CAC J-20 'Mighty Dragon' | Status Spring 2025 Author Andreas Rupprecht Size A4, 300dpi resolution pdf Volume 29 pages with 25 colour photos, four tables and one physical map.. ISBN 978-1-95039-417-3 Retail price 999.00 EUR Order details Click here Release date February 2024, updated March 2025

• Executive summary

Having performed its maiden flight as a demonstrator in January 2011, the CAC J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ was introduced into active PLAAF service in late 2016. Today it equips two test and training units and nine confirmed active front-line
brigades, with possibly four more currently under conversion or already converted, but not confirmed yet.

By September 2024, even conservative estimates assume that since serial production started in late 2015 about 250 to 280 J-20s have been delivered and several more units are said to be under conversion.

The aircraft is currently being produced at a rate succeeding 60 airframes per year – some sources even claim 80 to 100 for 2023 and 2024 – a figure no previous Chinese fourth-generation fighter has achieved.

Furthermore, the testing of improved versions, including a twin seater and one dramatically improved with new engines, is progressing rapidly.

Today, the J-20 is based with each of the PLA’s five theatre commands – serving not only as a dedicated, highly specialised, high-end fighter, but also as a regular modern multi-mission aircraft in standard units.

This represents an enormous increase in terms of quality over all its predecessors, which will have a clear impact on any future mission planning in the Far East.


Contents
• The programme
• Assessing the production rate
• Time line of events
• Main mission and area of operations
• The weapon systems
• Variants
• Conclusions
• Abbreviations
• Bibliography