A recent analysis of China’s J-20 stealth fighter reveals significant vulnerabilities that undermine its status as a fifth-generation game-changer. While the aircraft boasts impressive features such as a long-range twin-engine design and internal weapon bays, it suffers from critical weaknesses, particularly in engine reliability and low observability. The challenges faced by China’s domestic WS-15 engines and a larger radar cross-section compared to its Western counterparts diminish its stealth capabilities, complicating its operational effectiveness. Additionally, the J-20’s sensor fusion and electronic warfare resilience remain unproven, highlighting the disparity in experience between China’s aerospace sector and long-established US programs. This assessment underscores that despite China’s rapid modernization efforts, the J-20 may not yet be a formidable threat in high-end air combat scenarios.