J-20

The J-20 is China's fifth-generation, stealth fighter jet, developed to enhance the People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF) capabilities. It is newsworthy due to recent advancements and potential impact on regional power dynamics. Recent developments include flight tests of an upgraded J-20A variant, potentially equipped with domestically produced WS-15 high-thrust engines and improved avionics. Furthermore, a British think tank estimates that China could operate approximately 1,000 J-20s by 2030. This significant increase in J-20 deployment could challenge the air power projection capabilities of the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly near the first island chain. The J-20's upgrades and increased numbers are strategically relevant as they contribute to China's growing military modernization and its ability to project power in the region.