Military observers’ reports indicate that China has conducted a second test flight of its next-generation J-36 fighter jet, a development that continues to draw global attention to Beijing’s advancing military aviation capabilities.
Chengdu J-36 creator calls it the best 6th-generation jet yet
Photo credit: X
Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with discussion following the emergence of a photograph purportedly showing this latest flight. Unlike the clearer images that surfaced after the initial test, this new picture is of significantly lower quality, leaving much to speculation.
Observers suggest that higher-resolution images could surface by the end of the day, potentially offering a closer look at the aircraft’s design and features. This event marks another step in China’s efforts to establish itself as a leader in cutting-edge aerospace technology, though official confirmation from Beijing remains absent.
This tIme it‘s confirmed: The CAC J-36 has made its second test flight!
Unfortunately the images are (at least for now) very small and of low quality. pic.twitter.com/B9zCxQl2WN
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) March 17, 2025
The first test flight of the J-36 took place on December 26, 2024, over Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, believed to be the jet’s manufacturer, is headquartered.
That maiden flight captured widespread interest after images and videos surfaced online, showing a tailless, diamond-shaped aircraft accompanied by a J-20S twin-seat stealth fighter acting as a chase plane. The timing of the event, coinciding with the birthday of Mao Zedong, a significant figure in Chinese history, led some analysts to speculate that the date was chosen deliberately for its symbolic weight.
The aircraft, marked with the serial number 36011, was tentatively designated J-36 by observers, following the naming convention of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, though no official designation has been confirmed.
The clarity of the initial images allowed analysts to note distinctive features, such as the jet’s three-engine configuration and its stealth-oriented design, sparking debates about its potential role in China’s military strategy.
Details about the J-36 remain largely speculative, as China has not released official specifications or commentary on the aircraft. Based on available imagery and expert analysis, the jet appears to embody characteristics associated with sixth-generation fighters, a loosely defined category that typically includes advanced stealth, enhanced sensors, and the ability to integrate with unmanned systems.
The aircraft’s tailless, double-delta wing configuration suggests a focus on reducing radar visibility, a trait that aligns with modern stealth technology. Analysts have pointed to its three-engine setup—featuring two side air intakes and a dorsal intake—as unusual, potentially indicating a design optimized for high-speed, long-range operations.
Speculation about its propulsion centers on the possibility of modified WS-10 or WS-15 engines, though this remains unverified. The jet’s size, estimated at approximately 22.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 24 meters, suggests it could carry a substantial payload, possibly including advanced munitions or fuel for extended missions.
Some observers propose a combat radius of around 3,000 kilometers, which would make it a formidable asset in regional conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. However, without official data, these figures are educated guesses drawn from visual evidence and comparisons to existing aircraft.
The J-36’s role is another point of conjecture. Its design has led to varied interpretations, with some analysts suggesting it could serve as an air superiority fighter, capable of engaging enemy aircraft, while others argue it might function as a multirole platform or even a regional bomber, akin to the long-rumored JH-XX concept.
The aircraft’s voluminous fuselage could house significant internal weaponry, a feature that enhances stealth by minimizing external protrusions. Experts have also noted the possibility of advanced avionics, such as side-looking radar or electro-optical sensors, which would bolster its situational awareness in combat.
The lack of vertical stabilizers, replaced by control surfaces like split flap rudders, points to a sophisticated flight control system designed to maintain stability. While some have labeled it a sixth-generation fighter, others caution that this classification may be premature, given the absence of clear criteria for such a designation and the uncertainty surrounding its full capabilities.
The United States responded to the J-36’s first flight with a measured but attentive stance. High-ranking Pentagon officials acknowledged the event, referencing an annual report on Chinese military power released shortly before the test.
That report highlighted China’s growing aviation prowess, noting that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force commands the largest aviation force in the Indo-Pacific, with over 3,150 aircraft, including approximately 2,400 combat aircraft.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall addressed the development in a statement, suggesting that while China’s progress was anticipated, it did not immediately alter the trajectory of U.S. programs. He emphasized that the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative, or NGAD, remained under review, a process that began earlier in 2024 due to budget constraints and shifting technological priorities.
Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, offered a different perspective, noting that the J-36 could pose a credible challenge to U.S. air superiority if its stealth and payload capabilities prove as advanced as speculated. The Pentagon’s response underscored a broader recognition of China as a pacing challenge, particularly in the context of rising tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Comparing the J-36 to other next-generation fighter programs reveals a complex global landscape. The U.S. NGAD program, intended to succeed the F-22 Raptor, has made strides, with a prototype reportedly flown in September 2020, though details remain classified.
The initiative aims to integrate artificial intelligence, advanced stealth, and networked operations with unmanned drones, but its high cost—estimated at nearly $250 million per aircraft—prompted a pause for reassessment. Air Force officials have indicated a shift toward incorporating existing platforms like the F-35 and F-15EX with new technologies, such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft, to achieve air dominance more affordably.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX program, designed to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, progresses with a focus on modularity and integration with existing engine technology, targeting deployment in the 2030s. Both programs reflect a cautious approach, balancing innovation with fiscal and operational realities.
Across the Atlantic, the Future Combat Air System, or FCAS, unites France, Germany, and Spain in a collaborative effort to develop a sixth-generation fighter, known as the Next-Generation Fighter. This project emphasizes stealth, adaptability, and coordination with unmanned systems, with an expected service entry in the 2040s.
Similarly, the Global Combat Air Programme, involving the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, advances the Tempest project, which shares goals of advanced networking and optional unmanned operation, aiming for operational status in the 2030s. Russia’s PAK DP, intended to replace the MiG-31 interceptor, has entered development, though skepticism surrounds its timeline due to past delays in projects like the Su-57.
These initiatives, while ambitious, face challenges of cost-sharing, technological hurdles, and geopolitical coordination, contrasting with China’s centralized approach to the J-36.
China’s program appears to have outpaced expectations, with the J-36’s second test flight occurring just months after its debut, a timeline that surprised analysts who had predicted a first flight closer to 2028. This rapid progression suggests significant prior groundwork, possibly including earlier unreported demonstrations.
The lack of transparency from Beijing fuels uncertainty, but the public nature of the flights—conducted in daylight and near populated areas—hints at a deliberate display of capability. In contrast, U.S. NGAD demonstrator flights have been shrouded in secrecy, with no imagery released, reflecting differing strategies in managing perception and development.
The J-36’s emergence has prompted speculation about its potential to shift regional power dynamics, particularly if paired with China’s growing drone and missile capabilities.
As the day progresses, the defense community awaits clearer images of the J-36’s latest flight, which could refine understanding of its design and purpose. The aircraft’s development trajectory will likely influence global military aviation strategies, prompting nations to reassess their own programs.
For now, the J-36 remains a symbol of China’s technological ambition, its full impact yet to be determined as testing continues and more data emerges.
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