CHINESE SIXTH GENERATION STEALTH FIGHTER: A MYTH OR REALITY

China’s unveiling of the J-36 and J-50 simultaneously demonstrates its ability to rapidly develop and test advanced fighter platforms, signifying its intent to rival the United States in air power projection

- AIR MARSHAL R.G.K. KAPOOR RETD)

CHINA SURPRISED THE WORLD BY FLYING TWO NEXT generation stealth aircraft on December 26, 2025 to mark 131st birthday of Mao Zedong. Historically, China has unveiled its technological achievements on important dates or events. These demonstration flights drowned an important event, flight trial of KJ-3000 AWACS aircraft, based on Y-20 platform. There was no official announcement however, the images couldn’t have been released without the explicit approval of the Chinese government. Both these platforms are significantly different from the “White Emperor” unveiled as the sixth-generation platform by the Chinese during the Zhuhai air show. China’s progress in fighter aircraft development has been extraordinary to say the least. Flying so many different types of latest/next generation platforms speaks volumes of the research and development capability, so also the maturity in aerospace manufacturing.

Intense debate followed these demonstration flights. The analysts have christened them J-36 and J-50 based on the unconfirmed inputs originating from Chinese internet. China has signaled to the world that it is ready to compete with USA.

No other nation, not even USA has displayed the capability or the capacity to unveil so many types in such a short time. The issue of whether they are truly sixth generation comes later. The fact is that these platforms are futuristic and will be refined to achieve specific characteristics to conform to a generational definition.

Each generation of fighter aircraft have been categorised by their characteristics and capabilities. This classification applies only to jet and not propeller powered aircraft.

There are no watertight generational compartments or definitions.