Images released by Chinese authorities indicate that the modernized version of the J-20 stealth fighter, designated J-20A, is undergoing a new phase of flight testing ahead of delivery.
The records suggest that the aircraft may be equipped with the WS-15 engines, developed domestically and awaited for years for promising greater thrust and improved performance for the model.
The material was published by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the manufacturer responsible for the J-20. According to information shared by the state news agency Xinhua, the aircraft shown are updated prototypes of the J-20A variant, which represents a direct evolution of the fighter that entered service in 2017.
In the videos, at least three aircraft can be seen taxiing with a yellow zinc chromate primer paint scheme. This type of coating, common in the Chinese aerospace industry, indicates that the aircraft is still in the pre-delivery testing phase, receiving structural protection before the final application of low-observability materials.
In addition to the possible new engines, the J-20A incorporates improvements to aerodynamic design and avionics systems. The updates are part of China’s effort to enhance its main twin-engine heavy stealth fighter, boosting its performance and consolidating its technological capabilities in military aviation.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photo: X @zhao_dashuai | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
J-20A “Pikachu edition” with the WS-15 engine. pic.twitter.com/kuQ3nxpI5P
— Zhao DaShuai 东北进修🇨🇳 (@zhao_dashuai) January 25, 2026
