Chinese ‘Mighty Dragon’ Exposes Weakness in U.S. Radars

China’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, the Chengdu J-20—also known as the “Mighty Dragon”—has, according to several sources, carried out a mission that could become a diplomatic headache for the U.S. and its Asian allies.

A Chinese state media channel claims that the J-20 crossed through the highly protected air corridors above the Tsushima Strait and the Bashi Channel without being detected by the sophisticated radar networks operated by the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.

Invisible mission or propaganda play?

According to the Eurasian Times, this is the first public report of the J-20 operating in these strategically sensitive areas, which are usually monitored by advanced defense systems such as THAAD and Patriot. The claim is supported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV, which reports that the flights were conducted by the elite 1st Brigade of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

Nevertheless, experts urge caution. CCTV is widely known as a government propaganda tool, and it remains uncertain whether the incident truly took place or if it is a carefully staged demonstration meant to stoke fear and showcase strength. It would not be the first time China has used controlled leaks as a strategic way to communicate its military capabilities.

Radar systems under pressure

The Tsushima Strait is a strategically crucial area, closely guarded by the radar networks of the U.S. and its regional allies. However, Chinese sources claim that the J-20 was not detected, potentially raising questions over the effectiveness of America’s expensive radar systems.

The sophisticated THAAD missile defense system and the numerous Patriot batteries deployed in South Korea and Japan should theoretically be capable of tracking and identifying such an incursion. If the incident did occur as claimed, the lack of response could reveal a significant security vulnerability—one that China may seek to exploit in the event of conflict.

The ‘Mighty Dragon’ arms up

The J-20, developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, has been flagged by the Pentagon as a growing challenge, especially since China is expected to field the world’s largest stealth fleet by the end of 2025 with up to 400 aircraft. Designed to operate at high altitudes with a low radar profile, its advanced radar and weapons systems make it a potential strategic threat.

According to Andreas Rupprecht, an expert cited by the Eurasian Times, the deployment of J-20 units across all five major PLAAF commands gives China a considerable advantage and possible dominance in the region surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The question remains: did the ‘Mighty Dragon’ truly slip by unnoticed, or is this simply an example of sophisticated Chinese propaganda designed to sow fear? Regardless, the incident has already put the region’s radar networks under pressure.

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