China developing stealth J-20 fighter
English and Chinese language editions of the Global Times ran front-page articles on the photos of what appears to be a future J-20 fighter, along with extensive reports on the buzz the pictures have generated overseas. Photos leaked online that appear to show a prototype of China's first stealth fighter jet were discussed in state media Wednesday. The move confirms the country's military aviation program is advancing faster than expected.
Analysis of the J-20 photos shows it to be larger than either the Russian or US planes, likely allowing it fly farther and carry heavier weapons.
The Global Times did not comment on the authenticity of the pictures, but since the government wields extensive control over state media, the report's appearance and the fact that censors have not removed images from websites suggest a calculated move to leak the information into the public sphere.
A future Chinese stealth fighter has long been considered an inevitability. Deputy air force chief He Weirong told state broadcaster CCTV in November 2009 that China's fourth-generation fighter, a reference to stealth technology, would begin flight testing soon and could enter service within eight to 10 years.
Chinese progress in that field calls into question US Defense Secretary Robert Gates' decision to cap production of the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter at 187 planes. Supporters of the F-22 have warned of growing threats from China, as well as Russia, which has developed a stealth prototype that is already in the test flight stage.
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