Latest news with #MightyDragon
India.com
11-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Pakistan in panic mode as India considers to purchase Russian SU-57 fighter jet, struggles to get Chinese J-35, now puts last hope on...
Pakistan was claiming for a long time that it would soon get J-35 fighter jets from China. These jets are known as fifth-generation fighter aircraft, which are very modern and advanced. But now, Pakistan's Defence Minister has clearly said that Pakistan is not buying J-35 jets from China and there are two main reasons behind this change. First, the pressure from the United States, and second, China is not ready to deliver these jets so quickly. Earlier also, experts had said that Pakistan was just making big promises and it was not possible for China to deliver such advanced jets in a few months. Meanwhile, India's Defence Secretary said that India is seriously thinking about buying fifth-generation fighter jets from a friendly country. As Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, many believe that India might buy the Su-57 fighter jet from Russia to meet its urgent needs. However, there is no official confirmation about this deal yet. Pakistan may ask China to give them J-20 'Mighty Dragon' stealth fighter A former fighter pilot of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and defence expert, Air Commodore (Retd) Khalid Chishti, has said that if China delays the delivery of the J-35A jets, then Pakistan may ask China to give them J-20 'Mighty Dragon' stealth fighter jets instead. These J-20 jets are also advanced fifth-generation aircraft. Pakistan's New Drama over Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was earlier claiming that it would get 40 J-35A stealth fighter jets (the export version of China's FC-31) within a few months. However, earlier reports had suggested that Pakistan may only get these jets by 2027, not anytime soon. In an interview with TRT Global, retired Air Commodore Khalid Chishti, a Pakistani defence expert, said, 'Pakistan does not have access to any other fifth-generation jets, so if India gets the SU-57E from Russia, then Pakistan will have to depend completely on China.' The J-20 is China's most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. It has been made only for the Chinese Air Force and is not for sale to other countries. So far, China has never sold the J-20 to anyone, and it has also never tried to sell it. What if Pakistan gets the J-20? Even though the chances of Pakistan getting China's J-20 fighter jet are very low, let's imagine what could happen if it actually does. Suppose China agrees to give the J-20 to Pakistan, Pakistan will face many problems. The J-20 is a very advanced jet, and using it would not be easy for Pakistan. Because: Pakistan will need a very well-trained pilots to fly it New airbases with longer runways Modern radar and air defense systems Advanced ground equipment And new types of missiles specially made for the J-20 Pakistan would also have to spend a lot of money to build all this support infrastructure. What is India doing in this race? India, too, has been discussing the need for a fifth-generation fighter jet for a long time. But unlike Pakistan, India doesn't have a money problem. For India, the challenges are more about strategy and geopolitics. India's own jet project, called AMCA, is still under development and may not be ready before 2035. So for now, India has two options: The Russian Su-57E The American F-35
South China Morning Post
04-07-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Photos of China's J-20A stealth fighter spark speculation about military parade debut
New images of China's J-20A stealth fighter have begun circulating on Chinese social media, with the photographer claiming the jet, also known as the Mighty Dragon, is rehearsing for a September military parade debut. Advertisement The photos of the J-20A were shared on Wednesday alongside photos of the J-35, another fifth-generation Chinese stealth fighter . In recent weeks, advanced aircraft have repeatedly been seen flying in formation across the country, including several identified as J-20A jets, according to social media posts. China will hold a grand military parade on September 3 in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II. It is expected to unveil new weapons at the event, including aircraft not seen in public before. An earlier sighting of the fighter, reported by The War Zone last September, showed the clearest image yet of a J-20A prototype bearing serial number 2052 in characteristic yellow primer paint on a Chengdu Aircraft Corporation runway in southwest China. According to the defence news site, this confirmed earlier speculation that the jet had undergone its most significant upgrades yet, with the installation of domestically developed WS-15 turbofan engines The images shared this week show the fighter using modified diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) – a type of jet engine air intake – with smaller compression bumps than earlier versions, optimised for the advanced airflow characteristics of the WS-15 engines. These smaller bumps are expected to improve both stealth and aerodynamic performance while supporting the engine's higher pressure ratios and greater mass flow demands.
