Chinese 6th Generation Aircraft News & Discussions

[Shui]

Looks indeed different but at first sight I‘m not sure … where is it from?

douying then many accs on bilibili posted it aswell.

 

[Deino]

I think it is the J-36 with the 2D nozzles WS-15 just like the recent J-50.

Indeed … do you know what’s the current consensus on the number of prototyes for each?

 

[ChineseTiger1986]

Indeed … do you know what’s the current consensus on the number of prototyes for each?

I didn't hear much about information about the J-36 recently.

But someone from the early 2026 has drawn the cartoon J-36 that hinted it got at least 4 prototypes or perhaps more.

Some source also suggests it could start in small batch by 2027 with the current WS-15, then start to carry the test of the 6th gen VCE around 2030.

 

[Beijingwalker]

China’s J-36 Stealth Fighter Reveals Major Design Upgrades, Raising Sixth-Generation Airpower Stakes Across Indo-Pacific​

Fresh images of China's J-36 stealth fighter prototype reveal refined air intake geometry and aerodynamic improvements that strengthen low-observable performance, signalling accelerating progress in Beijing's sixth-generation combat aircraft programme with far-reaching implications for Indo-Pacific military balance.​

On Jul 13, 2026

The latest appearance of the Chinese J-36 stealth fighter prototype has provided evidence of design refinements focused on the air intakes and aerodynamic profile which could enhance the aircraft's ability to operate effectively in high-threat environments throughout the Indo-Pacific theatre.

China’s J-36 Stealth Fighter Reveals Major Design Upgrades, Raising Sixth-Generation Airpower Stakes Across Indo-Pacific - Defence Security Asia

China's latest J-36 stealth fighter prototype reveals major sixth-generation design upgrades that could strengthen Beijing's air superiority ambitions across the Indo-Pacific.

defencesecurityasia.com

 

[cir]

SAC is reportedly developing a twin-engine manned or unmanned fighter with a top speed of Mach 3.5.

 

[Deino]

SAC is reportedly developing a twin-engine manned or unmanned fighter with a top speed of Mach 3.5.

I thought according to 一定会对蛙动手, it is more some sort of manned supersonic strategic reconnaissance aircraft project. He says that a paper about it exists and is certain that the project itself also exists.

 

[Beijingwalker]

*VIDEO* J-36 Shows Off Its Maneuverability

Jul 11, 2026

China has released what appears to be the first official footage of its J-36 sixth-generation fighter demonstrating its maneuverability, offering the clearest acknowledgment yet that the aircraft is real and actively progressing through flight testing.

What do you think? Is the J-36 the future of air combat? Is China ahead of the U.S.? What capability does this jet actually have? Let us know in the comments below!

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