Think Tank: How China Built Its Air Force From Scratch

China's impressive technological leap in fighter development has supplemented its confident foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific.

Over the past three decades, China's fighter development has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the 1990s, Beijing completely relied on Soviet designs. However, today, the Chinese are producing refined aircraft domestically, some of which are beginning to compete with their American counterparts. China's progress is the result of a systematic and consistent effort aimed at complementing China's emerging strategy, which addresses American air superiority and conventional influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Just in the 1990s, the Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) was not impressive. The PLAAF largely relied on Soviet derivatives, such as the Mig-19 and Mig-21, which could only conduct general operations, such as domestic air defense. In a direct comparison with contemporary American fighters, the PLAAF was severely behind. At that time, the United States had already developed the F-22 based on the F-15, F/A-18, F-117, and B-2.

However, throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, China made efforts to bridge the capability gap with the US, first by purchasing more advanced Russian fighters, such as the Su-27 and Su-30, and then by developing indigenous fighters like the Shenyang J-11. The result was a series of PLAAF jet fighters that improved speed, range, and weapon carriage. However, China continued to lag behind the US, especially in radar, stealth, and avionics technology.

Throughout the 2010s, Beijing's sustained efforts led to more indigenous designs, each with an increasing level of sophistication. The Chengdu J-10, a single-engine multirole fighter comparable to the F-16, marked China's first indigenous fourth-generation fighter. Developing the J-10 was a milestone moment for China, demonstrating its impressive capabilities, such as flight systems, integration of avionics, and top-tier aerodynamics. Nevertheless, the J-10 still lags behind its American counterparts in terms of stealth and sensor fusion.

To close the gap, China developed two fifth-generation fighters, making it one of only three countries in the world. These two fighters are the Chengdu J-20 and the Shenyang FC-31. The J-20, with its twin engines and stealth features, is used for long-range interception, air defense penetration, and breaking air superiority. The aircraft has a stealthy fuselage, internal weapon bays, and advanced radar. However, there are still issues regarding the stealth and engine performance of the fighter, with some analysts pointing out that the J-20 fails compared to its American counterparts.

In a relatively short period, China has made impressive technological advances in fighter development, enriching its confident foreign policy. From the American perspective, the recently enhanced fighter categories of the PLAAF have changed the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. Although in the past, American war planners could assume uncontested air superiority, now, the US will need to consider a possible airspace denial, even projecting power beyond Chinese airspace through the PLAAF.

Although the US still has a clear advantage, especially in combat experience, alliances, and global logistics, the long-standing technological advantage enjoyed by Washington is rapidly diminishing.

Recognizing the narrowing technological gap, the US is rapidly innovating, such as in programs like the F-47 NGAD, CCA Wingmen, and B-21 Raider.

Source: The National Interest

Author: Harrison Kas

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839761766834240/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.