US aircraft painted to resemble Chinese stealth fighters for drills

An F-16 specializing in playing the role of US enemy troops appeared for the first time with a black-gray paint scheme, similar to China's J-31 stealth fighter.

US F-16C fighter (top) and Chinese J-31 (bottom). Photo: Aviationist.

An F-16C fighter jet from the 18th Fighter Squadron of the US Air Force was spotted with a black paint job and a gray nose, similar to the exterior paint of the J-31 stealth fighter developed by China. This could be a sign that the US Air Force is preparing training exercises to counter the advanced fighter jet of the Chinese Air Force, according to Aviationist.

The US currently has two fighter units specializing in playing the role of the enemy, including the 18th and 64th Squadrons. Their aircraft are painted, insignia and equipped like potential opponents of the US and NATO, typically Russia. However, this is the first time that US aircraft have used paint colors imitating Chinese fighters instead of colors and patterns like Russian fighters as before.

The J-31 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by China, advertised as having power and modern features that are not inferior to the US F-22 Raptor, F-35 or Russia T-50. Some military experts believe that the J-31 was built by China based on secret information about the US F-35 program that Chinese spies stole, according to Military Factory.

The F-16C with serial number 86-0295 was previously painted in Arctic white and gray. The new black and gray paint scheme only appeared during the Red Flag - Alaska 17-3 exercise, which took place at the end of July. The mission of these F-16 fighters is to play the role of the enemy (Aggressor), to help pilots train in the most realistic combat environment possible.

86-0295 in its former Arctic white and gray paint scheme. Photo: Flickr.

Eielson Air Force Base, home to the 18th Fighter Wing, said the F-16C's black-and-gray paint scheme is only half complete and will be repainted after Red Flag Alaska concludes.

According to VNE