I think once all the J-7's and the J-8's are all decommissioned the PLAAF should slowdown in its fighter procurement at least the Flankers. And focus more on stockpiling air to air missile's, PGM's and invest in more advanced jamming pods, targeting pods and HMS. Those things are just as important as the planes itself. That is the lesson from the war in Ukraine. And maybe more resources should go to the ground forces which in my view has been neglected in the modernization drive. Which mainly focusses on the air force and navy.
What is the relationship between the production of the J-16 and the new munitions and pods?
Munitions and aircraft’s are two completely different systems, yes, just like the Pl-15 and J-20, some of them were designed at the same time and intend to fit each other, but most of the time they pretty much go their separate ways and are not related to each other, you can clearly spot this pattern at the Zhuhai Airshow. The J-16 is a great platform to carry a variety of large munitions and pods.
The PLA on the other hand are quite open these days with their new aircraft but still very conservative in showing off their munitions, but given how crazy the PL-15/10 is spreading and how almost every aircraft (even old jh-7a) has a self defence jamming pod, I think the PLA are very aware of this.
Please don't fall into the misconception of judging the PLA through Russia, they are now completely different from their equipments to their startegies to their military building philosophy.
