In late 2024 and early 2025, China’s military aviation program stunned the world with the first public flights of the Chengdu J-36, a sixth-generation stealth fighter. This new aircraft, with its futuristic design and advanced technology, is more than just a leap in engineering—it is a powerful signal of China’s growing ambitions and capabilities. As global powers watch closely, the J-36 is already reshaping conversations about air superiority, regional security, and the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
The J-36: China’s Leap into Sixth-Generation Air Power
A New Design Philosophy
The Chengdu J-36 is not just another fighter jet. It represents a bold departure from traditional designs, featuring a tailless, diamond-shaped flying wing and a unique three-engine configuration. This design is aimed at maximizing stealth, speed, and maneuverability, while also supporting heavy electronic systems and future-directed energy weapons.
Key Specifications and Capabilities
The J-36 is estimated to be around 22 to 23 meters in length, with a wingspan close to 20 meters—making it significantly larger than China’s current J-20 stealth fighter. Its maximum speed is believed to reach Mach 2.5, and it boasts a combat radius of approximately 3,000 kilometers, allowing it to operate far from Chinese shores. The aircraft’s maximum take-off weight could be as high as 60 tons, supporting a large internal weapons bay, advanced sensors, and extensive fuel reserves.
Stealth and Survivability
Stealth is at the heart of the J-36’s design. The tailless flying wing shape, radar-absorbing materials, and carefully engineered engine intakes and exhausts all work together to minimize radar and infrared signatures. The use of S-ducts and a wide exhaust deck further obscure the engines from enemy sensors, making the J-36 extremely hard to detect.
Advanced Technology: Engines, Sensors, and Weapons
Tri-Engine Powerhouse
Unlike most modern fighters, the J-36 uses three engines—likely advanced Shenyang WS-15 turbofans, each producing up to 180kN of thrust. This unusual setup is not just for speed; it also provides the electrical power needed for sophisticated avionics, electronic warfare suites, and potentially directed energy weapons in the future.
Cutting-Edge Avionics and Electronic Warfare
The J-36 is designed to operate as both a fighter and a command platform. It features advanced radar, electro-optical targeting systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. These systems allow the J-36 to coordinate with drones and other aircraft, acting as a central node in a networked battle environment. Its sensors and datalinks enable real-time information sharing, boosting the effectiveness of China’s broader air operations.
Flexible Weapons Loadout
Internally, the J-36 can carry a variety of long-range missiles, such as the PL-17 for air-to-air combat and the YJ-12 for anti-ship missions. The internal weapons bays help maintain stealth, while the large payload capacity supports both air superiority and ground-strike roles. This flexibility means the J-36 can adapt to different mission profiles, from intercepting enemy aircraft to striking high-value targets deep inside enemy territory.
Carrier Operations and Technical Challenges
Landing on Moving Carriers
One of the most ambitious aspects of the J-36 program is its intended use from aircraft carriers. The tailless design, while excellent for stealth, presents unique challenges for carrier landings. Without traditional tail fins and stabilizers, maintaining control during turbulent carrier approaches is difficult. Chinese engineers have developed a new “direct force control” system, using advanced flight controls and real-time aerodynamic calculations to safely land the J-36 on moving ships—even in rough seas.
Aerodynamic Innovations
To compensate for the lack of a tail, the J-36 relies on control surfaces like elevons and spoiler-slot deflectors. These are managed by sophisticated onboard computers, which adjust the aircraft’s flight path and orientation independently. The result is a highly maneuverable jet that can handle complex aerial maneuvers and maintain stability during challenging operations.
Geopolitical Implications: Shifting the Balance of Power
A Message to the World
The unveiling and rapid testing of the J-36 in 2025 sends a clear message: China is now a leader, not a follower, in advanced military aviation. By showcasing two sixth-generation prototypes—the J-36 and the Shenyang J-XX/J-50—within days of each other, China has outpaced even the United States in publicly demonstrating next-generation fighter technology.
Regional Security Concerns
For China’s neighbors and rivals, the J-36 is a cause for concern. Its extended range, stealth, and multi-role capabilities make it a powerful tool for projecting Chinese power in the Asia-Pacific region. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia are likely to accelerate their own air force modernization programs in response. The United States, which has long relied on technological superiority, now faces a credible challenger to its dominance in the skies.
Impact on Global Arms Development
China’s rapid progress with the J-36 could spark a new arms race in stealth and sixth-generation fighter technology. Other countries may need to invest more in research and development to keep up, leading to increased military spending and potentially greater instability in already tense regions.
Addressing Common Questions and Misconceptions
Is the J-36 Really Operational?
As of mid-2025, the J-36 is still in the prototype and testing phase, with no official confirmation of full operational status. However, multiple sightings, video footage, and controlled leaks suggest that China is moving quickly toward deployment.
How Does the J-36 Compare to US and Russian Fighters?
The J-36’s design and technology put it on par with, or even ahead of, current fifth-generation fighters like the US F-22 and F-35 in some areas. Its size, range, and electronic warfare capabilities are particularly notable. However, the US Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is also developing advanced fighters, and a true comparison will only be possible once both are fully operational.
What About Engine Reliability?
Chinese jet engine technology has historically lagged behind Western counterparts. The WS-15 engines powering the J-36 are reported to be a major step forward, but questions remain about long-term reliability and performance under combat conditions.
Is the J-36 a Threat to Global Security?
While the J-36 itself is not a direct threat, its emergence reflects a broader shift in military power and technology. The real concern is how other countries respond—through arms races, new alliances, or changes in military strategy.
The Road Ahead: What to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
Continued Testing and Deployment
Observers expect the J-36 to undergo further testing throughout 2025, with possible limited induction into the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by late 2025 or early 2026. Carrier-based versions may take longer to perfect, given the technical challenges involved.
Influence on Future Aircraft Design
The J-36’s tailless, stealthy design could influence the next generation of fighter jets worldwide. Its combination of speed, range, and electronic warfare capabilities sets a new benchmark for what future air combat platforms might look like.
Strategic Uncertainty
With China now at the forefront of sixth-generation fighter development, the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific—and potentially the world—is shifting. Policymakers, military planners, and analysts will be watching closely to see how rivals respond and what new technologies emerge in the race for air superiority.
Conclusion: The J-36 and the Future of Air Power
China’s J-36 fighter is more than just a new airplane—it is a statement of intent and capability. In 2025, its advanced stealth, powerful engines, and cutting-edge electronics signal a new era for Chinese air power and global military competition. As the world watches the J-36’s progress, one thing is clear: the future of air combat is being shaped not just in the United States or Russia, but increasingly in China.