Zhuhai (TDI): China has unveiled the J-20S, a two-seat variant of its advanced J-20 stealth fighter jet, showcasing a scale model at the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.
Running from November 12 to 17, the airshow highlights the latest advancements in military aviation by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
The J-20S marks a significant innovation as the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation fighter jet.
Designed for medium-to-long range air superiority and precision strike capabilities, the J-20S leverages stealth, advanced electronic warfare, and enhanced situational awareness to support diverse combat operations across land and maritime domains, according to AVIC representatives.
This two-seat configuration, unlike its single-seat predecessor, allows one pilot to focus on operating the fighter while the other manages complex tasks, such as directing unmanned systems and engaging in tactical command and control operations.
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The additional pilot could provide strategic command over a fleet of loyal wingman drones, which function as sensor platforms, weapon launchers, and tactical support units.
These drones, like the FH-97A displayed at Airshow China 2022, amplify a pilot’s reach by providing intelligence, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities, according to Global Times.
Each drone can gather combat data and relay it to the J-20S, extending battlefield awareness and enabling real-time decision-making.
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The drone’s developer noted that the deployment of these drones not only enhances the pilot’s capacity but also turns them into commanders of complex multi-aircraft formations, operating in a networked, dynamic combat environment.
With the J-20S, China aims to redefine aerial warfare capabilities, integrating advanced AI and data-processing technology to empower pilots and drone collaboration in high-stakes combat scenarios.
