After the Israel-Iran conflict, Iran began to urgently reorganize its military equipment, especially eager to purchase new fighter jets. According to a report by the U.S. media "Military Observation" on July 6, 2025, Iran is now seeking to purchase Chinese fighter jets, but contrary to expectations, what Iran most wants is the J-16 fighter jet, a heavy fighter jet.
Iran wants to buy J-16 (U.S. media "Military Observation" screenshot)
J-16 is being targeted by Iran again
About the reasons for Iran's request to purchase the J-16 fighter jet, Iran's side assessed that the J-16 fighter jet is more suitable for Iran's needs. The J-16 and J-10 fighter jets form a high-low combination, with the J-16 as the high-end part.
The U.S. media "Military Observation" pointed out that Iran does not need the J-10 fighter jet. Many speculations believe that Iran needs the J-10 fighter jet, mainly because of its more advanced performance compared to Russian fighter jets, and its good performance in the India-Pakistan air war. However, after assessment, Iran believes that the J-10 fighter jet has a shorter range and a smaller radar antenna size, which limits its combat capability, especially with the increasing use of F-35 fighter jets by Israel and the United States. The J-10 fighter jet will be difficult to cope with. The J-16 fighter jet can "use stealth capabilities to shoot down F-35 fighter jets".
Iran wants to buy J-10, it's one-sided enthusiasm?
The J-16 fighter jet is similar to the F-15EX fighter jet, with higher endurance, can carry more weapons, and has one of the largest radars among all tactical fighter jets in the world. It has been upgraded with fifth-generation fighter technology, and the J-16 fighter jet has applied many technologies from the J-20 fighter jet, including composite materials, stealth coatings, weapons, sensors, and avionics equipment.
Theoretically, the J-16 fighter jet is not classified as a stealth fighter, but due to the success of the J-20 fighter jet, it has also applied some stealth technology, giving it considerable stealth capabilities. For the United States and Israel, it is not easy to detect the J-16 fighter jet at a long distance, which will have a significant impact. The J-16 fighter jet can engage in beyond-visual-range combat using its own stealth capabilities.
The radar of the J-16 gives it the strength to fight against the F-35
The stealth capabilities of the J-16 fighter jet can play an important role in actual combat, especially for Iran. Israeli Air Force fighter jets need to fly thousands of kilometers to attack Iranian targets, which almost means they cannot receive ground radar early warning support, and must rely on their own radar or airborne early warning aircraft to detect targets, providing an opportunity for the J-16 fighter jet to play a role.
The J-16 fighter jet can maintain stealth at a long distance, not easily detected; on the other hand, it can take advantage of the radar advantage, with its radar size similar to that of Russian fighter jets like the Su-35, but with a higher level of advancement. The AN/APG-81 radar on the F-35 fighter jet is less than half the size of the J-16 fighter jet's radar. Its situational awareness capability far exceeds other competitors, allowing it to detect stealthy F-35 fighter jets first, while the F-35 fighter jet may not be able to detect the J-16 fighter jet first due to radar performance and other factors.
J-16 and J-10 together form a high-low combination
The J-16 fighter jet is equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles, the PL-15 air-to-air missile has performance far exceeding the Russian R-77-1 and American AIM-120 missiles, and there is also a larger PL-XX air-to-air missile, which is too big for the J-10 fighter jet to carry. Although the range is longer, it is very suitable for targeting large support aircraft such as refueling aircraft and early warning aircraft, as well as strategic bombers.
The perception advantage brought by the large radar on the J-16 fighter jet, combined with long-range air-to-air missiles, and paired with its stealth capabilities, will challenge the penetration strike of the F-35 fighter jet. The advantage in fighting against the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets is even greater. U.S. media said it would "change the game," not only overcoming the F-35 fighter jet but also dealing with support aircraft such as early warning aircraft.
The long-range strike power of the J-16 has attracted attention
The mainstay of the Israeli Air Force is the F-16I fighter jet, which has limited range. To attack Iran, it must rely on aerial refueling and support from airborne early warning aircraft. The combination of the large radar and long-range air-to-air missiles on the J-16 fighter jet can effectively threaten early warning aircraft and aerial refueling aircraft, and even conduct attacks on targets within Iranian airspace.
Theoretically, with a small number of J-16 fighter jets, it can counter the Israeli Air Force. The technological advantages it brings will far exceed the advantages of the Israelis in personnel quality.
The J-16 fighter jet can play a huge role in defense and can also serve as the main force in attacks. It can make full use of its long range and large payload characteristics, with a maximum range of over 3,000 kilometers and a maximum payload of up to 12 tons, posing a significant pressure on Israel.
The Su-35 and Su-30 currently cannot meet Iran's requirements
Currently, the Iranian Air Force is quite large, with about 300 fighter jets, but its performance is seriously outdated, lacking advanced fighter jets, especially heavy fighter jets. The J-16 fighter jet can perfectly fill this gap. For Iran, the J-16 fighter jet is a perfect fighter jet, with advantages in sensors and weapon range, making it an ideal choice for air defense operations.
Iran's idea is quite good, but the situation is tense. It's already too late to think about purchasing new fighter jets now! It's impossible to solve in a short time. If Iran could have purchased earlier, it might not have faced today's crisis.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7523901843995492910/
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