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Key Points: China’s J-20S, unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, is the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation stealth fighter.

-This cutting-edge jet expands on the J-20 platform, integrating a second crew member for enhanced operational flexibility.

-The backseater’s tasks may include managing advanced sensors, coordinating unmanned loyal wingmen, and performing tactical command and control.

-The aircraft is expected to serve in multirole capacities, from air superiority to electronic warfare.

-While only four prototypes exist and full-scale production timelines remain unclear, the J-20S highlights China’s commitment to advancing its aerospace capabilities, demonstrating innovation in design and operational strategy to rival global air forces.

J-20S Stealth Fighter: Command, Control, and Innovation in the Sky by China 

When we think of fifth-generation stealth fighters, we think of single-seaters.

Why? Because until recently every fifth-generation stealth fighter was a single seater (F-22, F-35, Su-57, J-20). But now China is breaking the mold with the J-20S – the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation stealth fighter, unveiled last month at the Zhuhai Airshow.

Let’s take a look at China’s newest novelty. 

J-20S: Introducing the World’s First Two-Seat Stealth Fighter

The J-20S’s unveiling wasn’t a surprise; images of the aircraft taxing at Chengdu Aerospace Corporation’s plant broke back in 2021. But the presence of the jet at the Zhuhai Airshow represents the de-classification of the program. 

J-20. Image Credit: Chinese Internet.

According to a spokesman for the J-20S, “the new jet is characterized by its supreme ability to seize superiority in air combat, carry out precision strikes against land and sea targets, and perform battlefield situational awareness, electronic jamming and tactical command and control operations” adding that “in addition to conventional tasks, the J-20S can team up with unmanned planes in air combat.”

Chengdu’s newest fighter will likely serve in a multirole capacity, with the ability to perform air superiority, ground attack, and Electronic Warfare missions. But this is all speculation. At present, the West knowns very little about the aircraft.

Only four J-20S are understood to have been produced; the timeline for full-scale production is not clear. 

Adding a Backseater

The primary significance of the J-20S, of course, is the addition of the backseater. “The additional crew member can perform tasks like operating some of the on-board sensors or managing a loyal wingman: the proliferation of displays and information coming from multiple sources clashes with the limited cognitive and processing capacity of a human being,” The Aviationist reported. 

Of course, having a second person aboard the aircraft will expand the crew’s capacity to process information – which suggests the J-20S may be doing more than just flying; rumors suggest the new jet could be used as an airborne command & control post – a role that could demand and justify the addition of a second crewmember. 

While the J-20S’s backseater may have different functions, relative to traditional backseaters, like the Radio Intercept Officer aboard the F-14, we can assume that some of the traditional backseat functions will be applied to the J-20S’s new crewmember. Such responsibilities include navigation and communication, radar operation,  target acquisition, electronic counter measures (ECM), weapons employment, and tactical oversight. 

China J-20. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Chinese J-20 fighter.

What’s Next for the J-20S? 

We don’t know when the J-20S will enter full-scale production; it may be a few years yet until we see the new jet become a bona fide member of the Chinese force structure.

Regardless, the J-20S serves as more evidence that the Chinese are committed to the advancement of their armed forces.

With respect to aerospace, the Chinese appear to have turned a corner, producing higher-quality aircraft.

Granted, the seed of the J-20 program seems to have been stolen technical information from the F-35. But the Chinese are committed to improvement. 

About the Author: Harrison Kass 

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.