A China Air Force official has disclosed that the test flights of Chinese J-20 fighters have been carried out successfully and the aircrafts are expected to start serving in the near future.

Major General Wei Gang, also the former Minister of the Equipment Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, told the media that "although not this year, it will be soon" for the J-20 fighter to begin service.

Wei also said that no matter whether they are 'home-made' or imported fighter jets, test flying is necessary and crucial.

The abovementioned remarks were made when Wei took part in the Fourth Plenary Meeting during the Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) on Mar. 11.

The J-20 fighter aircraft, or Chengdu J-20, is known as the fourth-generation Chinese home-made stealth, twin-engine fighter aircraft. It has caused worldwide concern since its debut flight on Jan. 11 of last year in Chengdu.

After its debut, Guan Youfei, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of China's Defense Ministry, declared that the development of China's military hardware "is not aimed at any other country or any specific target".

All weapons are developed to safeguard the country's sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity and they are tailored to the world’s latest military changes and weapon trends.