China operationalises first stealth fighter jet

The flight tests of J-20 jets are being conducted as scheduled, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence Col Wu Qian told a media briefing here.

The Chengdu J-20 is China's fourth-generation medium and long-range fighter jet. It made its maiden flight in 2011 and was first shown to the public at the 11th Airshow China in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, in November last year.

Wu did not provide more details.

The stealth fighter jet's introduction could add a new dimension in the India-China air force balance.

The twin-engine fighter, built by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, is a single seat stealth fighter. It is unknown how many J-20 fighter jets have entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

Pakistan has already expressed its interest in acquiring it.

The US Air Force operates the F-22 Raptor which is the fifth generation stealth air superiority fighter.

In 2014, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission described the J-20 as "more advanced than any other fighter currently deployed by Asia Pacific countries."