As of 2025, China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is estimated to have more than 300 Chengdu J-20 "Mighty Dragon" stealth fighters in active service. Production of the fifth-generation aircraft has accelerated significantly in recent years, with the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation reportedly increasing its output to approximately 100 to 120 airframes annually. This represents a substantial surge from early 2022, when the fleet was estimated at only about 40 aircraft. By May 2024, at least 12 air brigades were equipped with the fighter, including several units that are now wholly comprised of J-20s. Given current production rates and the integration of AI-driven "dark factories," analysts project that China could field as many as 1,000 J-20s by 2030, further cementing its role as a primary challenger to Western air dominance.