China’s J-20-S Makes “Historic Debut” At 80th Victory Day Parade — World’s Only Two-Seat Stealth Fighter Jet

By
Sakshi Tiwari
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Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the much-anticipated ‘Victory Day Parade’ today at Tiananmen Square, where he inspected some of the most sophisticated weapon systems produced by the country in recent times. Among them was the J-20S—the world’s first-ever fifth-generation stealth fighter.

The highly choreographed event was hosted by China for the first time to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

The parade was attended by the Russian President Vladimir Putin, the North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, and other leaders in what appeared to be a message to the United States.  

More than 10,000 soldiers and hundreds of cutting-edge weapon systems were on display at the highly choreographed event, demonstrating that China is well on its way to achieving the goal of a comprehensive modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) by 2035.

Among a plethora of weapons that triggered equal parts surprise and awe among military observers was the J-20S, the twin-seater variant of the fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth aircraft.

This marked the official debut of the aircraft, although a scale model of the J-20S was presented at the China Air Show 2024 in Zhuhai.

The debut represents a massive leap in capability for the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) because the J-20S is the first and only twin-seater fifth-generation stealth aircraft in the world.

The aircraft is classified as a new-generation, medium-to-long-range, two-seat, heavy multirole stealth fighter jet developed that can conduct precision strikes on land and sea targets, as well as carry out medium- to long-range air superiority missions. 

Speaking to state-owned publication Global Times, Chinese military expert Zhang Xuefeng said, “Having one more pilot means having one more mission commander. In the era of fifth-generation fighter jets, the addition of a pilot to the J-20S is like a number ten player in soccer, who could both score points on his own and command the members of the warplane formation in combat.”

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J-20S twin-seater fifth-generation stealth aircraft debuted at China’s Victory Day Parade (Via X)

The aircraft was photographed flying over China in July 2025, as previously reported by the EurAsian Times. At the time, one of these photos showed the J-20S with a five-digit serial number linked to the 172nd Air Brigade, a frontline PLAAF unit, as well as national insignia.

This image triggered speculation that either the aircraft is already operational or poised to enter service very soon.

Analysing the photographs, experts noted that the forward fuselage of the J-20 was modified to accommodate a second crew member. A popular PLA analyst who goes by the name ‘Hurin’ pointed out that the nosecone had been redesigned as compared to the J-20A, and the hump behind the cockpit of the J-20S, as compared to the J-20, may be an easier way to differentiate the two.

Though the J-20S, like all other PLA weapons, remains shrouded in secrecy, experts say that it features a more advanced electro-optical system installed beneath the nose.

This new system provides 360-degree coverage and is quite similar to the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), as emphasized by multiple dedicated PLA watchers. It is likely powered by the indigenous WS10C2 engine.

The EurAsian Times understands that the twin-seat configuration may allow the fighter to perform tasks where a second crew member manages sensors or communications, such as electronic warfare, aerial command and control (C2), or precision-guided weapons coordination.

This could be extremely beneficial in contested airspace where single-seat pilots are challenged by electronic jamming or data overload. Additionally, in the volatile Indo-Pacific region, where China has a home advantage, the J-20S could leverage its twin-seat capabilities to coordinate long-range strikes or counter US aircraft carriers.

J-20S photographed flying over China in July 2025 (Via X)

The second pilot will be responsible for controlling the drone, according to Chinese military expert Fu Qianshao.

“In the past, the function of the back seat of a two-seat fighter jet was used to train new pilots or for the second pilot to operate airborne weapons, allowing the front seat pilot to focus on flight missions. However, the addition of a second pilot to the J-20S may not have been for these tasks,” Fu said. “The J-20S is the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation fighter jet. If it does have the ability to command loyal wingmen, I believe it can even be regarded as the world’s first 5.5th generation fighter jet, putting China in a leading position in the field of manned-unmanned cooperative operations in the air.”

While the US and Russia operate fifth-generation fighter jets, neither of these two military superpowers has developed a twin-seater variant.

American fifth-generation fighters have historically prioritized single-seat configurations to reduce weight and radar cross-section (RCS), which is in line with the needs for agility and stealth.

The US has instead made investments in state-of-the-art avionics and networking to facilitate single-pilot operations, enabling a single pilot to handle intricate tasks like data fusion and drone coordination that a twin-seat design might typically handle.

However, a twin-seat model offers a few clear benefits. It makes pilot training and transition easier, for instance, which is crucial for complex fifth-generation systems.

Furthermore, the twin-seat stealth fighter could achieve greater capability as a deep strike aircraft when one pilot concentrates on flight and the other on weapons systems. This might be essential if an enemy’s airspace, guarded by sophisticated Surface-to-Air (SAM) systems, needs to be breached.

