other users replies/opinions
>In the first exercise, the pair of J-20s didn't carry WVR missiles, which led some observers to speculate that they intended to simulate F-35s in a similar mission. 4.5th and 4th generation escorts not only failed to protect the KJ-500 from such an attack but also suffered heavy loses.
>This is a major wakeup call for PLAAF considering the fact that the U.S., South Korea, and Japan will deploy hundreds of F-35s/F-22s within the West Pacific theater.
>But J-20 is different from F-22. F-22 is a short range air superiority, while J-20 is a long range Sniper that target AEWAC, Refuelers, etc. The first drill just show that J-20 work like what intended.
>Low numbers? The pulse production line China created is supposed to chunk out J-20 like no tomorrow. J-20 enter full combat service in such short time from production more or less show how fast J-20 are chunk out.
>Essentially the J-20 just showed what a war with the USA would look like.. a slaughterhouse for PLAAF forces.
>With J-20, China can develop new combat tactic and data mined all relevant information from the interaction between 4 gen and 3 gen fighter and battle group, it's worthy to put J-20 into service earlier so we can acquire more valuable information to develop 4 gen fighter combat but also for 3 gen fighter on how to counter 4 gen fighter.
>When western media mock that we rush to push J-20 into service without proper engine, they know that China is about to data mined the entire Stealth fighter process which is very bad new for US and for those who doesn't have Stealth fighters.
>I don't think these exercises are particularly important. They are very limited in scope.
>In a real battle, China's Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter works within a system.
>China has a wide range of ground-based anti-stealth radars (L-band, VHF, UHF, and passive detection of enemy electromagnetic emissions).
>China has sea-based anti-stealth radars. VHF on Type 052C and later generation destroyers.
>China has air-based anti-stealth radars. AWACs (L-band) and drones (VHF and UHF).
>China has infrared satellites to look for enemy aircraft exhaust plumes.
>The Chengdu J-20 probably will never face the F-22, due to the F-22's short combat radius.
>Missiles can destroy the runways that the F-22 needs. With limited airbases in Asia, the US is at a huge disadvantage.
>Missiles can easily destroy the fuel depots for the F-22. Without fuel, the F-22 cannot fly.
>Missiles can also easily destroy the air refueling tankers meant to extend the combat radius of the F-22.
>If the F-22 tries to carry external fuel tanks, it compromises its stealth and maneuverability. This makes the F-22 a much easier target to shoot down.
>The F-22's fragile stealth coating means it needs temperature and humidity controlled hangars to reapply its stealth coatings. Chinese missiles can target the F-22 special hangars. If the special hangars are destroyed, there is no way to reapply the F-22 stealth coatings.
>In a real battle, China should have the advantages.
>The ground-based, sea-based, air-based, and probably satellite-based anti-stealth radar systems allow China to clearly see American stealth fighters.
>The J-20 has a combat radius of 1,200 miles. This means the J-20 can freely roam the battlespace to attack enemy AWACs and refueling tankers.
>In contrast, the F-22 is always in danger of running out of fuel.
>In Asia, China has countless airbases. Against US fighters based in South Korea or Japan, China can fire "endless" missiles with multiple warheads until those US bases in South Korea and Japan are destroyed. Without major air bases, the US cannot mount large air operations in Asia.
>The US cannot rely on its aircraft carriers. Those carriers are vulnerable to Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), and torpedoes.
>The US faces the same problem with its carriers that it faces with its land bases in Asia. China can fire "endless" missiles at US carriers. US carriers have a limited supply of weaponry (including those on supply ships). Once the last defensive missile has been fired, there is nothing to stop incoming Chinese missiles.
>Also, the US needs a 100% success rate against incoming missiles. Of course, this is impossible. This means US carriers and destroyers can probably be sunk pretty quickly.
>So…do we really care about these very artificial and contrived scenarios for the Chengdu J-20? Not really. In a real war, we already know how it should play out. It won't be a few J-20s against an incoming force. It will be the entire Chinese defense system against the US expeditionary force. As I have explained above, I don't see how China can lose a war in Asia. China has all of the advantages, such as "endless" missiles because it can keep manufacturing more every day.