Can China’s J-20 Detect the F-35?

The article examines the ongoing technological contest between two advanced stealth fighters: China’s upgraded J-20 “Mighty Dragon” and the U.S. F-35 Lightning II. China asserts that its J-20 can now detect the F-35 at distances exceeding 700 kilometers, leveraging next-generation AESA radar and infrared search systems enhanced by silicon carbide technology. This claim highlights significant advancements in China’s sensor capabilities aimed at countering the F-35’s stealth features. However, the article emphasizes that despite these improvements, the F-35 retains critical advantages through its sophisticated sensor fusion, extremely low radar cross-section, and integrated networked data links. These capabilities collectively enhance the F-35’s situational awareness and survivability in combat. Ultimately, the piece argues that future air engagements will be less about individual aircraft performance and more about the effectiveness of integrated systems and networked warfare, shifting the paradigm from jet-versus-jet dogfights to system-versus-system battles.