On December 26, 2023, China unveiled a new generation of stealth fighter jets, making its maiden flight in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province. The aircraft, dubbed the J-36 by the defense community, is the latest in China’s growing array of advanced military aviation capabilities. Images and video of the flight, captured in near real time, depicted a unique design: a tailless flying wing configuration with a J-20S twin-seat tracker.
While the J-36 flight surprised the general public, it did not come as a surprise to PLA observers, experts who closely monitor China’s military developments. For years, observers have noticed increasing signs that a sixth-generation air superiority aircraft is on the horizon. The J-36’s first flight only reinforced China’s rapid progress toward air superiority.
Although its exact role and full capabilities are still unknown, early signs suggest it will revolutionize air combat. Chengdu is home to Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, which develops China’s J-20 stealth fighter jet. This aircraft, identified by serial number 36011, has generated some controversy over its design and purpose. The J-36 name refers to its role as an air superiority fighter, but this name is provisional as the official name has not yet been confirmed.
The flight took place without formal approval from the Chinese Ministry of Defense (check website) or state media, a pattern that reflects the secrecy of previous People’s Liberation Army projects. Similar to the J-20’s debut, the J-36’s arrival was preceded by years of speculation and semi-official leaks from Chinese aerospace engineers. A J-20S, a twin-seat version of the J-20, reportedly accompanied the plane. This has led some analysts to speculate about the J-36’s potential role in a next-generation air combat system in which manned and unmanned platforms work together. Although many aspects of the aircraft remain unknown, the three engine configuration was one of the most important developments. The unusual design suggests significant advances in both thrust and stealth capabilities. Its flight and the potential for future hypersonic speeds and combat radius demonstrate growing confidence in China’s air combat technology.
The J-36 was a significant departure from traditional fighter design. Initial analysis of its function suggests the following characteristics: The J-36 employs a tailless, double-delta flying wing configuration that minimizes radar visibility from all angles and greatly increases stealth. This feature is in line with the trend of 360-degree stealth in next-generation fighter jets. The aircraft is equipped with a unique three-engine configuration, which is believed to provide enhanced thrust and superior high-speed and hypersonic performance. This configuration may also improve maneuverability at high speeds.
The J-36 has a large internal weapons bay in the center and may be designed to accommodate long-range PL-17 air-to-air missiles. There are also reports of a smaller lateral IWB similar to the J-20, indicating that the J-36 may be optimized to carry a variety of air-to-air munitions. The engine is considered a derivative of the WS-10 or WS-15 series and provides sufficient thrust for the aircraft’s expected long combat radius and high-speed performance.
Some defense technology experts have speculated that the J-36 may be equipped with thrust vector control (TVC) to increase its agility. The weight between a conventional fighter and a large attack aircraft can exceed 50 tons. This larger aircraft allows for superior payload and advanced systems such as AI-powered avionics, sensors, and EW equipment. The J-36 will be extremely important in China’s next-generation air superiority strategy. Defense analysts and PLA observers have suggested that the fighter is designed for high-performance air-to-air combat over existing fifth-generation fighters such as the J-20.
The J-36 is expected to have a significantly larger combat radius than current platforms, allowing for long-range operations. Advanced sensor fusion and networking enable seamless integration with other combat systems. Superior power generation systems support AI-assisted operations and electronic warfare. Optimized for BVR engagements, focusing on signature reduction and sensor capabilities rather than traditional air combat. Unlike its predecessors like the F-22 and Su-57, it does not compete for subsonic maneuverability, but it excels at high speeds, favoring strategic operations over air show maneuvers. The J-36 is a modular fighter designed to integrate unmanned combat aircraft, breaking away from the traditional fighter jet concept of serving as a command and control node.
Its debut raises questions about its sixth-generation status. The definition of a 6th generation aircraft remains in flux, although some classify it as such. The U.S.’s Next Generation Air Superiority (NGAD) program also focuses on hypersonic flight, AI integration, and autonomous systems, but production models have not been disclosed. The J-36 emphasizes networked warfare and high-performance stealth, and could become the standard for future air superiority platforms. However, it is premature to call it “sixth generation” and comparisons must be made with other platforms such as the US NGAD and European fighters. China’s more open approach to introducing new platforms contrasts with the secrecy of US and Russian programs.
Although the J-36 is still in the prototype stage, it offers a glimpse into China’s growing aerospace capabilities. The J-36’s first flight marks a significant development in China’s military aviation ambitions. With its cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and the potential for hypersonic flight, it promises to revolutionize air superiority in China and the world.
The J-36’s size, range, and design suggest it will be a powerful player in future air warfare. China’s rapid advances in hypersonic weapons, AI-assisted avionics, unmanned systems, and the emergence of the J-36 highlight China’s growing influence in air power.
The author is a PhD candidate at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The views expressed in the article above are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.
