What does the mass production of the domestically-produced WS-20 engine mean for China?

The mass production of China’s domestically-produced WS-20 engine is about to become a reality. This not only signifies China’s independence from foreign technology but also symbolizes the country’s aerospace industry moving towards autonomy and strength. However, this move has also sparked much contemplation: why is China so committed to developing its own engines? What does the mass production of the domestically-produced WS-20 engine mean for China? What is the significance of the localization of aerospace engines for China’s military power and defense system? In a military report program aired by CCTV in April last year, China openly showcased a brand-new Y-20B transport aircraft. The most significant difference compared to the first batch of Y-20A in service lies in its engine. While the Y-20A was equipped with Russian engines, the Y-20B has been fitted with domestically-produced WS-20 engines, attracting the attention of the U.S. War Zone website. According to analysis from the U.S. War Zone website, the mass production of the WS-20 brings at least two significant implications: first, the Y-20 of China has rid itself of dependence on Russian engines, and second, the Y-20 will enter an unlimited production phase, meaning China can manufacture as many as needed. The potential of the Y-20 will be fully realized. Why does China insist on developing its own domestically-produced WS-20 engine, and what does its mass production mean for China? Today, the editor wants to discuss with you the importance of the localization of aerospace engines for China. Engines have always been the most dazzling gem in the aerospace industry and a longstanding weakness in China’s aerospace industry history. From early J-10s, J-11s to later mainstay fighters like J-16 and J-20, they heavily relied on Russian engines. Even China’s L-15 trainer aircraft required AL-32 turbofan engines from the Ukrainian Motor Sich company. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Motor Sich was destroyed, and the AL-32 engines ordered by China faced delivery difficulties. It’s not just the AL-32 engines made in Ukraine; even the Russian-made D-30KP2 engines experienced temporary disruptions in supply. The D-30KP2 engines are mainly installed on the Y-20 and H-6K large aircraft. From 2009 to 2016, China ordered D-30KP22 engines from Russia five times. After receiving the orders, Russia delivered a total of 463 engines. Considering that each Y-20 is equipped with four engines and excluding the quota for H-6K, Russia’s supply can only meet the production needs of about 100 Y-20s, and any more engines would be insufficient. Especially after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, Russian military factories had to prioritize frontline battlefield needs, similar to how India’s large orders of T-90s main battle tanks were first sent to the Eastern Front. Such unexpected events are uncontrollable. If you want to control your fate, you must achieve technological independence.