1 Question on the J-20 Fighter: Could it Take on the F-35?
Key Points and Summary: A leaked image of the J-20’s cockpit suggests a highly advanced, AI-assisted interface, potentially giving Chinese pilots enhanced situational awareness and easier weapons control.
–The J-20, a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter, is designed for air superiority and precision strike missions. It features an AESA radar, an electro-optical/infrared targeting system, and internal weapons bays.
-While the J-20’s combat capabilities remain untested, its increasing presence, including potential “grey zone” incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone, signifies a growing challenge to US and allied air power in the region, particularly when considering a possible conflict over Taiwan.
J-20 Mighty Dragon: How Advanced Is China’s Answer to the F-35?
The Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter is the pride of China’s air force. The “Mighty Dragon” has Chinese generals drooling as they contemplate aerial combat battle plans they can execute with the fifth-generation fighter. American intelligence analysts are on alert as they scour open-source information about the J-20. One aspect of the Mighty Dragon that has aroused interest is a leaked photo on X from last fall’s Zhuhai air show that looked like a J-20 cockpit.
The Cockpit Appears to Be Highly Advanced
If so, it would be an excellent place to start when it comes to analyzing the capabilities of the J-20. The look inside is difficult to discern, but at least one media outlet thought it showed a high level of craftsmanship and technological prowess.
“Dominating the center of the cockpit is a wide, multifunctional display – a hallmark of high-end modern combat aircraft. This display isn’t just an interface; it’s an intelligent control hub that enables the pilot to manage weapons, navigation, and mission systems with minimal effort,” according to BulgarianMilitary.com.
Will This Be the Difference That Makes the J-20 an Excellent Dogfighter?
This would mean the J-20 is as advanced as advertised. The cockpit looks pilot-friendly and could give the Chinese aviators an advantage in dog fighting. The pilots can pay close attention to flying the airplane while modernized weapons control makes it easier to launch munitions.
The J-20 program is secretive, and the Chinese are probably unhappy that this photo was leaked. Any intelligence that can be gleaned from this image interests China watchers.
It May Be Infused with Artificial Intelligence
This is the reason why the J-20 is using some form of artificial intelligence to help with the fire control system and targeting. AI could also give the pilot the benefit of better situational awareness. This looks like a “smart” cockpit leaping ahead of older Chinese fighters relying on analog controls.
Since the F-35 is billed as a “flying computer,” China wants to keep up with the United States and eventually eclipse the Americans in fighter jet development.
J-20 Fighter. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
“By incorporating these advanced technologies, China is signaling its commitment to enhancing its military capabilities to match those of the United States and other global powers. The J-20’s cockpit design demonstrates China’s progress in integrating smart technology to achieve seamless, efficient control, underscoring the country’s advancements in stealth fighter innovation,” Dagens News revealed.
More About the J-20
The J-20 is a single-seat, all-weather stealth interceptor. The air superiority fighter has twin engines. The airplane can deliver precision-guided munition strikes and evade enemy radar on Day One of a conflict with Taiwan or the United States. The J-20 could clear the way by eliminating enemy air defenses and radars and allow follow-on attacks by ballistic missiles and bombers carrying cruise missiles or other ordnance.
The J-20 development dates back to the late 2000s when its initial flight was in 2011. The airplane entered active duty in 2017. It will eventually replace the Su-27 and Su-30 in the Chinese fleet.
The J-20 deploys an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an electro-optical/infrared targeting system. Weapons are stored internally with long and short-range air-to-air missiles. Russian Salyut AL-31FM2 engines power the airplane.
Has It Appeared in ‘Grey Zone’ Missions Against Taiwan?
The J-20 will be the airplane to watch in the coming years. It is important to note that neither this airplane nor its pilots have combat experience. However, China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) often uses “grey zone” warfare tactics where they practice weekly incursions into the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) of Taiwan. Usually, fighters such as the J-16 and J-10 conduct these missions. How often the Mighty Dragon has violated Taiwan’s ADIZ is unclear.
J-20 Stealth Fighter. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The J-20 gives the PLAAF more options in aerial combat and on strike missions, so Taiwan and the United States should be forewarned that this airplane will be built in large numbers and replace older non-stealth warbirds. This will give the PLAAF a fleet of fifth-generation airplanes that could rival the F-22 and F-35. It may outclass Taiwan’s F-16Vs, depending on the pilot’s skill.
Judging from the cockpit, The Mighty Dragon has much potential to change the balance of aerial technology versus the United States. It is a highly advanced airplane that intelligence analysts will watch closely. The cockpit is clean and sleek, much like the fighter itself. I am interested in seeing how much information will be leaked about the J-20 and if it will be featured in Taiwan ADIZ encroachment missions regularly.
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.
