Published : 01/11/2024

On November 1, 2016, China's J-20 fighter jet made its public debut.

The J-20 is the new generation stealth fighter jet developed by China, featuring a single seat and twin engines.

It uses a canard aerodynamic layout, with a wingspan of 12.88 metres, a height of 4.45 metres, an empty weight of 17,000 kilograms, a maximum takeoff weight of 37,000 kilograms, a maximum flight speed of 3,062.7 kilometres per hour, and a maximum range of 6,000 kilometres.

The J-20 made its public debut at the 11th Zhuhai Airshow, where two aircrafts performed a flight demonstration.

After the debut, PLA Air Force spokesperson responded by stating that the J-20 is designed to meet the needs in future battlefield, and it could further enhance the comprehensive combat capability of the Air Force, helping the Air Force better fulfil its sacred mission of safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

The J-20 successfully made its maiden flight on January 11, 2011. After its public debut, it appeared in combat formation for the first time at the military parade celebrating the 90th anniversary of the PLA's founding on July 30, 2017.

By February 9, 2018, the J-20 had officially started being deployed to military units.