Key Points and Summary on J-20A Stealth Fighter from China: Recent images of China’s J-20A “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter flying in formation suggest it is preparing for a public debut at a military parade this September.
-The photos reveal key upgrades, most notably modified air inlets that indicate the long-awaited, powerful, domestically produced WS-15 engine is now operational.
-This new engine likely gives the J-20A supercruise capability, significantly boosting its performance and bringing it closer to the US F-22 Raptor.
-While its all-aspect stealth remains questionable, the J-20A represents a formidable and rapidly advancing threat, particularly in a potential conflict over Taiwan.
China’s J-20A Fighter Jet Able to Bully the People’s Republic’s Neighbors
It should be no surprise by now. The Chinese Air Force has undergone significant growth over the past 20 years. And for someone like me, who studies China’s military for a living, it has me worried
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) boasts stealth aircraft, next-generation fighter jets, and bombers, as well as the Navy’s carrier-borne warplanes to bolster the fleet. Now, we are seeing evidence that the J-20A Mighty Dragon fighter, with radar-evading attributes, is flying regularly. This appearance sends a message to the West that the PLAAF is exhibiting ever-improving airplanes to dominate the airspace in its neighborhood and beyond.
Netizens Are Spotting More J-20A Flights
On July 2, a J-20A was spotted in training mode—most likely preparing for overflights to celebrate China’s 80th anniversary of winning World War II, to be held in September. The J-20A has been spotted by eagle-eyed internet sleuths flying in the skies over various regions of the country while patrolling alongside the J-35—another stealth warbird.
The South China Morning Post noted how this is the second time that the J-20A has been spotted knifing through the air. The newspaper cited a report by The War Zone that showed a Mighty Dragon on a runway after completing a training mission last autumn.
This sighting is more evidence that the PLAAF has confidence in the J-20A.
Engine Upgrades Improve Performance
The J-20A has been updated with more powerful, next-generation WS-15 turbofan engines. This development is giving Western intelligence analysts a jolt as the Chinese continue to improve the Mighty Dragon. The previous propulsion system had been seen as a weak point on the base model. There have been more upgrades this year.
“The images shared this week show the fighter using modified diverter-less supersonic inlets (DSI)—a type of jet engine air intake—with smaller compression bumps than earlier versions, optimized for the advanced airflow characteristics of the WS-15 engines. These smaller bumps are expected to improve both stealth and aerodynamic performance while supporting the engine’s higher pressure ratios and greater mass now demands,” the South China Morning Post explained.
The J-20A differs from the original J-20 because it has a “reprofiled nosecone, a deeper spine, and a slightly raised cockpit,” according to the War Zone.
The J-20A is a fifth-generation warplane that has many enviable characteristics. It also has the numbers to be a problem. There are likely more than 250 J-20s serving, and at least nine PLAAF air brigades that feature the airplane.
The Weapons Bays Could Be a Detriment
The J-20A’s main armament is the PL-10 short-range air-to-air missiles fired from side internal weapons bays. However, the door of the weapons bay must be held open for launch, and the Americans believe that this action could increase the radar signature of the J-20A, allowing sensors to spot it. Therefore, the J-20A may not possess the same stealth attributes as the F-35 and F-22.
Moreover, the J-20A has no combat experience, and the pilots are relatively new to operating airplanes with stealth features. The PLAAF aviators can certainly activate the J-20A’s supercruise mode, and this is another redeeming feature of the updated Mighty Dragon.
More Specs on the J-20A
The J-20A is a single-seater. It has a 70-foot fuselage. The top speed is Mach 2, even with an 81,000-pound maximum takeoff weight. The combat range is 1,200 miles. Maximum payload for weapons is 24,000 pounds.
The Mighty Dragon can carry medium-range, long-range, and very long-range air-to-air missiles. This includes precision-guided bombs and anti-radiation missiles.
Giving Taiwan Fits
The J-20A also features advanced radar and effective sensors, providing enhanced situational awareness. This is a versatile warbird capable of dogfighting and ground attack modes. It will be survivable in network-centric warfare. However, the F-22 is considered a better-performing airplane when engaged in dogfighting. The J-20A is likely not as stealthy as advertised. Deploying it against Taiwan would be a perfect use case for the Chinese, though. The J-20A would outclass anything the Taiwanese could put in the air. If the United States or Japan refuses to intervene in an attack on China’s neighbor, the J-20A pilots would have an enjoyable time in the skies over Taiwan.
This airplane appears promising on paper and now demonstrates its ability to conduct rehearsal missions in grey zone tactics against Taiwan. China is producing them rapidly and establishing air brigades throughout the country. This warbird can conduct air policing missions in a spirited manner to protect the homeland, and it can also carry out offensive missions when escorting PLAAF bombers.
The J-20A is a fighter jet to watch. China will continue to produce them, and they will be dominant against Taiwan. The stealthiness is likely overrated, and the American Raptors and Lightning IIs would be able to spot and track it on radar more effectively than the PLAAF would admit. Nevertheless, the J-20A should be considered a fifth-generation aircraft, and with an improved engine, it is formidable. Look for China to keep upgrading it in the future.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
Military Matters
Russia’s Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter Is a Waste of Rubles
