Born to Fly

Two American F-35 Lightning II fighters breach Chinese airspace, creating a tense situation along the coast. Their supersonic speeds generate powerful sonic booms, causing widespread disruption, including damage to an oil refinery and affecting local fishing operations.

In response to the F-35s, Chinese pilot Lei Yu scrambles in his Chengdu J-10 to intercept the intruders. He pushes his aircraft to its limits, encountering the sophisticated technology of the enemy fighters.

After a tense aerial engagement, Lei Yu manages to force the F-35s to exit the airspace. However, he faces engine failure during a vertical climb, forcing him into a perilous emergency landing as his aircraft encounters critical troubles.

In the aftermath of the engagement, Lei Yu faces his superiors in a debriefing session. They express their disapproval of his aggressive tactics, reflecting on the significant gap between Chinese 4th generation aircraft and foreign 5th generation fighters.

Amid discussions of military advancements, Commander Zhang Ting invites Lei Yu to join a new initiative focused on developing the stealthy 5th generation Chengdu J-20. Excited by the prospect, Lei Yu eagerly accepts, joining a team of skilled pilots.

At the training base, Lei Yu and his fellow pilots undergo rigorous physical and mental training. They push their limits while the J-20's prototype engines, including the still-developing WS-13 Taishan, undergo testing on alternative aircraft.

During a crucial flight exercise, both Lei Yu and Commander Zhang Ting experience thrust failure leading to a dangerous spiral dive. In a dramatic moment, Lei Yu ejects from the aircraft to save himself, resulting in the loss of critical flight data.

Grounded following the ejection incident, Lei Yu dedicates his time to studying the mechanical issues that caused the thrust failure. He innovates a proposal for a new anti-stall parachute to enhance safety for test pilots like himself.

On Ting's last day, he and Lei Yu conduct a test flight for the fighter's engine and missile systems. Tragically, both engines fail, leading to a catastrophic situation where Ting sacrifices himself to save civilians, leaving Lei Yu devastated.

Despite the loss of Commander Ting, Lei Yu vows to contribute to the J-20 program, refusing to abandon the efforts. He works tirelessly on the anti-stall parachute system and refuses to yield to doubts regarding China’s ability to produce advanced stealth fighters.

Lei Yu collaborates with the new chief pilot, Deng Fang, as they conduct successful flight tests for the J-20's modified engine. Their teamwork pays off as the engine performs flawlessly, demonstrating resilience against missile smoke.

During another critical test, a flock of birds strikes the cockpit, leaving both pilots incapacitated. With quick thinking and composure, Lei Yu utilizes the newly developed anti-stall parachute, exemplifying the viability of their enhancements.

The American stealth fighters make another incursion into Chinese airspace, prompting Lei Yu and Deng Fang to launch the newly completed J-20s. They successfully shoot down several drones and prepare to confront the F-35 fleet with caution.

Aware of the dangerous implications, Lei Yu signals his squadron to retreat instead of engaging the American fighters directly. This decision reflects the complex balance between defending sovereignty and avoiding international conflict.

In a poignant end-credit scene, Lei Yu and his squadron honor Commander Ting's memory with a heartfelt flyby releasing colored smoke over a soccer field. This act serves as a tribute to Ting's sacrifice and legacy, impacting his son deeply.