Summary and Key Points: Steve Balestrieri, a former US Army Special Forces officer and national security columnist, evaluates the Chengdu J-20 and new J-20S, the newest variant of China’s premier stealth fighter.
-Unveiled in 2025, the J-20S introduces a Mission Systems Officer (MSO) to manage Electronic Warfare (EW) and coordinate drone swarms, such as the GJ-11.
-This 19FortyFive report analyzes the aircraft’s WS-15 supercruise capabilities, its 1,100nm combat range, and its role as a “carrier killer” command hub, comparing its rapidly growing production numbers against the USAF F-22 Raptor and the global fleet of F-35 Lightning IIs.
1,000 Stealth Fighters by 2030: The Massive Production Leap of China’s J-20 Fleet
The Chinese built the first stealth fighter aircraft outside of the United States. The J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter, code-named “Fagin” by NATO, is China’s most prevalent fighter.
China is rapidly accelerating production of the Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter, with an estimated fleet of over 300 aircraft now in service as of early 2026. Production has escalated to roughly 100–120 units annually, with projections suggesting China could field up to 1,000 J-20s by the 2030s.
The J-20S, the newest variant, is the first fifth-generation two-seater, stealth fighter developed by China for the PLAAF and unveiled in 2025 for specialized, non-training combat roles.
It acts as a command hub for coordinating drone swarms, performing electronic warfare (EW), and executing long-range maritime strikes. The J-20S enhances battlespace situational awareness through advanced sensor fusion, and it is expected to operate in tandem with other J-20 variants and unmanned systems.
China Central Television reported that, “It boasts exceptional medium-and long-range air superiority capabilities, precision strike capabilities against ground and maritime targets, as well as prominent situational awareness, electronic jamming and tactical command and control capabilities, and is capable of conducting manned-unmanned teaming operations.”
Long-Range Maritime Strike Capabilities Of The J-20S
“Of particular note is the potentially expanded role of the J-20S for maritime strike operations, relative to the J-20. As the PLA will almost certainly fight within range of airbases in China, a stealth aircraft equipped for maritime strike operations could significantly increase the risk to allied forces operating in or near the first island chain,” Ben Lewis, the founder of PLATracker, an organization dedicated to monitoring Chinese military activity and development, said.
Fifteen years on, Lewis said, the PLA continues its efforts to expand the capabilities of its J-20 aircraft.
“The J-20S, in particular, represents a significant progression in the aircraft’s development, providing the potential for an expanded suite of weapons and systems to facilitate the integration of unmanned aircraft,” Lewis added.
There are several key features of the J-20S stealth fighter worth noting. The aircraft features a second pilot/crew member who will manage electronic warfare, sensors, and unmanned (loyal wingman) drones, making it the first fifth-generation fighter to have two crew members.
The Mission Systems Officer (MSO) is responsible for managing electronic warfare systems, coordinating with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and overseeing complex tactical operations. This dual-crew configuration enables the J-20S to serve as a tactical command node in the air.
The MSO can direct loyal wingman drones, such as the FH-97A or GJ-11, enabling the J-20S to conduct multi-drone attacks, reconnaissance missions, and electronic suppression operations.
This second crew member relieves the pilot of extra responsibilities and enables the aircraft to become more responsive and capable in combat. The result is a fighter that not only engages in direct combat but also serves as a drone quarterback, enhancing the effectiveness of surrounding assets. It will function as a sensor-fusion role, similar to how the US uses the F-35.
Other features include an advanced stealth design, a powerful WS-15 engine for supercruise, integrated avionics with 360-degree sensor coverage, a large internal weapons bay, and high maneuverability afforded by its canard-delta wing configuration.
These features work together to allow the J-20s to penetrate enemy airspace, strike high-value targets, and perform complex combat missions.
J-20 Fighter. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
J-20 Mighty Dragon. Image Credit: Creative Commons
The J-20S Mighty Dragon Is Stealthy
The J-20S’s stealth capabilities are achieved through a combination of design features, including a blended wing-body, diverterless supersonic inlets (DSIs), internal weapons bays, and radar-absorbent materials.
While its overall stealth is considered inferior to some American counterparts, such as the F-22, its design offers better multi-directional stealth from the sides and rear. The aircraft also features advanced avionics and sensor fusion to enhance situational awareness and support stealthy operations.
The J-20’s design minimizes its radar signature, especially from the front, by using a chiseled nose, blended wing-body, internal weapons bays, and diverterless supersonic inlets.
This low observability is crucial for an ambush-style attack, allowing it to slip past enemy patrols undetected.
Like other stealth fighters, the J-20 stores its weapons in a storage bay. It has four beyond-visual-range (BVR) and within-visual-range (WVR) missiles. With internal fuel tanks, the J-20 can travel 1,100 nautical miles.
Recently, a J-20 pilot of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), Captain Yang Jucheng of the “Wang Hai” Brigade, claimed that he overflew the entire island of Taiwan and was never once intercepted. He reportedly penetrated Taiwan’s airspace, and Taiwan’s air defense systems were utterly unaware that the aircraft was even there.
