Second test flight of the Chinese J-36 fighter jet documented in a blurry image

Reports from military observers indicate that China has successfully conducted a second test flight of its next-generation J-36 fighter jet, a development that continues to attract international attention to Beijing’s evolving military aviation capabilities.

Social media, especially the platform X, has been lively with discussions following the release of a photograph that allegedly depicts this recent flight. In contrast to the clearer images that emerged after the first test, this latest photo is of much lower quality, leading to considerable speculation.

Experts believe that higher-resolution images may be available by the end of the day, potentially providing a more detailed view of the aircraft’s design and features. This event represents another milestone in China’s ambition to position itself as a frontrunner in advanced aerospace technology, although official confirmation from Beijing is still pending.

The inaugural test flight of the J-36 occurred on December 26, 2024, over Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, thought to be the jet’s manufacturer, is located.

The initial flight garnered significant attention after images and videos circulated online, showcasing a tailless, diamond-shaped aircraft accompanied by a J-20S twin-seat stealth fighter serving as a chase plane. The timing of this event, coinciding with the birthday of Mao Zedong, a pivotal figure in Chinese history, led some analysts to suggest that the date was intentionally chosen for its symbolic significance.

The aircraft, identified with the serial number 36011, has been tentatively referred to as the J-36 by observers, following the naming conventions of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, although no official designation has been confirmed.

The initial images provided a clear view that enabled analysts to identify unique characteristics, such as the jet’s three-engine layout and its design focused on stealth, igniting discussions regarding its potential function within China’s military strategy.

Information regarding the J-36 remains largely conjectural, as China has yet to disclose any official specifications or statements about the aircraft. However, based on the available imagery and expert evaluations, the jet seems to exhibit traits typical of sixth-generation fighters, a loosely defined category that generally encompasses advanced stealth capabilities, improved sensors, and the capacity to operate alongside unmanned systems.

The aircraft’s tailless, double-delta wing design indicates an emphasis on minimizing radar detection, a feature consistent with contemporary stealth technologies. Analysts have noted its three-engine configuration—comprising two side air intakes and one dorsal intake—as atypical, which may suggest a design tailored for high-speed, long-range missions.

Discussions regarding its propulsion system revolve around the potential use of modified WS-10 or WS-15 engines, although this remains unconfirmed. The jet’s dimensions, estimated to be around 22.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 24 meters, imply it could accommodate a significant payload, possibly including advanced munitions or additional fuel for extended operations.

Some analysts estimate a combat radius of approximately 3,000 kilometers, which would position it as a powerful asset in regional conflicts, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. However, in the absence of official information, these estimates are educated assumptions based on visual analysis and comparisons with existing aircraft.

The role of the J-36 remains a topic of debate. Its design has sparked various interpretations; some analysts propose it may act as an air superiority fighter, capable of engaging enemy aircraft, while others believe it could serve as a multirole platform or even a regional bomber, similar to the speculated JH-XX concept.

The aircraft’s spacious fuselage is likely to accommodate substantial internal weaponry, which enhances its stealth capabilities by reducing external features. Additionally, experts have pointed out the potential inclusion of advanced avionics, such as side-looking radar or electro-optical sensors, which would improve its situational awareness during combat.

The absence of vertical stabilizers, substituted with control surfaces like split flap rudders, suggests a sophisticated flight control system aimed at ensuring stability. While some have classified it as a sixth-generation fighter, others warn that this designation may be premature due to the lack of established criteria and the uncertainty regarding its complete capabilities.

In response to the J-36’s inaugural flight, the United States adopted a cautious yet observant approach. Senior officials at the Pentagon acknowledged the milestone, referencing a recent annual report on Chinese military capabilities that was published shortly before the test.

The report underscored China’s expanding capabilities in aviation, highlighting that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force possesses the largest aerial fleet in the Indo-Pacific, comprising over 3,150 aircraft, including around 2,400 combat jets.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall commented on this development, indicating that while China’s advancements were expected, they did not immediately change the direction of U.S. military programs. He pointed out that the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative is still under evaluation, a process that commenced earlier in 2024 due to budget limitations and evolving technological priorities.

Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, provided an alternative viewpoint, suggesting that the J-36 could represent a significant threat to U.S. air superiority if its stealth and payload capabilities are as advanced as anticipated. The Pentagon’s response highlighted a growing acknowledgment of China as a pacing challenge, especially amid escalating tensions regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea.

When comparing the J-36 to other next-generation fighter initiatives, it becomes clear that the global landscape is intricate. The U.S. NGAD program, designed to replace the F-22 Raptor, has made progress, with a prototype reportedly taking flight in September 2020, although specific details remain classified.

This initiative seeks to incorporate artificial intelligence, advanced stealth technology, and networked operations with unmanned drones. However, its substantial cost—estimated at nearly $250 million per aircraft—has led to a reassessment pause. Air Force officials have suggested a pivot towards integrating existing platforms like the F-35 and F-15EX with new technologies, such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft, to achieve air superiority in a more cost-effective manner.

The U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX program, aimed at succeeding the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, is advancing with an emphasis on modularity and compatibility with current engine technologies, with plans for deployment in the 2030s. Both this initiative and others exhibit a measured strategy that balances innovation with financial and operational constraints.

In Europe, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) brings together France, Germany, and Spain in a joint venture to create a sixth-generation fighter, referred to as the Next-Generation Fighter. This initiative prioritizes stealth, versatility, and integration with unmanned systems, with an anticipated entry into service in the 2040s.

Similarly, the Global Combat Air Programme, which includes the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, is progressing with the Tempest project, which aims for advanced networking capabilities and optional unmanned operations, targeting operational readiness in the 2030s. Meanwhile, Russia’s PAK DP, designed to replace the MiG-31 interceptor, is under development, although doubts about its timeline persist due to previous delays in projects like the Su-57.

These ambitious programs encounter challenges related to cost-sharing, technological obstacles, and geopolitical collaboration, contrasting sharply with China’s more centralized approach to the J-36.

China’s initiative seems to have exceeded expectations, as evidenced by the J-36’s second test flight occurring just months after its initial flight, a timeline that surprised analysts who anticipated a first flight closer to 2028. This swift advancement indicates substantial preparatory work, potentially including earlier, unreported tests.

The opacity of Beijing’s operations contributes to uncertainty, yet the public nature of the test flights—conducted during the day and near populated regions—suggests a strategic showcase of capabilities. In contrast, the U.S. NGAD demonstrator flights have been conducted under a veil of secrecy, with no images released, highlighting differing approaches to managing public perception and development processes.

The introduction of the J-36 has sparked discussions regarding its ability to alter regional power structures, especially when considered alongside China’s expanding drone and missile technologies.

Throughout the day, defense analysts are eager for more detailed visuals of the J-36’s recent flight, which may enhance insights into its design and intended function. The evolution of this aircraft is expected to shape international military aviation strategies, leading countries to reevaluate their own defense initiatives.

At this stage, the J-36 stands as a testament to China’s technological aspirations, with its overall influence still unclear as testing progresses and additional information becomes available.