The J-20 Fighter Aircraft and the State of China’s Defense Science, Technology, and Innovation Potential

The stealthy online unveiling of China’s next generation fighter aircraft, dubbed the J-20, represents an important marker in the accelerating development of China’s defense science, technology, and innovation capabilities. Although it will likely take another 5–10 years before the aircraft is ready for serial production and operational service, its unofficial public debut serves notice of China’s intent to become a world-class military power within the next decade.