China's Next-Generation Stealth Fighter J-20 Enters Mass Production

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[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China has begun mass production of its next-generation stealth fighter jet, the 'Jian-20 (J-20)'.

This move comes shortly after the United States decided to sell 105 of its latest 'F-35' stealth fighters to Japan, indicating that the US and China have entered into an arms race.

The Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 13th that Chinese military authorities held a J-20 mass production ceremony on the 8th, attended by senior military officials including Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China. Vice Chairman Zhang is responsible for weapons development in the People's Liberation Army.

China is expected to deploy the next-generation stealth fighter J-20 in active service by the end of this year. The deployment of stealth fighters is anticipated to further enhance the operational capabilities of the Chinese Air Force, inevitably increasing tensions in the Pacific region.

SCMP cited military sources saying, "The J-20 has evolved into a fully stealth fighter with agility that meets the original standards."

SCMP also explained that the biggest feature of the J-20 entering mass production is the installation of a thrust vector control (TVC) system. TVC is a key technology required for controlling the fighter's attitude and flight trajectory. However, the engine is still reported to be Russian-made.

According to military sources quoted by SCMP, "The stealth fighter's engine is still under development," and "Development is progressing smoothly, so within the next 1 to 2 years, China’s own engine (J-20B) will be installed."

SCMP added that although Chinese military authorities are estimated to have produced about 50 J-20 fighters by the end of 2019, problems with the engine and other components have delayed further production. The J-20 was first unveiled at the China Airshow in October 2016. The exact performance of the Jian-20 remains unknown.

Meanwhile, China is expected to showcase the hypersonic long-range stealth strategic bomber 'Hong-20 (H-20)' at the Zhuhai International Airshow this November. The H-20 is reported to be a supersonic bomber equipped with stealth capabilities, capable of carrying weapons weighing up to 45 tons, including nuclear warheads. Its estimated range is about 8,500 km.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.