China Reveals New J-20 Fifth-gen Fighter Variant Can Strike Maritime Targets

China revealed new capabilities of the J-20S variant Jan. 11, 2026, during a press statement on the 15th anniversary of its maiden flight. China state media image Beijing’s newest variant of its J-20 fifth-generation fighter aircraft has the ability to conduct precision strikes on maritime targets, according to Chinese state media.

This new capability will be a feature on the J-20S, the third publicly announced variant of China’s first domestically produced stealth fighter. Unveiled alongside the country’s latest fighters, electronic warfare jets and drones during the 2025 military parade, this twin-seater variant has the potential to bring new capabilities and mission sets into the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Beijing revealed the mission sets of the new J-20S variant durin