The Print
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Chinese J-20 isn't just a fighter jet—it's a signal to US, Japan and India
State media framed the alleged incident as a textbook display of the J-20's stealth advantage, combat readiness, and pilot skill. One pilot's phrase, ' fighting with bayonets in the air ,' was highlighted as a metaphor for China's fusion of traditional fighting spirit with high-tech modernity. It also underscored a broader theme that China acts decisively to defend its airspace and maritime claims. Reports tied the interception to new Chinese infrastructure projects in the East China Sea, suggesting these developments have unsettled Japan , but that China has the upper hand. While the J-20 East China Sea encounter went largely unreported in English-language Chinese media and may have gone entirely unnoticed by Western outlets, it became a major topic on Chinese platforms like Baidu and Weibo. Hashtags such as '# J-20 pilot says we cannot back down ' and '# J-20 scrambles urgently to repel foreign military aircraft' garnered over 10 million and 47 million views, respectively. The Chinese phrase, 'He who controls the heights, wins,' captures the strategic logic increasingly evident in Chinese discourse—airpower is seen as central to modern warfare. A recent China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast showed a close-range encounter over the East China Sea, where J-20 stealth fighters, codenamed 'Mighty Dragon', claimed to have intercepted foreign aircraft, likely F-35s, approaching China's established Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). 'The J-20 is mighty—the pride of China's aviation industry and a shining star on the international stage,' read one comment. A Weibo post added: 'The J-20 has been fully upgraded—new domestic engines, enhanced avionics, improved tactics, and better training. We are confident and capable of facing future wars.' Another comment noted that the J-20's recent public appearance marked the maturation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's stealth fighter programme. These sentiments reflect a recurring narrative in Chinese state and online media: military strength is both proof and driver of national resurgence. Following China's strong support for Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor, this narrative gained further momentum. In Chinese discourse, the focus is less on tactical details and more on asserting regional air superiority and signalling strategic confidence. The message is clear, at least for the domestic audience: China is no longer playing catch-up; it is leading in its own theatre. J-20: A game changer In China's military narratives, the J-20 is not just an aircraft; it is a symbol of technological independence and strategic reach. It represents China's leap into fifth-generation fighter capabilities, combining stealth, speed, and long-range strike potential. Media coverage often features the J-20 conducting beyond-visual-range engagements under heavy electronic interference, showcasing agility and combat realism. The replacement of Russian engines in Chinese aircraft with fully domestic ones is portrayed as a milestone in defence self-reliance. Reports indicate that China now produces J-20s at a rate that could surpass the regional presence of the US F-35. Testing of a two-seat variant, believed to support manned-unmanned teaming, signals ambitions aligned with sixth-generation airpower. Chinese commentary highlights the J-20's ability to avoid radar detection until it is within 80 kilometres of enemy aircraft, creating what is described as a 'one-sided battlefield'. Its rapid combat readiness, airborne within eight minutes, is regularly cited, as are tactics like 'snake manoeuvres' and visible bomb bay deployments, which are said to deliver both tactical and psychological advantage. Support from electronic warfare aircraft like the J-16D adds to the portrayal of integrated, high-tech combat capability. The pilot corps itself is central to the narrative. With an average age of just 28, J-20 pilots are depicted as the face of a new generation, technically skilled, highly trained, and ideologically committed. A user on Baidu described the J-20 as 'the pinnacle of China's aviation ambitions,' combining sleek design, advanced sensors, and networked combat systems. Yet perhaps more than the jet's features, Chinese discourse highlights production scale as a core metric of power. It's proof of China's growing industrial and military strength. Wang Xiangsui, a professor at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, describes this as a doctrine of 'asymmetric air supremacy', not matching adversaries aircraft-for-aircraft, but offsetting their advantages through stealth, electronic warfare, and strategic agility. The J-20 is crucial to that doctrine. Also read: Japan is stepping back from NATO, not Indo-Pacific ties—China is watching the cracks closely China's sky surveillance edge The J-20 is part of a broader ecosystem of aerial dominance. Increasingly, Chinese narratives emphasise high-altitude drones, especially the Wuzhen-7 and Wuzhen-8, as critical for surveillance and deterrence. These unmanned systems are described as flying between 20,000 and 50,000 metres at speeds above Mach 7, far beyond the tracking range of Japanese F-15Js. The Wuzhen-8, in particular, is praised for its stealth and AI-driven systems, with some Chinese analysts calling it a 'quasi-sixth-generation' platform. These drones are cast as vital ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) assets, capable of sustained operations across contested airspace. Their high speed and long endurance are seen as major advantages over regional rivals, reinforcing China's claims to both technological and strategic superiority. What's the message? The messaging in Chinese discourse is deliberate: Beijing is preparing for a confrontation and intends to do so from a position of strength. Fifth-generation fighters, AI-driven drones, and rapid mobilisation are not just military assets. They are woven into a larger story of national revival, technological ascendancy, and strategic inevitability. The J-20 is not just a fighter jet—-it is a signal, aimed squarely at the US, Japan, India, and Taiwan. China aims to command the skies, and it is building both the arsenal and the narrative to make that clear. But first, it starts at home. Sana Hashmi is a fellow at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. She tweets @sanahashmi1. