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China's J-20S fighter variant, unveiled during the 2025 military parade, features precision strike capabilities against maritime targets, enhancing the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operational scope. The J-20S, a twin-seater variant, also supports manned-unmanned teaming operations and boasts advanced situational awareness and electronic jamming capabilities.

The Pentagon's 2025 report highlighted that the expanding J-20 variants challenge U.S. forces. Concurrently, Chinese media have praised the Pakistan Air Force's effective use of the J-10C fighter, which performed successfully against Indian aircraft in May 2025, marking its first verified combat performance.

The J-10C's advanced radar and beyond-visual-range combat capabilities contributed to Pakistan's effective engagements without losses, while China's export of JF-17 Thunders has deepened Sino-Pakistani defense ties. Ongoing negotiations for additional JF-17 exports indicate a strong market interest in Chinese military technology.