The U.S. Air Force’s Perspective on China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter
The U.S. Pacific Air Forces chief, General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, recently shared his thoughts on China’s J-20 stealth fighter during the Air & Space Forces Association’s annual symposium. While Wilsbach acknowledged that the J-20 incorporates stolen U.S. technology, he emphasized that it does not currently pose a dominant threat compared to the U.S.’s advanced stealth aircraft like the F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightnings. He reiterated this view, indicating that a combination of the capabilities of U.S. forces, allies, and partners would effectively counter any potential threat from the J-20.
According to General Wilsbach, the U.S. and its multinational coalition of partners engage in high-threat training scenarios that give them a significant advantage over Chinese aircraft. The complexity and high-end nature of these exercises make it challenging for China to compete effectively. He highlighted recent exercises like Talisman Sabre, Northern Edge, and Valiant Shield, where many nations participated in complex operations, demonstrating the strength of collaborative training efforts.
Wilsbach also clarified that although Taiwan needs to prepare for the J-20, their focus should be on countering other threats, such as H-6 bombers, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. Taiwan possesses advanced fighters like the F-16V and continues to upgrade its air defense systems. General Wilsbach’s assessment aligns with his previous comments, stating that the J-20 does not warrant excessive concern but deserves attention.
The U.S. Air Force’s relatively moderate level of concern regarding the J-20 can be attributed to its ongoing development of next-generation air combat capabilities. Under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) framework, the Air Force is working on sixth-generation crewed combat aircraft and various unmanned platforms. These advancements ensure that the U.S. maintains a technological edge over potential adversaries, including China.
In conclusion, while China’s J-20 stealth fighter incorporates stolen U.S. technology, the U.S. Air Force remains confident in its ability to counter the J-20’s capabilities through a combination of advanced aircraft, collaborative training with allies and partners, and ongoing development of next-generation air combat capabilities.
FAQ
Q: Does the J-20 stealth fighter pose a major threat to the U.S. and its allies?
A: According to General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, the head of Pacific Air Forces, the J-20 does not currently pose a dominant threat compared to the U.S.’s advanced stealth aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightnings. The U.S. and its multinational coalition of partners engage in high-threat training scenarios, making it challenging for the J-20 to compete effectively. The Air Force remains confident in its ability to counter the J-20’s capabilities.
Q: What are the main concerns for Taiwan regarding the J-20?
A: While Taiwan needs to be prepared for the J-20, it should focus on countering other threats, such as H-6 bombers, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. Taiwan possesses advanced fighters like the F-16V and continues to upgrade its air defense systems, ensuring it can defend against various threats.
Q: How is the U.S. Air Force preparing for future air combat capabilities?
A: The U.S. Air Force is developing various air combat capabilities under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) framework. This includes the development of a sixth-generation crewed combat aircraft and various unmanned platforms, ensuring the U.S. maintains a technological edge over potential adversaries.