Will the Advanced J-20 Fighter Jet Enter Iran?

According to Rokna, the J-20 is a Chinese fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group for air superiority missions and strikes against enemy infrastructure and fortifications. This advanced fighter officially entered operational service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force in 2017.

The J-20, as a fifth-generation fighter, is recognized as one of the most advanced combat aircraft in the world and is considered a formidable competitor to U.S. fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 and F-35. It also represents a significant milestone in China’s defense technology advancements.

The Stratfor website notes that looking at the history of the J-20’s test flights, two fifth-generation Chinese fighters with a defined design flew on November 1, 2016, marking the official debut of the new J-20. This aircraft is among a few fifth-generation fighters globally, and its appearance symbolizes the remarkable progress of China’s air force over the past two decades. However, the stealth design of the J-20 still has certain weaknesses that the Chinese Ministry of Defense and the PLA are seeking to address.

Primarily, the J-20 is a heavy, long-range air superiority fighter. Its main focus is to achieve and maintain aerial dominance, intercept distant targets such as reconnaissance and refueling aircraft, and penetrate enemy airspace. Its larger size indicates a longer operational range, potentially greater internal fuel capacity during flight, and advanced radar systems for targeting hostile aircraft.

Global Security, showing a schematic image of the J-20, reports that China is actively seeking to enhance the capabilities of the fighter. The site also notes that different J-20 variants, including “Black Eagle,” “Mighty Dragon,” and “Black Silk,” are currently in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.

With a length exceeding 21 meters, wingspan of approximately 13 meters, average speed of Mach 2.5 (over 3,000 km/h), and an operational range of 2,000 kilometers, the J-20 occupies a unique position among the world’s next-generation fighter jets.