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

China is set to supercharge the advanced J-20 stealth fighter with avionics upgrades on 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 released 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.

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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.

Analysts said internal advancements would come next and existing technology was expected to be refined.

“It needs to improve the performance of its avionics system, such as its radar and infrared searching and tracking,” Zhang said.

“Its airborne weapons, or air-to-air missiles, will undoubtedly have increasingly longer ranges and stronger anti-interference capabilities. It is also crucial to continuously upgrade its engines.”

South China Morning Post