J-36 breakthrough: China’s sixth-gen fighter jet aims to undermine US air superiority

In a recent article, the Eurasian Times highlights that in a dramatic escalation of the global race for air superiority, China’s new sixth-generation fighter jet, the J-36, is emerging as a potential game-changer in the Indo-Pacific.

Designed to counter the US Air Force’s cutting-edge B-21 Raider, the J-36 signals Beijing’s ambitions to challenge American dominance in the skies—and reshape the strategic calculus from Taiwan to Guam.

The J-36's development addresses China's perceived vulnerability to advanced American bombers in regional conflicts, particularly concerning Taiwan. The aircraft is expected to enhance the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) capacity to intercept US warplanes attempting to penetrate the first island chain. The report suggests that the J-36's advanced features could suppress the air defenses of military bases in Guam, thereby complicating US military operations in the region.

In response to China's advancements, the United States has accelerated the development of its own sixth-generation fighter jet, the F-47, under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. President Donald Trump announced the $20 billion contract awarded to Boeing for the F-47, which is designed to replace the F-22 Raptor. The F-47 is expected to feature enhanced stealth capabilities, artificial intelligence integration, and advanced avionics to maintain US air superiority in the face of emerging threats.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, has acknowledged China's rapid advancements in air combat capabilities, noting that China is outproducing the United States in various military domains, including air, missile, maritime, and space capabilities. He emphasized the importance of maintaining air superiority along the first island chain to ensure the US military's ability to operate effectively in the region.

As both nations continue to develop and deploy advanced military technologies, the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region remains a critical concern. The introduction of the J-36 and the F-47 underscores the ongoing technological arms race and the strategic importance of air dominance in modern warfare.

By Naila Huseynova