NewsChinese J-36 jet photos spark intrigue over air power shift
Chinese J‑36 jet photos spark intrigue over air power shift
The Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet, the J-36, was captured landing. New photos of the aircraft have surfaced online, sparking analysts' curiosity about its potential.
What do you need to know?
- What's new about the J-36? New photos of the Chinese J-36 fighter jet have appeared online, drawing interest from analysts. The aircraft was produced by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and was first spotted in December 2024.
- Where were the photos taken? The photographs show the J-36 flying over a motorway near the Chengdu industrial plant's airport in Sichuan province. The exact date the photos were taken is unknown.
What are the features of the J-36 fighter jet?
"The trijet engine arrangement, with two engine intakes under the wings and a dorsally-mounted intake behind the cockpit, is a departure from conventional twin-engine setups seen in many contemporary fighters. This configuration may offer advantages in terms of thrust and redundancy," writes military aviation expert David Cenciotti.
Will the J-36 change the balance of power in the air?
Analysts speculate that the J-36 may be a response to American fifth-generation fighter jets like the F-22 and F-35.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has not publicly confirmed the existence of the J-36.
