In an analysis published this month, Ordnance Science and Technology said the photo of a J‑16 carrying multiple long‑range missiles circulating in May showed that China’s air force had developed more offensive tactical capabilities.

“This J-16 sortie used 10 external-weapon hardpoints, already approaching the extreme-load ‘beast mode’, forming a sharp contrast with the restrained loadout methods shown previously,” the article said.

“Beast mode” refers to a fighter jet’s maximum-payload configuration, aimed at maximising its single-aircraft ordnance load and sustained combat capability.

Chinese state media have used the term to describe other fighter jets operating with a full weapons load.

The photo was originally issued by a Chinese aviation oversight body and then quickly spread through international open-source intelligence networks, according to Malaysia-based digital media platform Defence Security Asia.