China Integrates J-20S Fifth Generation Fighters to Strengthen Network Centric Warfare Capabilities
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On July 7, 2025, China reached a new stage in the development of its stealth combat aviation by officially fielding a two-seat version of its J-20 fighter within the operational units of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This version, identified as the J-20S, is the first fifth-generation stealth fighter globally to feature a tandem crew configuration, with both a pilot and a mission systems officer. Its operational status was confirmed through several recent visual observations conducted as part of the preparations for the upcoming military parade on September 3, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Second World War.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The J-20S is based on the J-20A airframe, with a lengthened canopy to accommodate a second seat (Picture source: X Channel @RupprechtDeino)
During these aerial rehearsals, J-20S aircraft were seen flying in formation alongside J-20A and standard J-20 units in clearly structured tactical groupings, indicating their active integration into combat formations. A key element confirming this status is the five-digit serial number “78737” displayed on the vertical stabilizer of one of the observed aircraft. This marking indicates its assignment to the 172nd Air Brigade, based at the Cangzhou Flight Training Base in Hebei Province, an air unit combining advanced training and operational reserve functions. This direct observation is a reliable indicator of the platform’s formal entry into service, beyond experimental use.
The J-20S is based on the J-20A airframe, with a lengthened canopy to accommodate a second seat. The second crew member is not tasked with training but operates as a mission systems officer responsible for managing electronic warfare tasks, coordinating long-range strike missions, controlling stealth drones such as loyal wingmen, and overseeing real-time network-centric operations. This dual-crew layout is intended to reduce pilot workload and improve mission effectiveness, particularly during extended-range operations. The J-20 is estimated to have nearly double the combat radius of U.S. F-22 or F-35 fighters.
Another notable element observed during the pre-parade flights is a darker overall paint scheme applied to the J-20S and to certain J-20A variants. This updated coating likely reflects an evolution in radar-absorbing materials, possibly aimed at enhancing electromagnetic and infrared stealth characteristics. Additionally, the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) under the nose of the J-20S has a distinctive bluish tint, consistent with a newer generation of sensors offering full spherical coverage. This enables the aircraft to detect and track targets passively in all directions without relying on active radar, preserving its low observability in combat conditions.
The flight of the J-20S alongside two J-20A and two standard J-20 aircraft suggests its operational integration into mixed formations, possibly in a command and coordination role. It is positioned not only as an air superiority fighter but also as an airborne tactical node capable of managing manned and unmanned systems, including future platforms such as the Dark Sword UCAV. This capability aligns with future network-centric warfare concepts that require real-time sensor fusion and coordinated decision-making in contested environments.
In terms of propulsion, visual indicators suggest the J-20S is powered by an improved variant of the WS-10 engine, likely the WS-10C2, which offers enhanced supercruise performance and reduced infrared signature. Some units may also serve as testbeds for the WS-15 engine, which is designed to enable supersonic cruising without afterburners. This configuration, combining advanced propulsion, systems, and mission roles, supports increased agility, operational range, and payload flexibility while maintaining stealth characteristics.
Unlike Western doctrine, which favors single-seat fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, China appears to pursue a different operational approach. The twin-seat configuration reflects a strategic intent to address the growing complexity of multi-domain operations. The presence of a second crew member allows for more effective operation of autonomous systems, improved management of tactical communications, and enhanced decentralized command capability in environments with high electronic warfare and sensor saturation.
The confirmed assignment of the J-20S to the 172nd Air Brigade, identified through visual serials, darker camouflage, and upgraded sensors, indicates that the aircraft is fully operational and not a prototype or demonstrator. Its deployment could lead to the development of further specialized variants, including those focused on electronic warfare, long-range strikes, and airborne command. This reflects a broader shift in Chinese airpower doctrine toward a modular, multi-role architecture centered on the J-20 platform.
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On July 7, 2025, China reached a new stage in the development of its stealth combat aviation by officially fielding a two-seat version of its J-20 fighter within the operational units of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This version, identified as the J-20S, is the first fifth-generation stealth fighter globally to feature a tandem crew configuration, with both a pilot and a mission systems officer. Its operational status was confirmed through several recent visual observations conducted as part of the preparations for the upcoming military parade on September 3, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Second World War.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The J-20S is based on the J-20A airframe, with a lengthened canopy to accommodate a second seat (Picture source: X Channel @RupprechtDeino)
During these aerial rehearsals, J-20S aircraft were seen flying in formation alongside J-20A and standard J-20 units in clearly structured tactical groupings, indicating their active integration into combat formations. A key element confirming this status is the five-digit serial number “78737” displayed on the vertical stabilizer of one of the observed aircraft. This marking indicates its assignment to the 172nd Air Brigade, based at the Cangzhou Flight Training Base in Hebei Province, an air unit combining advanced training and operational reserve functions. This direct observation is a reliable indicator of the platform’s formal entry into service, beyond experimental use.
The J-20S is based on the J-20A airframe, with a lengthened canopy to accommodate a second seat. The second crew member is not tasked with training but operates as a mission systems officer responsible for managing electronic warfare tasks, coordinating long-range strike missions, controlling stealth drones such as loyal wingmen, and overseeing real-time network-centric operations. This dual-crew layout is intended to reduce pilot workload and improve mission effectiveness, particularly during extended-range operations. The J-20 is estimated to have nearly double the combat radius of U.S. F-22 or F-35 fighters.
Another notable element observed during the pre-parade flights is a darker overall paint scheme applied to the J-20S and to certain J-20A variants. This updated coating likely reflects an evolution in radar-absorbing materials, possibly aimed at enhancing electromagnetic and infrared stealth characteristics. Additionally, the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) under the nose of the J-20S has a distinctive bluish tint, consistent with a newer generation of sensors offering full spherical coverage. This enables the aircraft to detect and track targets passively in all directions without relying on active radar, preserving its low observability in combat conditions.
The flight of the J-20S alongside two J-20A and two standard J-20 aircraft suggests its operational integration into mixed formations, possibly in a command and coordination role. It is positioned not only as an air superiority fighter but also as an airborne tactical node capable of managing manned and unmanned systems, including future platforms such as the Dark Sword UCAV. This capability aligns with future network-centric warfare concepts that require real-time sensor fusion and coordinated decision-making in contested environments.
In terms of propulsion, visual indicators suggest the J-20S is powered by an improved variant of the WS-10 engine, likely the WS-10C2, which offers enhanced supercruise performance and reduced infrared signature. Some units may also serve as testbeds for the WS-15 engine, which is designed to enable supersonic cruising without afterburners. This configuration, combining advanced propulsion, systems, and mission roles, supports increased agility, operational range, and payload flexibility while maintaining stealth characteristics.
Unlike Western doctrine, which favors single-seat fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, China appears to pursue a different operational approach. The twin-seat configuration reflects a strategic intent to address the growing complexity of multi-domain operations. The presence of a second crew member allows for more effective operation of autonomous systems, improved management of tactical communications, and enhanced decentralized command capability in environments with high electronic warfare and sensor saturation.
The confirmed assignment of the J-20S to the 172nd Air Brigade, identified through visual serials, darker camouflage, and upgraded sensors, indicates that the aircraft is fully operational and not a prototype or demonstrator. Its deployment could lead to the development of further specialized variants, including those focused on electronic warfare, long-range strikes, and airborne command. This reflects a broader shift in Chinese airpower doctrine toward a modular, multi-role architecture centered on the J-20 platform.
