features large-strake wing-body integration, a conventional twin-vertical-tail layout, and clipped-tip tail fins, elements that enhance its aerodynamic performance.

"In my opinion, the J-16 is flawless, and the soldiers also often say this aircraft has no shortcomings. Its smooth overall aerodynamic design, superb flight control capability and high combat effectiveness really make it stand out among fourth-generation fighters," Ai said.   "The aircraft's nose section has an avionics system and equipment tailored for combat missions, and at the front is the main fire-control radar, complemented by auxiliary systems like electro-optical radars and other detection radars," he added.

Beyond the core flight and combat systems, the engineer also highlighted functions of other key components of the aircraft such as the drag chute.

"This is the drag chute. Also, at the front [of the J-16] are compartments for countermeasure munitions like flare and decoy cartridges. During landing, the drag chute, a parachute-like canopy, is deployed from the rear to rapidly decelerate the aircraft and assist in landing," said Ai.

Ai also highlighted the J-16's strength as a combat platform, noting that its versatility has led to specialized variants like the J-16D, China's new electronic warfare aircraft built on the same foundation.

"The platform of the aircraft is truly excellent. We have numerous innovative technologies being demonstrated, verified, and having their capabilities upgraded or unleashed on this platform. Therefore, participation in the J-16's development involves extensive subsequent work like optimization, iteration, capability demonstration, verification, and continuous functional upgrades," Ai said.

China's J-16 fighter jet gains praise for versatility, aerodynamic power

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"