Foreign Media: China's Land-Based J-36 and Carrier-Based J-50 Sixth-Generation Fighters Accelerate R&D
According to a report published by the Belgian Army Recognition website on December 27, 2025: According to a report released by the U.S. Department of Defense in December 2025, two prototype sixth-generation fighter aircraft of China have completed their first flight tests at the end of last year. These two aircraft, referred to by Western defense analysts as J-36 and J-50, are described as parallel development projects aimed at covering a wide range of combat missions, from air superiority, precision strikes, to coordinating unmanned aerial systems in contested airspace.
The U.S. report emphasizes that China is no longer in the concept or design phase; these aircraft are part of an active flight test program supported by its top aviation industry. The operational capabilities of both platforms are expected to be formed in the mid-2030s, with timelines comparable to the U.S. Air Force's "Next Generation Air Dominance" (NGAD) program and the Navy's F/A-XX program.
Based on the website's independent analysis of open-source intelligence, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group's J-36 and Shenyang Aircraft Industry Group's J-50 represent the parallel sixth-generation development paths of China's main combat aircraft manufacturers, reflecting a cautious strategy aimed at simultaneously deploying land-based and carrier-compatible next-generation fighters.
J-36, attributed to Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is widely assessed as China's primary sixth-generation air superiority platform and the long-term successor to the J-20. Observed fuselage features include a tailless configuration, large delta or diamond wings, highly integrated fuselage, and fully internal weapon bays, all designed to optimize extremely low radar detectability. The absence of a vertical stabilizer indicates a high dependence on advanced flight control software and thrust vectoring technology, pointing toward a highly software-driven aircraft architecture.
Analysts assess that the J-36 is designed for long-range operations, capable of penetrating contested airspace while serving as a central node for sensor fusion, electronic warfare coordination, and command of "loyal wingman"-style unmanned combat aircraft.
Flight footage analyzed by the website shows that the J-36 performed large-radius turns and stable high-speed passes, consistent with early flight envelope expansion tests rather than purely technical demonstrations. The size of the aircraft relative to known accompanying aircraft indicates significant internal fuel capacity, reinforcing the assessment that its mission profile focuses on range and endurance. It is expected that the J-36 will integrate AI-assisted decision-making tools, advanced multi-spectral sensors, and secure data links capable of networking with satellites, ground systems, naval equipment, and unmanned platforms.
J-50, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Industry Group, reflects a different focus in combat. Video footage and satellite images place this model in coastal test ranges, with design features indicating a focus on naval aviation. Analysts observed a more compact fuselage, twin-engine layout, and possible carrier adaptability structures, including reinforced landing gear and foldable wing mechanisms. J-50 is widely assessed as China's future carrier-based sixth-generation fighter, designed to operate from the People's Liberation Army Navy's new generation of aircraft carriers equipped with catapults (including the 003-type "Fujian" carrier and subsequent carriers).
The decision to advance two independent sixth-generation fighters simultaneously highlights a major shift in China's military aviation strategy. Beijing seems to intend to deploy aircraft optimized for land-based air superiority and maritime power projection tasks, rather than a single universal platform. This approach somewhat reflects and anticipates the division between the U.S. Air Force and Navy's sixth-generation programs, but a significant difference is that China has advanced both designs into visible flight testing stages.
The December 2025 U.S. Department of Defense report and the Congressional Research Service analysis both reach a key conclusion: the traditional assumption that the United States enjoys unquestionable leadership in fighter aircraft development can no longer be taken for granted. Although the U.S. sixth-generation system may ultimately surpass Chinese designs in integration and adaptability, China's first-mover advantage in flight testing and its dual-track parallel development strategy represents a tangible strategic advantage.
Statement: The above equipment data comes from the report on the Army Recognition website.
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Original: toutiao.com/article/1852700151992331/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.