China’s sixth-generation fighter jets, the J-36 and J-50, have been spotted for the first time at the same secret airbase in Lop Nur, Xinjiang. This is the first time the two aircraft have been seen in the same location, and the first time they have been seen outside their manufacturers’ factories — marking the next stage in their development process.
China is currently leading the world in the development of sixth-generation fighter jets. Its two parallel programs — the J-36 and the J-50 — are so different that it is speculated that both will enter service with different roles.
J-36: Designed for long-range deep-sea strikes.
J-50: A conventional frontline sixth-generation fighter jet, small enough to be used on ships.
Both aircraft feature all-aspect stealth and broadband stealth technology, and are capable of networking with unmanned drones.
According to recent news, China has also made significant progress in the development of variable cycle engines, making it almost certain that Chinese sixth-generation aircraft will enter service by 2030.
On the other hand, the United States plans to conduct the first test flight of its F-47 aircraft in 2028.
Author: Saikat Bhattacharya
