China has claimed that its J-20 stealth fighter jet flew through the Tsushima Strait without being detected.
The Tsushima Strait is often considered as densely covered by US air defence and electronically protected.
“The flight through a potential dense network of U.S., Japanese, and South Korean radar systems, including the powerful THAAD anti-missile system, would seem to represent a significant failure of allied air defenses,” reported the MSN.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said the J-20 flew missions over the Bashi Channel and the Tsushima Strait. The report also said J-20 jets patrol around Taiwan.
This may be the first time China has publicly claimed a J-20 flew through the Tsushima Strait. No other country has confirmed the flight. No military in the region reported seeing the aircraft.
China showed footage of the J-20 during the CCTV broadcast. It did not say when the mission took place.
Some experts say the claim could be true. Others say the aircraft may have been seen but not reported. It is also possible China changed or exaggerated the flight details.
The J-20 is a stealth fighter jet made by China. It is used by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
A new two-seat version of the J-20 is also being developed. This version may be entering service soon. It was shown last year at the Zhuhai Airshow.
The two-seat J-20 has a redesigned front body to hold the extra seat. Its purpose is still unclear. Some think it could be used for electronic warfare. Others say it may have a different mission.
Western air forces do not have a two-seat stealth jet. The J-20 is also not sold to other countries.
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