New J‑36 photos ignite speculation on future air dominance
The Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet, the J-36, was captured landing. New photos of the aircraft have surfaced online, sparking analysts' curiosity about its potential.
What do you need to know?
- What's new about the J-36? New photos of the Chinese J-36 fighter jet have appeared online, drawing interest from analysts. The aircraft was produced by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and was first spotted in December 2024.
- Where were the photos taken? The photographs show the J-36 flying over a highway near the Chengdu industrial plant's airport in Sichuan province. The exact date the photos were taken is unknown.
What are the features of the J-36 fighter jet?
Military aviation expert David Cenciotti notes that the J-36 features a distinctive tailless flying wing design and an unusual three-engine setup, with two air intakes beneath the wings and a third positioned behind the cockpit, setting it apart from the typical twin-engine layouts of many contemporary fighter jets.
Will the J-36 change the balance of power in the air?
Analysts speculate that the J-36 may be a response to American fifth-generation fighter jets like the F-22 and F-35.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has not publicly confirmed the existence of the J-36.
Source: CNN/X