China’s J-36 fighter jet has completed its second observed test flight over Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Videos and images of the tailless stealth aircraft surfaced on Chinese social media on Monday.
The J-36, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), was first seen flying on Dec. 26, 2024 being escorted by a fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, used as a chase plane.
During its latest test flight, the J-36 flew solo with its landing gear retracted.
China has not officially released details about the J-36. However, images and videos circulating online revealed a tailless, diamond-shaped aircraft. Analysts who have examined the images highlighted distinctive features, including the jet’s three-engine configuration.
China’s 6th-generation fighter J-36 completed its second flight.
J-36 has three turbofan engines, possibly WS-10C or future WS-15 engines for enhanced performance. pic.twitter.com/cNWSjPRU0d
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 17, 2025
Based on available images and expert analysis, the jet exhibits features typical of sixth-generation fighters, including advanced stealth, enhanced sensors, and integration with unmanned systems.
While some have labeled the J-36 a sixth-generation fighter, Western analysts suggest it may instead be a regional bomber or an advanced fifth-generation jet.
The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) in China carried out its second test flight today of the prototype for its new trijet tailless diamond-delta wing military aircraft, dubbed the Chengdu J-36, which is claimed to be a sixth-generation stealth fighter, but is believed by… pic.twitter.com/LxBA34pMmD
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 17, 2025
Satellite images reviewed by TWZ show a new shelter at the CAC facility, built between November and December 2024, likely for the J-36’s development.
Last December, China also unveiled what is believed to be a sixth-generation fighter jet developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
Reports claimed that the aircraft has a combat radius of approximately 2,200 kilometers, allowing for long-range missions, and is likely equipped with artificial intelligence for flight management, combat analysis, and coordination with unmanned drones.
