On December 26, 2024, in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, drawing on the lessons of 20 years of research and development, China unveiled two sixth-generation fighter jets that represent the next evolutionary leap forward. While it took the world by surprise, China’s fighter jets have come a long way since the introduction of the J-10 in the 2000s. Introduced in 2011, the J-20 was the company’s first fifth-generation aircraft, boasting stealth, supercruise, and advanced avionics.
By flying two demonstrators of ground-breaking sixth-generation fighter jet technology, the airline demonstrated its ambition to take technological leadership and redefine air superiority. The diamond-shaped wing and tailless design demonstrate cutting-edge stealth technology. This size emphasizes long-range capabilities and increased weapon loading capacity. The flight took place in broad daylight, accompanied by a J-20S twin-seat fighter.
Main design features of Chengdu J-36
The aircraft, dubbed “White Emperor,” is part of the Project Nantenmen research initiative to explore future aviation technology. The aircraft, believed to be called the Chengdu J-36 (AVIC Baidi Type-B), is a diamond-shaped tailless design with three air intakes, two on the sides and the third on top. and suggests a unique approach to engine integration. Does an airplane have three engines? But it seems like it only has two exhaust pipes. Could the third engine be a scramjet? Or do you need a third engine to increase thrust?
The Diamond wing shape is somewhat reminiscent of the Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23, an American single-seat twin-engine stealth fighter technology demonstrator. The diamond shape has a large volume, which gives it additional fuel and weapons. These are necessary for China to attack the US military base in Guam in the Western Pacific.
The second aircraft is slightly smaller and more conventional in appearance, but also lacks a vertical stabilizer, a key feature of next-generation stealth. Clearly, this design is a departure from earlier stealth aircraft, the J-20 and the American F-22/J-35. Removing the vertical stabilizer reduces the radar cross section (RCS) and signature. Advanced flight control algorithms are required to maintain stability and agility. Additionally, aircraft engines may be equipped with thrust vectoring capabilities to support stability and better maneuverability.
One of the White Emperor’s most talked about features is its potential hypersonic capabilities. The aircraft is reportedly designed to operate at altitudes of 25,000 meters, far exceeding the normal operation of conventional fighter jets. Hypersonic flight would also enhance the ability to intercept ballistic missiles and launch long-range attacks, making China a leader in the hypersonic arms race. They have already operationalized hypersonic weapons.
This large aircraft is estimated to have a wingspan of about 20 meters and an overall length of about 20 meters, making it somewhere between a fighter and a bomber. The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider has a wingspan of approximately 40 meters and is 16 meters long from nose tip to aft. Larger size means more fuel, longer range, and larger internal arsenal. It is estimated that it will be equipped with advanced avionics for missions deep in conflict airspace. Its sleek silhouette and powerful engine suggest an incredible combination of speed, agility, and firepower.
The length of the arsenal could be almost six meters, large enough to carry China’s latest long-range PL17 missile. Due to the higher maximum take-off weight, a twin-wheel chassis bogie was probably required. The MiG-31 has a similar arrangement.
The type of engine that will power the demonstrator remains a subject of speculation. China’s most powerful WS15 engine could approach higher thrust in future versions, but it may not be enough to power it for now, so three engines will likely be needed Probably. The third may be required to obtain greater power generation. Probably a WS-10C turbofan engine. Top-mounted air intakes enhance airflow and cooling for high-performance operations essential for sustained stealth and speed. This also reduces the IR signature. It will also include Supercruise, which allows sustained supersonic flight without afterburning. A second smaller aircraft, which flew the same day, is more agile and could also support carrier operations.
In effect, it would become a “force multiplier” that could be assembled into combat teams to project power across the heavily defended Western Pacific, where it could counter American air power.
What is a 6th generation aircraft?
The 6th generation aircraft will have all the features and enhanced capabilities of the 5th generation aircraft. Sixth generation aircraft are intended to have wide-spectrum stealth, which refers to the ability to minimize radar detectability over a wide range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. This is necessary for deep penetration missions in heavily defended battlespaces. The US has already demonstrated this with stealth bombers.
They will be equipped with advanced sensors that make extensive use of artificial intelligence and data fusion, allowing them to operate as “flying command posts.” Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key component of 6th generation platforms. By integrating AI and advanced avionics, China seeks to outperform its rivals in battlefield automation, further blurring the line between human and machine decision-making.
Other features of the 6th generation aircraft include optional manning, sensor fusion, and advanced data processing capabilities such as 6G communication speeds, advanced power plants, greater power generation, and directed energy weapons (DEW). Included. DEW can be used in counterspace operations to neutralize enemy drones, incoming missiles, and even long-range aircraft without firing conventional munitions.
Huge amounts of data are processed in real time. These support enhanced situational awareness and autonomous decision-making. The aircraft communicates with and controls drones and unscrewed aerial systems (UAS). This also includes swarms of drones that provide a decisive advantage in competitive environments. They will have enhanced electronic warfare capabilities and will deal with many threats at the same time. An aviation platform with stealth advantages and networked combat for future air superiority.
