China inducts new stealth fighter into military service

The J-20 is China's fourth-generation medium and long-range fighter jet.

Beijing, Sep 28: In a bid to give its air force an edge in the region, China on Thursday announced commissioning the radar-evading J-20 stealth fighter jets into military service.

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.

The 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.

Its introduction could add a new dimension in the India- China air force balance. 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.

PTI