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
South China Morning Post
11-06-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China's J-20 stealth fighter's radar leap credited to semiconductors expert Xu Xiangang
China's J-20 stealth fighter has tripled its radar detection range, thanks to semiconductor advancements over the past two decades led by Shandong University scientist Xu Xiangang, according to the university. A silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductor material developed by Xu's team had powered a threefold increase in the detection range of phased array radar systems, allowing Chinese radars to swiftly detect enemies and gain the first-mover advantage, the university said on its social media page. 'From the J-20's on-board systems to advanced weaponry, this 'Chinese chip' is crucial for national security,' the May 30 post said. 'It enhances the range of Chinese radars, improves missile accuracy and boosts the power of laser weapons, making it an indispensable 'hardcore shield' in defence technology.' The J-20, also known as the Mighty Dragon, is a twin-engine stealth fighter viewed as China's answer to America's F-22 'Raptor'. It officially entered active service in March 2017. Xu, who is dean of the university's Institute of Novel Semiconductors, said it was important for researchers to address the country's needs.
India.com
30-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
China's indigenous fighter jet is giving tough competition to US's F-35, its name is.., top features include..
After the collapse of the USSR(Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), the global power balance has been gradually shifting. Russia is not as influential as it once was and cannot compete with the United States in every area. At the same time, China is growing significantly and is seen as a rising global power. Along with its economic growth, China has also made steady progress in modern military technology. In both these areas, China is now becoming a strong competitor to the United States. The role of air forces plays a significant role in today's warfare. Undoubtedly, the U.S. holds the pole position in this regard. Meanwhile, China is making every possible effort to match the global superpower. Recently, the United States announced the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet. Notably, both the U.S. and China possess fifth-generation fighter jets. While the U.S. Air Force is equipped with the F-22 Raptor, China's Air Force also has the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet. Both of these are fifth-generation aircraft. Surprisingly, the Chengdu J-20 has a unique feature that is also found in the Rafale fighter jet. Referred to as 'Mighty Dragon,' China's Chengdu J-20 fighter jet is the first fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. It was developed by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). According to the news 18 Hindi report, the key roles of the J-20 are to establish air superiority and enhance long-range strike capabilities. Furthermore, the aircraft strengthens China's strategic presence in sensitive regions like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Going by the media reports, a new tailless stealth jet has recently appeared on social media platforms, seen flying alongside the J-20S. This has led to speculation that China may be working on a sixth-generation fighter jet, although there is no official confirmation yet. Speaking of its Stealth Capabilities, the J-20 is designed to evade radar detection, featuring a low radar cross-section and technologies that reduce its infrared signature. Going by the News18 Hindi report, the J-20 is powered by two Shenyang WS-10C turbofan engines, which enable it to reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 and offer an approximate range of 5,500 kilometers. Speaking of its features, the J-20 features a modern digital glass cockpit, equipped with multi-spectral sensors, a helmet-mounted display, and an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS). These systems provide the pilot with 360-degree situational awareness, enhancing combat effectiveness. The J-20 is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including PL-10, PL-12, PL-15, and PL-21 air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, and anti-radiation missiles, making it capable of engaging various threats in the air, reported News18Hindi. The J-20 is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, a key feature of fifth-generation fighter jets. Notably, the Rafale fighter jet is also believed to use a similar radar system. The United States had strongly criticized the J-20 Mighty Dragon, claiming that China copied American technology to create a duplicate of the F-22 Raptor. This aircraft is known as the J-20 Mighty Dragon.
