Shenyang J-16 vs Su-27: how to tell them apart

Two versions of the same family. Name the wrong one in Spotrep and you still get family points, but the exact model scores most.

Shenyang J-16

Combat aircraft, China. In service since 2015

What gives it away

Two-seat Flanker: twin fins, widely spaced engines and a long tail sting, but no canards (unlike the Su-30SM); often seen with a grey radome and Chinese markings.

Used by

China

Su-27

Combat aircraft, Soviet Union. In service since 1985

What gives it away

Twin fins, long tail sting between widely spaced engines, large swept wing and no canards.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan

Shenyang J-16 · Su-27 · All guides