When it comes to technological advancements in military aerospace, China has often followed a strategy of silence and secrecy. One of their most speculated-about combat aircraft programs, the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter, has been shrouded in mystery for years. However, recent developments suggest that China has made a significant leap forward in its capabilities.
The critical factor behind the J-20's enhanced performance is the new homegrown engine, the Xi'an-built Woshan-15 (WS-15) "Emei." After decades of struggling to develop jet engine designs, China has finally achieved a major milestone with the WS-15 engine. While the Chinese kept quiet about their progress, a video emerged on June 28, revealing the J-20 making its first public flight with two WS-15 engines.
The WS-15 represents a technological leap for China's military aerospace sector. It delivers the range and payload performance that the J-20 was initially designed for, making it a formidable concern for the US Navy and its partner nations in the Pacific. This engine marks an upgrade from the previous powerplants used by the J-20, which were the Russian Salyut/Lyulka AL-31FN and the WS-10 variants from the Shenyang Liming Aircraft Engine Company.

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