Chinese J-16 fighter jet might soon be in service

Photos of a newly painted multi-purpose J-16 fighter jet going viral on the internet, suggested that the aircraft might soon be in service, a media report said on Thursday.

Designed and manufactured by China's Shenyang Aircraft Industry Group, the J-16 is a multi-role fighter/bomber variant, based on the J-11BS with longer range and upgraded avionics, People's Daily reported.

As seen in the photos, the J-16 fighter is powered by a WS-10 turbofan engine and was painted in a shade of purple.

The J-16 has a slightly different vertical stabiliser compared to J-11 fighter or J-15 naval fighter jets.

The J-16 can use a variety of domestic air-launched weapons, which will greatly expand its use and development potential.