Advertisement
China's military weapons
ChinaMilitary

China set to supercharge fifth-gen J-20 stealth fighter with radar, engine and AI upgrades

Analyst tells state media Mighty Dragon’s airborne weapons are expected to have a longer range and stronger anti-interference capabilities

2-MIN READ2-MIN
35
Listen
A military analyst interviewed by state broadcaster CCTV indicates that China’s J-20 stealth fighters are set for avionics upgrades on its radar, engines and AI integration. Photo: CCTV
Holly Chik
China is set to supercharge the advanced J-20 stealth fighter with avionics upgrades to its radar, engines and AI integration to cement the fifth-generation jet’s pivotal position in aerial warfare, a military analyst told state media.

The Mighty Dragon, China’s answer to the American F-22 Raptor, was also effectively operating alongside the country’s stealth attack drone and early warning aircraft, military commentator Zhang Xuefeng told state broadcaster CCTV in a programme on Saturday.

Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the Chinese home-grown jet’s maiden flight in Chengdu on January 11, 2011. It officially entered active service in March 2017.

10:01
What do we know about China’s two next-generation aircraft?

The twin-engined single-seater has since been seen as a symbol of the Chinese military’s modernisation and the best hope of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) against the most advanced stealth fighters of the US Air Force.

Developer Chengdu Aircraft Corporation has given the J-20 a shape that reduces reflection, a radar-absorbent coating and an internal weapons bay. In addition to that stealth technology, the fifth-generation fighter jet has supersonic cruise capabilities, super manoeuvrability and super avionics.
Select Voice
Select Speed
1x
AI-generated voice