There are indications that the 19th Air Brigade (AB) stationed within China‘s Central Theater Command (CTC) has begun to receive J-20 fighter jets, which would replace the older J-11 models.

Although the Chinese military has not officially announced this transition, various sources, including satellite images and military observer reports, indicate that the process is progressing.

The J-11s, which have served as a cornerstone of the Chinese air force for many years, are being gradually retired in favor of the more advanced J-20 stealth fighters. This shift underscores China’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its air force with state-of-the-art technology, focusing on enhanced stealth capabilities, extended-range precision strikes, and improved combat effectiveness.

The J-20’s superior radar-evading technology and advanced avionics position it as a crucial element in the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) strategy to secure air dominance in the region.

While the J-11s were significant during their operational period, providing a reliable multirole fighter platform, they are increasingly viewed as outdated compared to the advanced capabilities of the J-20. The decision to equip the 19th AB with these newer aircraft reflects China’s dedication to upgrading its military forces and maintaining competitiveness on the global stage, especially amid rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

It is still uncertain whether all units of the 19th AB have completely transitioned to the J-20, but confirmed sightings of these advanced fighters both on base and in operational settings strongly indicate that the replacement process is either complete or close to completion.

The introduction of the J-20 into the 19th AB is part of a larger trend within China’s military, as the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) continues to integrate more stealth fighters into its fleet, potentially signaling a significant shift in aerial power dynamics.

The decision to phase out the J-11s signifies the increasing confidence of the Chinese military in its capabilities, with the J-20 representing the pinnacle of extensive research and development efforts.

Although the J-20 is recognized as one of the most sophisticated fighter jets globally, achieving full operational integration within units such as the 19th Air Brigade is a significant milestone in China’s broader military modernization strategy. As the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) seeks to enhance its technological advancements and operational capabilities, the J-20 is expected to be instrumental in defining the future of China’s aerial supremacy.

The 19th Air Brigade of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) holds strategic importance within the Central Theater Command (CTC). This brigade is integral to China’s military aviation modernization initiatives, playing a vital role in safeguarding airspace and protecting essential regions within the country.

Renowned for its high operational readiness and professionalism, the brigade is situated in one of China’s most critical areas and actively engages in various training exercises and missions to uphold national security. The modernization efforts within the brigade focus on replacing outdated aircraft with advanced models that align with contemporary air and strategic security requirements.

The technological capabilities at the brigade’s disposal enable it to execute a diverse array of missions, ranging from air control and superiority to more intricate operations involving rapid response during crises. Furthermore, the 19th Air Brigade is pivotal in the operational integration of China’s air forces, participating in joint exercises and showcasing military capabilities.

The 19th Air Brigade, while not often revealing specific details about its aircraft numbers and specifications, is recognized as a premier unit within China’s aviation forces. It plays a crucial role in the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and modernization.

The Chengdu J-20, referred to as the Mighty Dragon, represents a significant advancement in China’s military aviation capabilities, positioning the country among the select few with fifth-generation stealth fighter technology. Since its first flight in 2011, the J-20 has attracted considerable attention, both for its performance and the debates surrounding its development.

The design of the J-20 incorporates sophisticated stealth characteristics aimed at minimizing its radar visibility. Its structure features a blended wing and fuselage, serrated edges, and materials designed to absorb radar waves.

These design elements collectively enhance the J-20’s stealth capabilities, although some experts have noted that certain features, such as its canards, may affect its stealth performance at particular radar angles.

Nonetheless, China has made significant strides in stealth technology, with reports indicating that the J-20’s radar cross-section is competitive with that of several Western models.

Initially powered by Russian AL-31F engines, the J-20 has seen a strong movement towards the development of domestic engines. The WS-10C engine, viewed as a temporary solution, has been integrated into later production variants, demonstrating performance levels comparable to the AL-31F.

The primary objective remains the WS-15 engine, which is expected to provide the J-20 with supercruise capabilities, enabling it to fly at supersonic speeds without the use of afterburners. This advancement would position the J-20 on equal footing with the F-22 Raptor. Although the development of the WS-15 has faced delays, recent updates indicate that it is approaching readiness for integration into the J-20 fleet.

China has also placed significant emphasis on enhancing the J-20’s avionics suite. It is equipped with a sophisticated active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, essential for both air-to-air combat and ground attack operations.

Additionally, the fighter incorporates systems such as the distributed aperture system (DAS) and electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), which are critical for situational awareness and targeting accuracy. These technologies enable the J-20 to detect, track, and engage targets from considerable distances, thereby improving its effectiveness in contemporary combat situations.

Regarding armament, the J-20 does not feature an internal cannon, a topic that has sparked discussion among military experts. While it is argued that missiles have largely replaced guns in modern aerial warfare, the lack of a cannon may present a vulnerability in close-range engagements.

Nonetheless, the J-20 is equipped with a formidable selection of missiles. It can internally carry PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles and PL-10 short-range air-to-air missiles, preserving its stealth characteristics, while also having the option to carry additional weapons externally, albeit at the expense of its stealth profile.

The J-20 is not merely an air superiority fighter; it is engineered as a multirole aircraft, proficient in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. This adaptability is facilitated by its internal weapon bays, which can accommodate a range of munitions such as air-to-surface missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and laser-guided bombs. Such capabilities position the J-20 as a crucial asset for China in scenarios requiring power projection or the defense of territorial claims, particularly in areas like the South China Sea.

The J-20’s development has sparked controversy, including allegations of intellectual property infringement involving Western designs. Nevertheless, it also highlights significant Chinese advancements in stealth and sensor technologies. The ongoing discussion regarding whether the J-20 is a derivative model or a truly original design persists, yet its operational features indicate it is a formidable aircraft.

Looking ahead, various J-20 variants are under development, including a twin-seat model that could enhance its functionalities in training, electronic warfare, or advanced tactical missions. This potential variant, likely referred to as the J-20S, has been observed in testing, signaling China’s ambition to broaden the operational capabilities of the J-20.

The J-20 symbolizes China’s aspiration to compete with and potentially challenge the air forces of technologically advanced countries. Its introduction has altered the strategic landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, compelling neighboring nations and global powers to reevaluate their military strategies. In terms of stealth, speed, and armament, the J-20 clearly reflects China’s commitment to modernizing and asserting its military prowess on the international stage.