5 Things You Should Know About China’s New Sixth-Gen Stealth Fighters

China just gave the world a dramatic peek into the future of air combat—twice in one day. On December 26, two mysterious new stealth jet prototypes tore through the skies over populated areas in what looked like an unintentional air show. But make no mistake: this was no coincidence. It was a flex.

Here’s what you need to know about China’s next-gen aviation leap and what it could mean for the future of aerial dominance.

1. Two Prototypes In One Day

In a rare and highly visible move, China’s two leading fighter jet manufacturers, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, each test-flew separate sixth-generation prototypes on the same day. Bystanders caught the action on camera, and the footage quickly spread across Chinese and global social media. It was an unofficial reveal—but clearly intentional.

2. Meet the (Unofficial) J-36 and J-50

While their real names remain under wraps, defense watchers are referring to the jets as the Chengdu J-36 and the Shenyang J-50, based on visible serials. The J-36 may be tied to the mysterious JH-XX bomber-fighter hybrid project, while the J-50 is being floated as Shenyang’s entry into the sixth-gen race.

3. They Don’t Look Like Anything You’ve Seen

Forget traditional fighter silhouettes. These jets ditch tail fins for sleek, tailless airframes with diamond or “Dorito” shapes. This design screams stealth and relies on thrust-vectoring and flaps rather than rudders or elevators to maneuver—trading a bit of agility for maximum radar evasion.

4. The J-36: A Beast with Three Engines

The J-36 is raising eyebrows for its sheer size and its radical three-engine setup—one on the spine, two under the wings. That’s unprecedented for a modern fighter and could mean serious thrust, longer range, and room for heavy fuel and weapons loads. It’s a heavyweight designed to go the distance.

5. Sixth-Gen Isn’t Just About Stealth

The next generation of fighters is more than invisible jets. It’s about being part of a “system of systems.” These aircraft are designed to work hand-in-hand with drones, satellites, ships, and ground forces—sharing data, guiding weapons, and acting as a node in a broader kill web. Think less Top Gun, more digital battlefield commander.