China's J-20 stealth fighter jet was seen with a totally new configuration, sporting four extra massive auxiliary fuel tanks under its wings.

Although cumbersome, J-20's external fuel tanks allow the aircraft to recapture a bigger degree of its low observability and could be utilized to increase kinematic performance (if needed). The tanks would also extend J-20's destinations by a couple of hundreds of miles away. These will make the J-20 more independent of aerial tankers on certain air sovereignty missions, just like the F-22 on its trip to Alaska, the Next Big Future reported.

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#China #PLAAF #J20 #Stealth with four external drop tanks. via CDF/Deino,fxmdlr_ms pic.twitter.com/vTdUkyexSJ

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Moreover, the extra tanks will allow the J-20 to loiter for longer periods, wherein the aircraft could serve as a sensor node or 'quarterback' for other Chinese aircrafts. Despite carrying extra four massive fuel tanks, the aircraft's baseline internal weapon carriage capability is not reduced.

Furthermore, J-20 also works as an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) weapon. It could easily push out the People's Liberation Army Air Force's anti-air reach and bring new capability levels its tactical aircraft inventory.

Such developments fits in the country's overall A2/AD strategy that targets to deny an opposing force to operate from hundreds or thousand miles of China. The J-20 aircraft could also carry out long-range combat air patrols and stalk a vulnerable force multiplier assets of an enemy.

Aside from a potential secondary air-to-ground, air-to-surface and suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses roles, the J-20 aircraft's advanced avionics could be helper to benefit lesser platforms in the air-to-air realm, according to The Drive.

TagsJ-20, stealth fighter, military news, F-22