China’s Sixth-Generation J-20A Fighter’s Systematic Test Flights Made Public
AVIC Chengdu Advances Development of New Combat System Type, Tests Alongside Unmanned Collaborative Aircraft
Chengdu / China — Official Chinese media on Saturday revealed details of the rare systematic test flights involving the newly manufactured sixth-generation J-20A stealth fighter jet. Experts state that the Chinese manufacturer has entered a new phase in aircraft production.
The Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) recently released footage of test flights featuring multiple J-20 fighter jets in yellow primer (yellow undercoat). The company reported that this aircraft has successfully completed the systematic test flight organization and training for 10 types of aircraft across 5 locations. According to China Central Television (CCTV) News, this encompasses manned and unmanned operations, indoor and outdoor test sites, as well as research, development, and acceptance test flights.
Chinese military affairs commentator Song Xinzhi stated in the CCTV report that this indicates AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Company is now, during the test flight phase, not merely verifying whether the fighter jets meet performance standards, but is testing the integrated operational capabilities of the entire aerial combat system.
Such test flights include manned-unmanned collaboration, as well as the verification of theoretical calculations through actual test flights. They involve the air-ground collaborative command of multiple aircraft types across multiple bases, covering the entire combat process. Song said, “The J-20 is likely a key node in the aerial combat system, serving as both a combat node and a command node.”
The CCTV report showed footage of some aircraft involved in the test flights, which included multiple J-20A stealth fighter jets in yellow primer and a type of vertical takeoff and landing drone.
Song stated, “This kind of systematic test flight has completely transformed the aviation industry’s traditional model, where previously only a specific type of aircraft was manufactured and then its performance was inspected. Instead, a completely new combat system is now being manufactured, and innovative operational approaches are also being explored. The Chengdu-based aircraft company has advanced to a new level and entered an unprecedented stage in the development and production of new aircraft.”
Another significant aspect of the footage is the J-20A stealth fighter jets in yellow primer. The J-20A made its public debut at China’s Victory Day military parade held in Beijing on September 3, 2025.
Military affairs expert Zhang Xuefeng told the Global Times, “The additional ‘A’ in its designation indicates that the J-20A is a significantly upgraded version of the J-20. Compared with the original J-20, the J-20A features a redesigned rear canopy, which is expected to reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance its efficiency in supersonic flight. Such a new design demonstrates the continuous advancement of the Chinese military’s understanding of aerial combat and the ongoing refinement of warplane performance.”
