https://sputnikglobe.com/20250609/china-accelerating-to-soar-past-us-in-6th-gen-fighter-jet-race-1122218904.html
China Accelerating To Soar Past Us In 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Race
China Accelerating To Soar Past Us In 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Race
Sputnik International
Recent images of China's J-36 and J-50 have reignited discussions about Beijing's advancing dominance in next-generation airpower.
2025-06-09T12:53+0000
2025-06-09T12:53+0000
2025-06-10T12:59+0000
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"Cooler than Hollywood"▪️Aerospace expert Bill Sweetman told SCMP that the designs are “quite impressive – cooler than most Hollywood advanced aircraft” and lauded them as “one of the most interesting combat aircraft designs to emerge in decades.”▪️Former RAAF officer Peter Layton highlighted the J-36’s stealth, extended range, and supersonic cruise capabilities, saying it is “hard to shoot down before releasing weapons.” He called it a “qualitative strategic advantage in the air.”▪️Analyst Malcolm Davis observed that the J-36 "would be optimized for air dominance missions with very long-range missile capabilities." Reports indicate that the aircraft can carry up to 12 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles—roughly twice the loadout of current US fighters.▪️Layton also pointed to a dorsal intake that likely indicates a third engine, explaining that two engines alone may not sustain supersonic cruise. The third engine is expected to boost thrust and maintain speed — a key advantage in future air combat.Drone swarms incomingIt remains unclear whether either jet incorporates AI or quantum tech, but analysts believe both aircraft are designed to command drone swarms and assign high-risk missions to unmanned wingmen.Beijing’s timeline advantageMalcolm Davis (ASPI) says China’s sixth-generation fighters may enter service before 2030. In contrast, the US F-47 isn’t expected until the mid-2030s — giving Beijing a clear timeline advantage.
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china military, people's liberation army, pla fighter jet, chinese fighter jets
china military, people's liberation army, pla fighter jet, chinese fighter jets
China Accelerating To Soar Past Us In 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Race
12:53 GMT 09.06.2025 (Updated: 12:59 GMT 10.06.2025) Recent images of China's J-36 and J-50 have reignited discussions about Beijing's advancing dominance in next-generation airpower.
▪️Aerospace expert Bill Sweetman told SCMP that the designs are “quite impressive – cooler than most Hollywood advanced aircraft” and lauded them as “one of the most interesting combat aircraft designs to emerge in decades.”
▪️Former RAAF officer Peter Layton highlighted the J-36’s stealth, extended range, and supersonic cruise capabilities, saying it is “hard to shoot down before releasing weapons.” He called it a “qualitative strategic advantage in the air.”
▪️Analyst Malcolm Davis observed that the J-36 "would be optimized for
air dominance missions with very long-range missile capabilities." Reports indicate that the aircraft can carry up to 12 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles—roughly twice the loadout of current US fighters.
▪️Layton also pointed to a dorsal intake that likely indicates a third engine, explaining that two engines alone may not sustain supersonic cruise. The third engine is expected to boost thrust and maintain speed — a key advantage in future air combat.
It remains unclear whether either jet incorporates AI or quantum tech, but analysts believe both aircraft are designed to command drone swarms and assign high-risk missions to unmanned wingmen.
Beijing’s timeline advantage
Malcolm Davis (ASPI) says China’s sixth-generation fighters may enter service before 2030. In contrast, the US F-47 isn’t expected until the mid-2030s — giving Beijing a clear timeline advantage.
