The advances in the aerospace field of the People’s Republic of China are palpable in multiple areas, one of the most notable being the military. This reflects the various developments promoted and carried out that provide great capabilities to the Popular Liberation Army (EPL). This has been reflected in the introduction of fifth generation fighters such as the Chengdu J-20 and the future Shenyang J-31/J-35, as well as, with a lower profile, the new generation fighters that will compete with the NGAD program. from United States. Next, we will briefly review the status of progress of the aforementioned programs and projects of the Asian Giant.
J-20 and J-31 fifth generation fighters
Along with the United States and Russia, the People’s Republic of China is the other manufacturer of fifth-generation fighters, which are used as the main means of air superiority combat by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). To date, depending on which figures are collected, the country maintains a fleet of approximately two hundred J-20 units, with more aircraft listed in the manufacturing process. In addition, the update and modernization programs must be listed, the most notable being the adoption of a new powertrain.
Originally powered by a Saturn AL-31 engine of Russian origin, which equipped the first production batches, Chengdu quickly began the process of replacing this propulsion plant with the locally developed and manufactured Xian WS-10. However, the Chinese company’s most ambitious plans rest on the adoption of the new and more efficient WS-15 engine. The latest reports recorded in 2023 indicated that test flights of the first aircraft had begun, giving rise to a new version of the Chinese fifth-generation fighter called “J-20A”. However, despite the announced advances, new aircraft leaving the production plant have been observed still carrying the WS-10 engine.
Regarding the latter, the latest estimates from specialists who closely follow the current state of aerospace development in China, have mentioned some revisions to the figures and production rates, indicating that from the Shenyang facilities they have already managed to reach the figure of 300 manufactured fuselages, counting both those actually delivered to the PLAAF, as well as those that are in various states of completion and assembly.
Finally, regarding the J-20, it has been noted that various improvements in addition to the engine are being introduced in the J-20A, providing it with capabilities similar to those that the American F-35 would possess once it receives the TR update. -3 and Block IV modernization. Among these would be the introduction of new materials that would reduce both its radar signature and thermal signature to cope with the increasingly sophisticated air defense systems and air-to-air missiles.
The other great advance in China’s aerospace industry is the development of the Shenyang J-35 and FC-31, which, based on the same platform, would seek to respond to the requirements of the Navy and the Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army. In the first case, to provide Chinese aircraft carriers with a true fifth-generation stealth fighter; while, in the second, to emulate the F-22/F-35 binomial of the USAF, with the combination of the J-20 and the FC-31, the latter lighter and more versatile than the first.
It should also be mentioned that the FC-31, like the F-35, would be oriented, unlike the J-20 and F-22, to the export market in order to equip potential allies of China, being one of the countries that Pakistan has expressed its interest. It is necessary to remember that this country has an important alliance with China, which was reflected in the development of the JF-17 Thunder fighter and the incorporation of the J-10C in record time.
H-20 bomber:
Another of the great development projects of the People’s Republic of China is the construction of a new strategic stealth bomber. Called the H-20, this would have certain similarities in design with the B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider bombers of the United States Air Force. However, to date no further details have emerged regarding its progress. Various specialists have indicated their doubts about the willingness of the EPL authorities to continue the project. However, the Chinese regime is famous for its secrecy on matters of national security, as evidenced by the development and construction of future aircraft carriers beyond Fujian. At the moment, no further information is known about this ambitious program.
Sixth generation fighters:
Even surrounded by greater secrecy, the development of sixth-generation fighters is without a doubt the next big bet of the People’s Republic of China. Called J-XD, this seeks to be the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s response to the United States’ NGAD program. However, this designation has been popularly granted by various specialists who have echoed this development.
Little is known about this development, other than to presume that it has similarities with the NGAD, making use of new propulsion, design and stealth technologies, seeking to operate in a multi-domain manner in various areas of operations. It is also not unreasonable to think that it could be the control platform for various swarms of drones arising from the various Loyal Wingman-type UAVs currently in development.
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