The PLAAF deployed the J-20 stealth fighter in active combat duty over the Taiwan ADIZ as Nancy Pelosi's visit materialized in Taipei. As the PLA readied for what was to come, the Chinese media reported the Chengdu Mighty Dragon's initial action.
Chinese PLA Showcases Strength
China released footage of J-20 stealth fighter planes conducting military maneuvers. Last Tuesday, the stealth jets took off from an airstrip as Beijing prepared to counter Pelosi's arrival with rockets and missiles, reported EurAsian Times.
According to the Global Times, Gu Zhong, the PLA Eastern Theater Command's deputy chief of staff, stated that military maneuvers comprised combined blockade, sea assault, land attack, air superiority, and live-fire precision weapon firing.
Included among the 27 warplanes that hurtle into the air defense zone of Taiwan is the enclaves Ministry of Defense. The PLAAF fighters involved in the penetration of the ADIZ were six J-11s, five J-16s, and 16 Russian Su-30s as the combat package.
China's Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
This Chinese heavy-weight interceptor, which first flew in 2017, is Beijing's answer to the F-35 and F-22; it has subsequently been modified.
PLAAF's quest to get the aircraft they have now has taken a decade, with challenges from its US competitors, notably the F-22 Raptor. From the construction of the hefty two-engine interceptor to the enhancements it now has, it is faster than the F-35.
These aircraft are developed in various ways, with the United States adopting a lengthy waterfall development and testing strategy and a model of pursuing long-term predictive requirements for the lightweight US stealth fighter.
After the 2011 actual test flight, China employed iterative approaches, with nine noticeable upgrades within five years. By March 2017, mission systems had been upgraded, and the first operational J-20 stealth fighter had been deployed to a front-line unit ahead of schedule.
Issues on the Chinese 5th Gen Aircraft's 1st Flight
According to its manufacturer, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the J-20 had issues on an early test flight that may have resulted in disaster, noted SCMP.
On December 18, 2012, a jet was taxiing at high speed on a runway. The cockpit display indicators were green only three minutes into the test when the ground data detectors issued a warning, prompting ground control to seek an emergency test abort.
Thanks to the Mighty Dragon's close shave, it's much better now. The fifth-generation fighter is active in the Indo-Pacific region, where it once met an F-35 over the East China Sea.
It received positive feedback from Pacific Commander General Kenneth Wilsbach, who found the Chinese plane better than expected. Last April, the plane was given the go-ahead to patrol the Indo-Pacific.
Mighty Dragon Compared to Its US Rivals
According to Chinese specialists, data on the J-20's specifications shows it is equal to the F-35 and F-22. Like its US competitors, it has a stealthy airframe, jet nozzles, and air intakes.
Mighty Dragon can engage beyond visual range (BVR); it can lock and fire a missile from a long distance (100 miles) and then bug out of the contested area.
The next-generation fighter's rapid development has resulted in issues that must be resolved a year before it is completely operational.
Most of the J-20 stealth fighter specs are not revealed and are supposed to steal tech from the US. But the concern it's on active combat duty in the Taiwan ADIZ.
