Are China’s J-20A stealth fighters now updated with high-thrust WS-15 engines?

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Alcott WeiJanuary 29, 2026 at 10:12 AM

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Recent footage released by Beijing shows flight tests of upgraded J-20A stealth fighters, suggesting they may now be equipped with the domestically produced WS-15 high-thrust engines. The aircraft, identified as new J-20A prototypes by state news agency Xinhua, were observed in a yellow zinc-chromate primer, indicating they are in the pre-delivery testing phase. The J-20A is an upgraded version of the original J-20 stealth fighter, which entered service in 2017. China has been developing the J-20A with improvements to its aerodynamic design, avionics, and engine capabilities. The upgrades are significant as they aim to enhance the fighter's performance and reduce reliance on foreign engine technology.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Xinhua 60% J-20 ×280% WS-15 ×285% China ×290% J-20A ×595%

Keywords

j-20a stealth fighter 100% ws-15 engines 90% stealth fighter 80% high-thrust engines 70% china 70% avionics 60% flight tests 50% aerospace industry 40%