New images of Chinese J‑36 fuel debate on air dominance
Photos of the Chinese J-36 fighter jet, a new-generation aircraft closely monitored by the Pentagon, have appeared on social media. These images confirm earlier analyses regarding its construction and equipment.
New images of the Chinese sixth-generation J-36 fighter jet reveal its front design. These photos confirm earlier analyses pointing to a large cockpit and a broad nose of the aircraft. The cockpit features two crew seats, reminiscent of the configuration known from the F-111 and Su-34.
Let's recall that the United States has highlighted the growing capabilities of China's air force. The Pentagon has acknowledged China as a strategic challenge, which is why Americans are closely observing the development of this aircraft. Expert Bryan Clark from the Hudson Institute noted that the J-36 could pose a challenge to American air dominance.
New photos of the Chinese J-36 fighter jet
The photos also show the air intake on the back of the aircraft and a large DSI intake. These elements highlight the massiveness of the J-36's construction, which from the side may seem smaller than it actually is. The new perspective of the photos emphasizes the proportions and mass of this modern fighter jet.
The photos reveal trapezoidal air intakes, similar to those on the F-22, and a large electro-optical window on the side of the nose. This window glimmers with a golden hue. Although the authenticity of the photos is not fully confirmed, they align with a series of leaks from China regarding new military projects.
The photos emerged just a few days after details about a smaller but also heavy Shenyang sixth-generation fighter were disclosed. New images show its underside and nose profile, which can accommodate a powerful AESA radar.
Both aircraft were unofficially showcased in a series of videos and photos leaked from China following their first test flights in December 2024. Photos from various perspectives are expected by the summer of 2025, allowing for a fuller assessment of these advanced designs.
Chinese sixth-generation fighter jets, such as the J-36, are the subject of intense analysis and speculation, and new images only fuel interest in these modern machines.
The J-36 features a tailless design, with a broad nose and triangular wings. This design helps reduce radar detection, which is crucial for missions requiring a high degree of stealth. Compared to another Chinese fighter, the J-20, which measures 21 metres in length and has a wingspan of 13 metres, the J-36 appears slightly longer and significantly wider. This suggests it can hold more fuel, increasing its capability for longer missions.
