The J-20 first took to the skies in 2011 and was adopted into service at the end of 2016. It became the third serial fifth-generation fighter in the world after the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Over the years of operation, the aircraft has been repeatedly upgraded. China replaced Russian engines with its own, improved avionics and armament, and developed a two-seat version, which experts believe can be used for drone control and electronic warfare tasks. According to the British analytical center RUSI, by the end of 2025, Chinese industry was producing about 120 J-20s annually, and the fleet of these aircraft numbered approximately 300 units. Military analyst Andreas Rupprecht believes that by mid-2026, their number had increased to 500. Currently, the J-20 is in service with at least 14 combat aviation units of China and is also used in training and testing centers. Some units are already receiving the upgraded J-20A version. Experts predict that if the current production rates are maintained, by the end of the decade, China could have around 1,000 J-20 fighters of various modifications. In their view, Beijing's ability to rapidly produce hundreds of modern combat aircraft is becoming one of the key factors in strengthening its air force and military potential as a whole.