On September 16, the 2025 Air Force Aviation Open Activity and the Changchun Air Show conducted a full-element rehearsal. According to Xinhua News, China's fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-20, made its first static display appearance, drawing widespread attention both domestically and internationally. As the main combat aircraft currently in service with the Chinese Air Force, the J-20's move of "coming down from the sky and getting close to the public" has not only excited military enthusiasts but also sparked discussions in the international military observation community. What deeper signals does this "static debut" convey? Is it a declaration of technological confidence or an adjustment in strategic posture? Let's explore from the perspectives of military, technology, and geopolitical strategy.
Compared to flight performances, static displays allow audiences to get up close and personal with the equipment details, making the exquisite craftsmanship tangible and even offering photo opportunities, which is a rare "people-friendly" opportunity. The J-20, as a core asset of the Chinese Air Force, its first static display undoubtedly conveys a strong signal of confidence. As stated by Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, during a regular press conference, this air show will feature more than a hundred types of current and retired air force equipment, with the J-20's static display and the bomber formation being highlights, indicating its significance.
Netizens joked that "it's too 'backward' to be displayed," a light-hearted comment on the rapid iteration speed of China's military industry, but it also indirectly proves the maturity of the J-20's technology. A static display means that this fighter jet has entered the stage where it can be publicly shown, indicating China's confidence in the performance, reliability, and production capacity of the J-20. This confidence not only stems from technical breakthroughs but also reflects a recognition of the comprehensive strength of China's military industry system.
The static display of the J-20 is not an isolated event, but rather a reflection of its family-oriented and series development. Not long ago, at the September 3rd military parade, the J-20 family — the basic model J-20, the twin-seat J-20S, and the upgraded J-20A — all appeared together in the aerial formation, impressively. This "family in the same frame" scene not only demonstrates the diverse paths of China's fifth-generation fighter technology but also implies the multifaceted roles the J-20 may play in future warfare.
The J-20S, the world's first twin-seat stealth fighter, breaks the traditional design of fifth-generation fighters being primarily single-seat. The "1+1 > 2" effect of the J-20S lies in adding a second pilot, effectively equipping the fighter with a "mission planner." This allows the J-20S to maintain stealth combat capabilities while significantly enhancing battlefield situational awareness, intelligent decision support, networked communication, and manned-unmanned collaborative operations. The J-20S can form a stealth penetration strike module, a command-fire integrated strike module, or a manned-unmanned mixed operation module with other combat units, taking on tasks such as dynamic command, mission assignment, and coordinated combat control. This "midfield commander" role makes the J-20S the "nerve center" of system-based operations in high-threat environments.
In contrast, the J-20A retains the single-seat design, focusing on air superiority missions. The J-20A has optimized its airframe shape and power system, significantly improving supersonic combat performance. Combined with breakthroughs in China's aviation engine field (such as the gradual application of the domestic WS-15 engine), the J-20A's maneuverability is expected to further enhance, giving it a significant advantage in aerial combat.
The J-20 displayed in this static exhibition is the single-seat basic model. Although jokingly referred to as "outdated," it remains the cornerstone of the J-20 family. Its stable performance and reliable production line provide a solid foundation for the development and improvement of subsequent models. It should be noted that even the basic version of the J-20 has far superior overall combat performance compared to the F-22, whose onboard equipment is severely outdated, and its flight performance far surpasses the "fat electric" F-35, making it so powerful that there are no foreign friends left in the world.
The static display of the J-20 is not just a demonstration of technical might, but also carries profound strategic implications.
First, it indicates that China is willing to let the world take a close look at its core equipment. This open attitude is not only a silent rebuttal to the "China threat theory" from the West, but also a testament to China's confidence in its technological strength. Compared to certain countries' "hiding" of their fifth-generation fighters, China chooses to "open the window and speak openly," indicating that the J-20 is not only a combat weapon, but also a symbol of the country's technological strength.
The series development of the J-20 family reflects China's deep insight into the future of warfare. Modern air combat has shifted from single-aircraft confrontation to system-based operations, and stealth fighters are no longer lone heroes but key nodes in the information network. The command coordination capabilities of the J-20S and the air superiority advantages of the J-20A jointly build the "stealth + coordination" operational system of the Chinese Air Force.
This system-oriented design philosophy has some similarities with the "data center" role of the U.S. F-35, but the dual-seat design of the J-20S offers greater innovation in command flexibility. Finally, the J-20's first static display is a comprehensive embodiment of the confidence, openness, and strength of the Chinese Air Force. It not only showcases the maturity and diversification of China's fifth-generation fighter technology but also reflects China's strategic shift from "keeping a low profile" to "moderate exposure."
The public display of the J-20 coincides with a complex and changing international situation. The competition in the airspace of the Asia-Pacific region has intensified, and China's choice to showcase the J-20 at this time is also a signal to neighboring countries: the Chinese Air Force has the capability to safeguard national interests while maintaining strategic restraint. The static display, rather than a high-profile flight performance, embodies a "low-key but not weak" posture, balancing the dual objectives of deterrence and easing tensions.
The popular online phrase "too 'backward' to be displayed" reflects the pride of Chinese netizens in the rapid iteration of domestic equipment. From the J-10 to the J-20, then to the Y-20, and now to the J-36 and J-50, China's aviation industry has achieved a leap from "catching up with third-generation fighters" to "running parallel with fifth-generation fighters" and leading in sixth-generation fighters within just two decades. The static display of the J-20 is both a summary of these achievements and a preview of future developments. Therefore, "the J-20's appearance is not the end, but the beginning. We have already taken a significant lead in the development of the next generation of aircraft."
In the future, as the J-20 family continues to improve and the Chinese Air Force enhances its system-building, this stealth fighter will play an increasingly important role in the airspaces of the Asia-Pacific and beyond. And this static display is merely the opening act of this grand narrative.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7552159701497053737/
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