China's J-36 stealth fighter takes to the skies, raising questions about its role

On December 26, 2024, the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) in China conducted the maiden flight of a new stealth combat aircraft, generating considerable buzz within defense communities.

Accompanied by a J-20S chase plane, the debut of this highly swept, flying wing aircraft, which has been tentatively designated the “J-36,” sparked a flurry of speculation about its design, purpose, and capabilities, The Diplomat writes.

While the J-36's appearance was anticipated by observers following China’s aerospace developments, the aircraft’s official role remains unconfirmed. It is believed to be an air superiority platform, with an advanced flying wing design that emphasizes low observability and long-range capabilities. Preliminary details suggest it is larger than current fighters, with a potential wingspan of 20 meters and a length around 22 meters, possibly reaching up to 26 meters. The aircraft is powered by three engines, and its design features a mix of advanced stealth technologies, including low-observable exhausts and thrust vector control (TVC) on some engines.

Despite its promising features, the aircraft’s exact powerplants and its full range of sensor and weapon systems are still unknown. While some have speculated it could serve as a bomber or a fighter-bomber, insiders believe it is primarily intended for air superiority, potentially surpassing the J-20 in terms of signature reduction, combat radius, and networking capabilities. The J-36 is expected to operate in a networked environment, working in tandem with both manned and unmanned platforms for greater combat effectiveness.

The J-36’s design is part of a broader trend in Chinese military aviation, where the lines between traditional fighter aircraft and more versatile, high-performance combat platforms are increasingly blurred. Some experts even compare the J-36 to concepts such as the U.S. Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), where the focus shifts toward sophisticated, persistent aircraft capable of commanding networks of autonomous systems.

The future development of the J-36 will likely continue to spark debates about its classification as a “sixth-generation” aircraft, its strategic role, and its place within China’s evolving air power strategy. The aircraft’s progress in testing, production, and integration with other PLA platforms will be closely monitored, contributing to ongoing discourse about the future of aerial warfare and the role of advanced stealth platforms in this new era.

By Vugar Khalilov