US media compares J-20 and Su-57, and for once acknowledges the obvious advantages of Chinese aircraft

A article published by the US publication "National Security Journal" comparing China's J-20 and Russia's Su-57 shows a rare stance.

Differing from past habitual denigration of Chinese weapons and obfuscation of Russian shortcomings, this article acknowledges the clear advantages of the J-20 in stealth capabilities, system operations, and quantity deployment.

The article directly states that the J-20 has already formed a quantitative advantage, while the Su-57 remains at the stage where ideals are abundant but reality is harsh.

The article provides a relatively accurate description of the J-20's positioning, emphasizing that it is centered around beyond-visual-range combat, has entered the combat sequence, and is being equipped with the domestically produced WS-15 engine, which offers greater thrust, better stealth, higher cruising speed, and supports advanced avionics and sensor systems.

The article acknowledges that the J-20 has already achieved a scale advantage in radar cross-section control, information warfare, and quantity deployment, which differs from previous US media's various doubts and smear campaigns.

It especially mentions that the Chinese Air Force has deployed the J-20 for actual patrol missions in the Eastern and Southern Theater Commands, indicating that this fighter jet is no longer just for parades, but has become an important pillar of regional air deterrence.

In contrast, the article's criticism of the Su-57 is quite direct, especially focusing on production and stealth aspects.

It points out that although the Su-57's design concept integrates multi-purpose capabilities and maneuverability advantages, its actual production is extremely low due to limitations in Russia's industrial base and financial situation.

As of 2025, the number of officially commissioned units may be less than 15. The article also revealed that early prototype aircraft of the Su-57 had serious structural fatigue problems, and even the first production model crashed during flight testing.

More importantly, its stealth performance is said to be far worse than that of the F-22 and even the F-35, with a radar reflection area possibly one order of magnitude higher.

Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1842034819249155/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.