With the combat landscape rapidly evolving, China will have lots to benefit from a twin-seat variant. However, the J-20S was not the only weapon system that drew attention at the parade. China’s jet echelons, consisting of the J-16D, J-20, J-35A, and J-20A, were reviewed at China’s V-day military parade.

Weapons On Display At China’s V-Day Parade 

China displayed its first nuclear missile configuration formation at China’s V-Day military parade. This included the JL-1 air-launched long-range missile, the JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, and the DF-61 and DF-31BJ land-based intercontinental missiles.

Of these, the DF-61  is speculated to be a successor to the DF-41 that was unveiled in a military parade in 2019.

The new-type DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile, an upgraded variant of the DF-5, made its debut. The missile has a range of approximately 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers, capable of reaching targets across the globe, including the continental United States.

“It is of a very significant importance that the strike range of the new-type liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile can cover the entire globe,” Military affairs expert Shao Yongling said.

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DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile debuted at China’s V-day military parade (Via X)

The Pentagon, which has repeatedly warned against the threats posed by China’s expanding nuclear arsenal, is likely to take notice of these new, deadly additions.

Four new types of YJ series anti-ship missiles were displayed for the first time at the military parade. These included the YJ-15, the YJ-17, the YJ-19, and YJ-20.

They can be carried by multiple platforms such as shipborne aircraft, surface vessels, and submarines. With long range, fast speed, and highly destructive power. All these missiles, except the YJ-15, are hypersonic weapons.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force, for the first time, formed a joint formation displaying the country’s cruise missiles at China’s V-Day military parade. These included the CJ-20A air-launched cruise missile, the YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missile, and the CJ-100 cruise missile.

Four different types of underwater-launched torpedoes were also unveiled. These included the light torpedo, rocket-assisted torpedo, heavy torpedo, and new-type special mission sea mine.

Of these, the three torpedoes can strike both surface ships and undersea targets, but the new special mission sea mine is a superior weapon for defending strategic strongholds and launching surprise attacks, as it can recognize targets intelligently and initiate attacks on its own.

Another major debut was that of the new HQ-29 anti-ballistic missile and anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon system. The HQ-29 is believed to be a Chinese mid-to-high altitude missile defense system designed to intercept short to medium-range ballistic missiles and aircraft.

It is anticipated to be a counterpart to the U.S. THAAD system. Other air defense systems that took part in the parade included the HQ-9C, HQ-11, HQ-19, and HQ-22A.

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HQ-29 seen at Victory Day Parade (Via X)

The LY-1 shipborne laser weapon also made its first public appearance in the V-Day parade on September 3. This system can effectively damage the optical sensors of enemy weapons and equipment, and its emergence will truly change the rules of maritime warfare, the Global Times noted in a report.

The KJ-600 and J-15T carrier-based aircraft were also reviewed in a flight formation, marking the long-awaited debut of China’s carrier-borne fixed-wing early warning aircraft. This is the most advanced carrier-based AWACS to have been developed by China to date.

Three types of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) new armored fighting vehicle made their debut at the parade. Spearheading the equipment formations, the Type 99B tank, the Type 100 tank, and the Type 100 support vehicle formed a ground assault formation. According to GT, the Type 100 design concepts are similar to those of the Type 055 destroyer at sea and the J-20 fighter jet in the air.

Two Type 191 modularized rocket artillery variations were also showcased, demonstrating the compatibility of the Chinese Peopleās Liberation Army (PLA) long-range artillery units.

Chinese state media stated that although it costs more to launch higher-caliber rockets, the range of these rockets can be further expanded, and the effect is comparable to that of ballistic missiles. Thus, providing an unparalleled advantage to the artillery force.

Multiple types of unmanned land equipment also appeared made an appearance. The land-based unmanned combat formation consisted of unmanned combat vehicles for missions such as reconnaissance and assault, mine sweeping and bomb disposal, and team support. 

The PLA also showcased some Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicles (UCAV) such as the Hongdu GJ-11, which is believed to be a loyal wingman drone that will operate alongside the Chinese fighter jets, and the Wing Loong-3.

A major highlight of the parade, however, was a shipborne unmanned rotorcraft that was seen with a serial number: H6512054. The parade also showcased some other unknown drones that have not been spotted before.

In the maritime unmanned combat formations, new-type unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned ships, and unmanned mine-laying systems are all reviewed for the first time.

These unmanned maritime combat systems possess capabilities such as covert deployment for blockade operations, autonomous detection and identification, and swarm networking for coordinated attacks.

Multiple types of anti-drone equipment were also present, including anti-drone missiles and artillery systems, high-energy laser weapons, and high-power microwave weapons. 

It is worth noting that this list is incomplete, as it only includes weapons unveiled or showcased by the PLA forces at their much-awaited parade. The display, however, demonstrates that China has made unprecedented advances in its military power.

 

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