As Victory Day approaches, the Navy and Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are intensifying rehearsals ahead of the upcoming military air parade. The event, which holds great symbolic value for China as it marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender, also serves as an opportunity to showcase some of the country’s most advanced aircraft currently under development and nearing operational service.
This appears to be the case for the J-20S, the twin-seat version of the fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon fighter, which is in service with the PLA Air Force (PLAAF). The aircraft was recently observed with a new paint scheme and features that suggest it may have already entered service, or is on the verge of doing so.
Although the development of this version has been known since at least 2018, the J-20S — the designation given to the two-seat variant — was officially unveiled in November 2024 during the Zhuhai Air Show. Following that milestone, which also included the presentation of the new J-35 stealth fighter by Shenyang, images captured by the end of last year showed the aircraft’s first documented test flights.
Currently, the roles and missions the J-20S might undertake — and how it will complement the existing J-20A fleet — remain the subject of analysis and debate among defense experts. One line of speculation suggests it could serve as an advanced stealth electronic warfare platform. Another possibility is that it could be used to control various types of drones, following the Loyal Wingman concept. It is also plausible that the aircraft may take part in enemy air defense suppression missions, taking advantage of its stealth capabilities.
This last possibility gains weight thanks to recently circulated photos showing the aircraft flying both solo and in formation, notably alongside other J-20S units and the new J-35. These images reveal refinements in design compared to what was seen during the aircraft’s official debut.
The most notable change is a redesigned radome, leading to speculation that the test, pre-production, or production versions of the J-20S may be equipped with the same AESA radar found on the updated J-20A. While the official designation of this new sensor remains unknown, it may incorporate gallium nitride (GaN)-based semiconductors, which offer advantages such as lower heat generation, smaller components, and increased power output.
Additionally, mounted beneath the nose of the J-20S is a modern electro-optical system with a layout similar to that of the stealth fighters used by the U.S. and allied forces, such as the J-35.
Lastly, one of the most striking features seen in the latest images is a new dark gray — nearly black — paint scheme that distinguishes these aircraft from the mockups presented last year. Although this remains speculative, it could indicate the use of a new radar-absorbent coating designed to enhance the J-20S’s stealth characteristics.
All these recent observations suggest that the J-20S may have entered limited service with the Chinese Air Force, or alternatively, that it is in a very advanced stage of development — a development of particular relevance given the preparations underway for the upcoming Victory Day commemoration on September 3.
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