New J‑36 fighter jet photos fuel U.S.-China air rivalry concerns
Photos of the Chinese J-36 fighter jet, a next-generation aircraft closely monitored by the Pentagon, have surfaced on social media. These images confirm earlier analyses regarding its construction and equipment.
New images of the Chinese sixth-generation J-36 fighter jet showcase its frontal design. The photos confirm earlier assessments pointing to a large cockpit and a wide nose. The cockpit has two crew seats, reminiscent of the layout found in the F-111 and Su-34.
It's worth noting that the United States has highlighted the growing capabilities of China's air force. The Pentagon has acknowledged China as a strategic challenge, prompting Americans to closely monitor the development of this aircraft. Expert Bryan Clark from the Hudson Institute noted that the J-36 could challenge American air dominance.
New photos of the Chinese J-36 fighter jet
The photos also reveal the air intake on the back of the plane and a large DSI intake. These features highlight the heft of the J-36's construction, which may appear smaller from the side than it actually is. This new perspective emphasizes the proportions and mass of this advanced fighter jet.
The images reveal trapezoidal air intakes, similar to those on the F-22, and a large electro-optical window on the side of the nose, which glimmers with a golden hue. Although the authenticity of the photos is not fully confirmed, they match a series of leaks from China regarding new military projects.
The photos emerged just days after details about a smaller but also heavy Shenyang sixth-generation fighter were disclosed. New images show its underside and nose profile, which can accommodate a powerful AESA radar.
Both aircraft were unofficially showcased in a series of videos and photos leaked from China following their initial test flights in December 2024. Photos from various perspectives are expected by the summer of 2025, offering a fuller assessment of these advanced designs.
Chinese sixth-generation fighter jets, like the J-36, are subjects of intense analysis and speculation, and the latest photos only heighten interest in these modern machines.
The J-36 features a tailless design with a broad nose and triangular wings. This construction helps reduce radar detection, which is crucial for missions requiring high stealth capabilities. Compared to another Chinese fighter, the J-20—which measures 69 feet in length with a wingspan of 43 feet—the J-36 appears slightly longer and significantly wider. This suggests it can carry more fuel, increasing its range for extended missions.
