China Debuts “World’s First” Twin Seater Stealth Jet, J-20S

China unveiled the J-20S, described as the world’s first twin-seater stealth fighter jet, during its V-Day military parade on Wednesday.

The parade marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Fighter jet echelons featuring the J-16D, J-20, J-35A, J-20S, and J-20A were reviewed during the parade. Military experts told state-controlled Global Times that the J-20S’ additional seat goes beyond training or weapons operation.

“Having one more pilot means having one more mission commander. In the era of fifth-generation fighter jets, the addition of a pilot to the J-20S is like a number ten player in soccer, who could both score points on his own and command the members of the warplane formation in combat,” said military analyst Zhang Xuefeng.

The second pilot will be able to take charge of operating loyal wingman drones, a concept in which unmanned aircraft fly alongside manned fighters. This capability could place the aircraft between fifth and sixth generation standards. “If it does have the ability to command loyal wingmen, I believe it can even be regarded as the world’s first 5.5th generation fighter jet,” another expert, Fu Qianshao, noted.

Alongside the twin-seat J-20S, China also displayed the J-20A, an upgraded version of its existing stealth aicraft. Analysts pointed to modifications near the cockpit, reduced air resistance for supersonic flight, and an enlarged fuselage potentially allowing more onboard equipment.

“Generally speaking, the upgrade from the J-20 to the J-20A with a new designation means that the J-20 has undergone significant upgrades, and various systems of J-20 may have significant improvements,” Zhang explained.

The changes in fuselage design may support integration of advanced subsystems.