Islamabad (Khyber Mail) July 7, 2025 — Pakistan is reportedly evaluating the acquisition of China’s Shenyang J-16D electronic warfare jet, a move that could significantly enhance the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) capabilities amid evolving regional challenges. While no formal announcement has been made, defense sources and open-source intelligence point to growing interest in the platform, particularly after its participation in multiple Sino-Pak joint exercises, including the Shaheen series.
The J-16D is a specialized variant of the J-16 multirole strike fighter, developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Designed to rival the American EA-18G Growler, the twin-seat, twin-engine J-16D features powerful electronic warfare (EW) systems, including wingtip jamming pods, digital receiver arrays, and support for anti-radiation missiles that target enemy radar installations.
Derived from the J-11BS airframe (itself based on the Russian Su-27), the J-16D is a 4.5-generation fighter equipped with two WS-10B afterburning turbofan engines, each producing 135 kN of thrust. It incorporates an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for advanced target tracking, and omits an internal cannon and infrared search and track (IRST) system to optimize space for EW equipment. The aircraft features 12 external hardpoints capable of carrying anti-radiation missiles, PL-12/PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and precision-guided munitions. It boasts a top speed of Mach 2.4, a range of 3,000 km, and a service ceiling of 56,800 feet.
The J-16D’s mission profile includes disabling enemy radar, communications, and missile guidance systems, making it a critical asset for first-wave strike operations and airspace denial. Its integration would significantly bolster Pakistan’s ability to neutralize Indian air defense networks, particularly the S-400 Triumf systems deployed along the border.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) currently operates an estimated 30 to 40 J-16D aircraft, primarily within its Eastern and Southern Theater Commands, where they are tasked with missions around Taiwan and the South China Sea. Some units may also be stationed in the Western Theater Command, providing high-altitude training and coverage near the Indian border. More broadly, the PLAAF has fielded over 350 J-16 airframes, making it one of the largest heavyweight fighter fleets in the world.
If the J-16D enters PAF service, it would complement the upcoming J-35 stealth fighters, further diversifying Pakistan’s air combat doctrine and underscoring its strategic reliance on Chinese platforms.