THIS is the chilling moment China brandishes its new J-36 stealth jet in a public show of force to intimidate the West.
The menacing has been described by experts as a “super weapon” and the “most advanced ever”.
China’s sixth-generation J-36 stealth jet appeared alongside the older J-20Credit: X
The shadowy jet glided through the skies near Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s plant in ChengduCredit: X
Footage shows the aircraft – an ominous shadow in the skies – flying in formation with an older fifth-generation J-20.
Various angles of the drill, reportedly near Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s plant in Chengdu, were uploaded to social media.
They revealed some tweaks to the first prototype, which was first spotted in December 2024.
The shape of the exhausts have been changed and the landing gear redesigned, along with a few other alterations as China perfects the design.
Military experts have said the new jet ushers in an era of air dominance for China.
When it first appeared last year, no official information was released about the machine.
But it was claimed that the Chinese Communist Party wanted the footage to circulate, because no effort was made to stop the information circulating.
It was also first tested on December 26 – which is the birthday of the infamous dictator and founder of the People’s Republic of , Chairman Mao.
Several countries including the US have been racing to develop a sixth-generation jet, so the J-36 marks a significant victory for China’s air force.
The high-tech sky machine is tailless, meaning it uses computers rather than vertical stabilisers to maintain control.
These models are much harder to detect with radar, indicating the jet is likely destined for stealth missions.
It also makes the craft more aerodynamic by reducing drag, so it could be used for long-range endurance flights.
Images suggest the new plane is at least as long as the J-20, which is around 70ft.
The “most unusual” feature of the jet is the position of the air intakes on top of the fuselage and on either side.
A close-up of the underside of China’s sixth-generation J-36
The development of the sixth-generation stealth jet marks a victory for China’s air forceCredit: Getty
This has led to speculation of a “highly unorthodox” three-engine arrangement.
Euan Graham, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the new designs “show the willingness of China’s aviation industry to experiment and innovate”.
“Whatever the merits or demerits, it appears to be a highly original design,” he said.
China is also vying to take on the US “Son of Concorde” with an even faster supersonic jet that could blast from to City in less than two hours.
Beijing-based Space Transportation – also known as Lingkong Tianxing – has hit four times the speed of sound with test flights recently.
Race to create 6th Generation fighter jets
SIXTH-generation fighter jets are the most advanced aircraft design – one up on the fifth generation jets already deployed by various air forces.
Multiple countries have been known to be attempting to develop a sixth-generation fighter, including China, the US and Russia.
Other countries have joined forces on sixth-gen projects, such as the UK, Japan and Italy in the Global Combat Air Programme, and France, Germany and Spain with FCAS.
Sixth-generation fighter concepts share several distinct characteristics, such as the inclusion of AI and advanced stealth capabilities.
If the jet spotted in the video footage is indeed a sixth-generation fighter jet, then China appears to have taken a significant step forward at the front of the race.
The debut of the J-36 jet challenges US superiority in the skies and could have serious implications for India, which currently lacks a stealth fighter jet.
It is anticipated the US will deploy its first sixth-generation fighter to the field around 2030.
