Last year was a year of great strength growth for the Chinese Air Force, especially in the deployment of the J-20 fighter jet. Judging from public reports, the J-20 fighter is mass-produced and put into service one after another, while the production of the J-15 carrier-based fighter and the J-16 fourth-generation semi-fighter is also accelerating. All this indicates that China's aviation industry is making every effort to promote the production of advanced fighter jets to replace obsolete equipment and improve the overall combat capability of the air force.
Against the backdrop of growing international tensions, the signals from this change speak for themselves. First of all, the numerical superiority of fighters cannot be ignored. Although the performance of high-tech weapons and equipment is crucial in air combat, when the performance of the fighters of both sides is similar, numerical superiority will largely determine the outcome of the air confrontation. Ten fifth-generation fighters may have an advantage over dozens of fourth-and-a-half-generation fighters, but if the opponent is also a fifth-generation aircraft, then numerical parity is particularly crucial.
The continuous improvement of the J-20 fighter is also an important aspect. Last year, it was officially revealed that the J-20 had been put into service in the five major theaters and was equipped in the elite units of the air forces in various theaters, such as the Wang Hai Brigade and the Wudu Eagle. At present, nearly 10 air force units have been equipped with the J-20, and many units have achieved full strength and formed combat effectiveness. These fighters not only began to participate in maritime patrol missions, but also had close contact and combat with the US military's F35, demonstrating their strong air combat capabilities.
In the future, the number of J-20 fighters deployed is expected to reach 600 to 800 or even more. Its production speed exceeds outside expectations, and the relevant manufacturers may produce at a rate of nearly 100 aircraft per year. As an expensive and complex heavy fifth-generation fighter, the J-20's rapid production and deployment is a remarkable achievement. Before the sixth-generation fighter enters service, the J-20 and its improved models will be the main fighters of the Air Force.
At the same time, the J-15 and J-16 non-stealth fighters are also in mass production, aiming to meet the expansion needs of the Navy's carrier-based aviation and replace the old equipment of the Air Force. The mass deployment of these fighters will help improve the Air Force's comprehensive combat capability, allowing it to carry out both effective offensive and solid defense.
【Author's Comments】
The mass production and installation of the J-20 fighter jet demonstrates China's commitment to building a modern air force. As an advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-20 is designed to integrate a number of cutting-edge technologies such as stealth, supersonic speed, and high maneuverability, making it the sharp knife of the Chinese Air Force. The deployment of the J-20 not only enhances the tactical capabilities of the Chinese Air Force, but also marks China's important position in the global military technology race.
Secondly, the accelerated production of J-15 and J-16 fighters reflects the rapidly developing needs of the Chinese Navy and Air Force. As a carrier-based fighter, the production of the J-15 is closely related to the Chinese aircraft carrier construction program. As the number of Chinese aircraft carriers increases, the corresponding carrier-based aircraft fleet also needs to be expanded. The J-16 is a multi-role fighter, and its accelerated production will help replace the aging Flying Leopard series and other fighters, and improve the Chinese Air Force's ability to fight in multiple domains.
From a strategic point of view, these developments demonstrate China's military strategy in many ways. On the one hand, it shows that China is improving its military defense capabilities, especially in terms of air superiority, which is essential for maintaining national sovereignty and regional stability. On the other hand, it is also a way for China to demonstrate its military power and technological development in the broader international arena.