Images circulating on Chinese social media now show that the mysterious fighter-like shapes spotted at remote Chinese airbases were full-scale mock-ups used for airfield firefighting training. The trainer closely resembles the J-20’s diamond-like delta planform and twin vertical tails, though its cockpit aligns more with the newer J-35.
The first such ‘shape’ appeared at Lintao Air Base in 2022, followed by a similar object at Jining Qufu Airport in 2025. Both were initially speculated to be decoys or prototypes, but the latest images confirm their role as reusable training aids designed to simulate real aircraft fires. These trainers are common globally, allowing crews to practice responses without risking damage to operational jets.
The revelation coincides with China’s expanding J-20 fleet, now estimated at around 500 airframes across 14 operational units and three training bases, with projections to reach 1,000 by 2030. The growing fleet increases demands for realistic training scenarios, including firefighting drills, to support both pilots and ground crews as sortie rates rise.