The Powerful WS-15 Engine Can Supercruise
The Chinese report the J-20S’s speed as Mach 2.55 (1956 mph). It is capable of supercruise, flying supersonic without using fuel-intensive afterburners.
The J-20S has a high ceiling and can reportedly reach an altitude of 65,000 feet. China has indigenously developed the Shenyang WS-10 afterburning engine, which delivers 30,000 pounds of thrust and powers the J-20.
J-20 Fighter from China. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
J-20 Fighter. Image Credit: Chinese CCTV.
J-20 Fighter from PLAAF China. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Initially, the J-20 relied on Russian-supplied Al-31 engines but has transitioned to the domestically produced WS-10C engine and will ultimately adopt the upcoming WS-15, which should provide the J-20 with supercruise capabilities, i.e., sustained supersonic flight without the use of afterburners.
The WS-15 should significantly increase the J-20S’s range, enabling China to project airpower deeper into contested airspace across the sprawling Indo-Pacific region.
J-20S’s Integrated Avionics Package
The J-20’s integrated avionics system includes an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for infrared search and track (IRST), a distributed aperture system (DAS) for 360-degree situational awareness, and a helmet-mounted display system (HMDS) for the pilot.
These sensors are linked via advanced sensor fusion to create a unified picture of the battlespace, enabling the J-20 to operate in a command-and-control role by connecting with other assets, such as drones and ground stations.
Large Internal Weapons Bay
The J-20S stealth fighter features a large central internal weapons bay and two smaller side bays, allowing it to carry a variety of weapons while maintaining stealth.
The main bay can hold long-range air-to-air missiles like the PL-15 and PL-21, or guided munitions, while the smaller side bays are typically for short-range missiles like the PL-10.
This internal carriage is crucial for its low observability, enhancing its speed and survivability by reducing drag and its radar signature.
In situations where stealth is less critical, such as in areas with established air superiority, the J-20 can use its external hardpoints to carry additional weapons, sometimes called “Beast Mode”.
The J-20S Is Highly Maneuverable
The J-20S’s maneuverability is considered strong, with recent versions demonstrating high agility, though its effectiveness with a combat load is debated.
Its maneuverability is enhanced by thrust-vectoring controls on some models, allowing sharp turns and high-G maneuvers that have been likened to those of the highly agile F-16.
While its stealth design is intended to reduce radar signature, it may compromise maneuverability to some extent.
However, while the J-20S’s maneuverability is impressive, its performance when fully armed with internal weapons is still an area of uncertainty and debate among aviation analysts.
Will The J-20S Be A Gamechanger In A Pacific War?
If a shooting war between the United States and China does occur in the near future, the J-20S two-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter could significantly challenge US air superiority over Taiwan by acting as a “carrier killer” and networked command node, enabling stealth maritime strikes, commanding drones (MUM-T), and disrupting US command-and-control with long-range weapons like the PL-17.
Its integration into a comprehensive kill web, including AI, EW, and early-warning aircraft, reduces US detection advantages and threatens to push carriers out of the first island chain.
With production projections of 1,000 J-20s by 2030, China is matching, and could surpass, the U.S. in fifth-generation numbers in the theater, eroding the numerical superiority the U.S. has traditionally relied on.
The J-20S can also act as a force multiplier by acting as a command center for unmanned “loyal wingman” drones, allowing one pilot to focus on flight and another on mission systems and drone control, further shifting the technological balance away from the U.S.
However, The J-20’s Numbers Are Still Currently Below The F-35
While China’s numbers are growing rapidly and the J-20 fighters are indeed a formidable force, one should note that the US operates 187 F-22 Raptors and that over 1,200 F-35s have been built.
While the F-22 is out of production, the new NGAD F-47 has already entered limited production. And in terms of production, the F-35 isn’t being outproduced. However, Chinese production is rapidly increasing. With a fleet of 1,000 J-20s, it will present a formidable challenge.
Lockheed Martin produces a stable rate of 156+ F-35s per year and delivered a record 191 F-35s in 2025, despite being constrained by a backlog of aircraft requiring software upgrades. In 2024, 110 F-35s were delivered, and the stable production rate of 156+ is expected to continue.
How Will The US And Its Allies Cope?
Of course, not all F-35s are stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, but the numbers show that our allies are well-stocked with F-35s, which helps maintain high deterrence.
Japan already operates the F-35A, in addition to the US aircraft stationed there. The number of US F-35s fluctuates due to deployments aboard aircraft carriers. And the Japanese Defense Forces have ordered 147 F-35s.
Japan is developing the sixth-generation Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) sixth-generation fighter. South Korea operates about 40 F-35As as well as its own stealthy KF-21 Boramae fighters.
Australia has a fleet of 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, with the final one delivered in December 2024. This acquisition completes the initial commitment to equip three operational squadrons and a training squadron at RAAF bases Williamtown and Tindal. There have been discussions about acquiring an additional 28 F-35A aircraft in the future, bringing their total to 100.
Singapore is slated to receive 20 F-35s in early 2026. By 2030, approximately 1,500 F-35s are expected to have been built, with several hundred stationed in Europe.
China’s numbers are rapidly growing and should not be discounted. And while the US retains a qualitative edge, China’s production numbers are increasing, and the implications for the balance of power are daunting.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