Demonstration timing
The test flight took place on Chairman Mao Zedong’s birthday, an important day in Chinese political symbolism. Mao Zedong was born on December 26, 1893. It was also a time to intimidate the world by displaying China’s military and technological prowess in preparation for future more aggressive actions against Taiwan. This includes increasing naval and nuclear capabilities.
geopolitical signaling
As China expands its comprehensive national power (CNP), it has become more aggressive in both the East and South China Seas. Western sanctions against Russia have brought Russia closer to China. In effect, the second and third superpowers are now working together.
The Department of Defense is still debating the future of the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Next Generation Air Defense (NGAD) program, which is expected to be operationally ready by the 2030s. This trend became even stronger after Elon Musk said there was no role for manned fighter jets. The schedule for the European Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a sixth-generation aircraft involving the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy, is similar to that of the United States. This debate will take on new meaning after China stole the march over Washington.
China is also sending a signal to the world that it is rapidly closing the technological gap with the Western defense industry. This is also a strong signal to our major neighbors such as Japan, South Korea and India.
Careful response required
Undoubtedly, the so-called Chinese 6th generation aircraft took off and landed. However, this is not the first time a tailless aircraft has flown. The U.S. Air Force has flown the Northrop B-2 Spirit bomber since 1989, flying a number of operational missions. The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider also made its first flight. India’s Ghatak demonstrator aircraft also flew earlier. There are also flying wing UCAVs from Russia and Türkiye. Information about China’s systems remains closely guarded. The world must wait and see, rather than jump to premature conclusions.
US still has the upper hand
China’s aviation industry is undergoing major changes, and goes beyond just fighter jets. China has invested heavily in defense research and development. China already manufactures its own large transport aircraft, the Y-20 (66 tons of payload), and is working on developing an aerial refueling aircraft and an AEW&C model. They have a very successful UAS program. China will soon have a stealth bomber (H-20). China has some of the best air missiles in the world.
Among the world’s top defense contractors, America’s Lockheed Martin, maker of the F-22, F-16 and F-35, continues to lead by a wide margin. However, China Aviation Industry Corporation has jumped to second place in 2024, and the top 10 includes six American companies and three Chinese companies. The only other company in the ranking is BAE Systems (UK) in 7th place. Among the top 25, there are 12 from the US, 5 from China, 2 from the UK, 2 from France, and 1 each from Italy, Israel, South Korea, and Germany. However, there are 48 American companies in the top 100 and only six Chinese companies. In other words, the United States is still dominant, but China is gradually gaining ground.
Impact on India
China’s flight of two sixth-generation stealth aircraft within 24 hours is a wake-up call for India, and even more so for the US. Deploying sixth-generation fighters will give China a significant deterrent against potential adversaries. China’s sixth-generation fighter jets, expected to enter service by the late 2020s to early 2030s, could also play a key role in the country’s broader efforts to dominate space and cyber warfare. Combined with hypersonic weapons, long-range missiles, and DEWs, China can gain an advantage in kinetic and non-kinetic warfare.
On September 14, 2020, the United States revealed that it had secretly designed, built, and flown at least one prototype of the Next Generation Air Superiority Fighter (NGAD). But details remain secret. China was 14 years behind the United States in fifth-generation jets, but the gap is now only four years in sixth-generation jets. The United States still significantly outperforms China in deployable air power.
As China’s air combat capabilities improve, regional powers such as Japan, South Korea, and India will need to increase their investments in advanced fighter aircraft to maintain a credible deterrent against Chinese aggression.
Not only is China ahead in aviation technology and capabilities, but the gap with India is rapidly becoming unbridgeable in the near future. China will further improve its ability to penetrate Indian airspace undetected.
There are still more than four generations of indigenous Indian fighters. Like the Rafale, the LCA Mk2 is in its 4.5th generation, but it has not yet flown and will take six to eight years to enter service. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) under development is still more than a decade away from introduction. India still needs to revise its falling fighter strength.
The J-20 fleet could grow to more than 800 aircraft by 2030, with a goal of 1,500 by 2035. Pakistan is reportedly expediting the procurement of 40 J-35 stealth fighters from China, which could be inducted within three to four years. There is a possibility that it will surpass IAF. China’s sixth-generation fighter jets promise to redefine air combat in the coming decades.
These advanced jets could be deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), thus providing China with enhanced reconnaissance and strike capabilities and potentially putting pressure on India’s defense posture. There is. India needs to accelerate the development or acquisition of sixth-generation technologies to remain competitive. It also emphasizes the urgency for India to advance indigenous defense programs such as AMCA.
The time has come for India’s recently established high-level committee under the Secretary of Defense to re-evaluate and suggest ways to revitalize the IAF keeping in mind this new development. It’s time to act. It has to be a whole-of-country approach.
The author is a former director of the Air Power Research Center. The views expressed in the article above are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.
