China is improving its fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon fighter jet to surpass the US F-22 Raptor
The US Department of Defence has presented its concerns about the J-20 Mighty Dragon in a new report. The Pentagon believes China is improving the fifth-generation fighter.
Here's What We Know
The J-20 Mighty Dragon poses a threat to US F-22 Raptor aircraft. The report says the People's Liberation Army is preparing an upgrade for the J-20 that would allow the fifth-generation fighter to carry more air-to-air missiles without sacrificing stealth.
In addition, a two-seat version, dubbed the J-20S, has been unveiled. Experts believe that this version of the fifth-generation fighter will be able to operate joint-use drones.
The J-20 Mighty Dragon is almost an exact copy of the F-22 Raptor and can carry an identical number of missiles. However, modernisation will give the J-20 an advantage. U.S. officials believe that the range of the Chinese PL-15 missile exceeds that of the AIM-120 AMRAAM. It should be noted, however, that the U.S. Air Force is keeping the range of the AMRAAM in its newest configuration a secret.
The Pentagon wants to turn the situation in its favour with the AIM-260 JATM (Joint Advanced Tactical Missile), which is to replace the AIM-120. Details of the programme are classified, but production is expected to start in 2023. Although the original plan called for the JATM to enter service in 2022.
By the beginning of this year, China had 180-220 J-20 Mighty Dragon fifth-generation fighters. The Pentagon report indicates that annual production reaches 40-50 aircraft. Such a conclusion is drawn from the serial markings that can be seen on photos of fighter jets appearing on the Internet. However, it is not excluded that it was applied purposefully to mislead.
