The US Air Force does not fear the dominance of China's fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon fighter because it is copied from the US F-22 Raptor aircraft
This week, during the Air & Space Forces Association's annual symposium, the U.S. military touched on an interesting topic. It concerns China's fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon fighter.
Here's What We Know
J-20 is a clone of the world's first fifth-generation fighter. We are talking about the American aircraft F-22 Raptor. The US authorities believe that China has stolen American technology and almost completely copied the F-22.
General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, spoke about the Chinese aircraft during a conference near Washington. He acknowledged that the J-20 fleet is growing. China is believed to have as many as 200 fifth-generation fighters.
However, the general said the Mighty Dragon is not the dominant aircraft at the moment. China's sole fifth-generation fighter cannot surpass the capabilities that the US and allies have.
The U.S. Air Force has the F-22 and F-35A aircraft in service. The US Navy and Marine Corps use the F-35B and F-35C fighter jets. To its allies, the US also sells versions of the F-35A and F-35B. The commander of the US Pacific Air Forces believes that the overall strength will be enough to meet any challenge from the J-20 Mighty Dragon.
The general had a few words to say about Taiwan. He does not believe that the J-20 poses no threat to the island nation. Rather, in the event of war, China will likely use other aircraft. Among them are H-6 strategic bombers.
In addition, Kenneth S. Wilsbach sees the KJ-500 long-range radar detection aircraft as a threat. China has increased its fleet, while U.S. capabilities are declining. The E-7A Wedgetail aircraft (pictured below), expected to arrive soon, will help solve the problem.
The Pentagon is also working on a sixth-generation fighter to replace the F-22 Raptor and ensure air dominance. The U.S. Air Force wants about 200 of the aircraft. The next-generation fighter should be available by the middle of the next decade, and a prime contractor will be selected by the end of this year. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are the main contenders, while Northrop Grumman has officially withdrawn from the race.
Source: The War Zone
