China Upgrades J-20 Stealth Fighter to Challenge U.S F-22

Video Above: F-35s to Eurpoe

By Kris Osborn – President & Editor-In-Chief, Warrior Maven

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force is pursuing a number of ambitious upgrades to its 5th-generation J-20 stealth fighter in a clear effort to keep pace with the U.S. F-22.

The upgrades include increasing the number of air-to-air missiles the jet can carry in “stealth mode” to improve air-attack range, precision and firepower, the Pentagon’s 2021 China report says. 

The Pentagon’s 2021 “Report on Military and Security Developments involving the People’s Republic of China” also says the Chinese are installing a thrust-vectoring nozzle and adding an F-22-like “supercruise” ability with the installation of indigenous WS-15 engines.

Supercruise

Supercruise refers to the F-22s ability to achieve and sustain Mach-speed without having to use an afterburner, due to the power and thrust of the engine. 

This means the attack jet can pursue longer and more detailed attack missions without having to return to refuel as quickly as most fighters need to.