China’s Sixth-Gen Stealth Fighter Takes Flight Again as U.S. Awaits Trump’s Fighter Jet Contract Announcement
China’s ambitious sixth-generation stealth fighter has been spotted once again in flight, sparking fresh discussions about the country’s rapid advancements in next-generation air combat technology. The latest sighting comes at a time when former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to announce the Pentagon’s decision on America’s own next-generation fighter under the highly classified Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
A Second Sighting in Chengdu
New images and footage of China’s futuristic tailless aircraft began circulating online, showing the massive jet flying over the southwestern city of Chengdu, home to its developer, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. Unlike its first sighting in December 2023—when it flew alongside a J-20S fifth-generation fighter—this time, the aircraft was flying solo, with its landing gear seemingly retracted.
Experts believe this test flight was focused on evaluating the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance and landing gear systems. The short gap of fewer than three months between the first two known test flights suggests that the program is progressing rapidly and that the developers are confident in the aircraft’s stability.
Unveiling Key Design Features
Several notable design elements of the new fighter were visible in the recent images, including diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) air intakes on its dorsal section and split flaps near the wingtips. These features suggest a strong focus on stealth and high-speed maneuverability.
Satellite imagery of Chengdu Aircraft’s manufacturing site has also shown two newly built shelters, much larger than those housing existing fighter jets like the J-10 and J-20. These are believed to be dedicated facilities for servicing and testing the new aircraft.
Unverified footage has even shown the fighter producing three distinct exhaust flames during acceleration, leading to speculation that it could have a three-engine configuration—an unusual but potentially groundbreaking setup for enhanced thrust and speed.
Dubbed the "Ginkgo Leaf" due to its distinct shape, the aircraft has also been referred to as the J-36, based on prototype markings that resemble early designations of the J-20 stealth fighter.
China’s Sixth-Gen Race Against the U.S.
China has been testing multiple next-generation fighters, with another tailless stealth jet also spotted in December in Shenyang, indicating that two different aircraft designs may be in development simultaneously. This aggressive testing schedule reflects Beijing’s ambition to match, if not surpass, the U.S. in next-generation air warfare capabilities.
Meanwhile, across the Pacific, the U.S. is also moving forward with its own next-generation fighter program. Trump is reportedly set to announce the Pentagon’s decision on the NGAD contract, which is expected to be worth at least $20 billion. The NGAD fighter is designed to replace the aging F-22 Raptor and will be capable of operating alongside autonomous drones.
While details of the American NGAD aircraft remain classified, it is widely expected to feature enhanced stealth capabilities, next-generation sensors, and advanced propulsion systems.
A New Era of Aerial Warfare
With both China and the U.S. accelerating their sixth-generation fighter programs, the race for air superiority is entering a new phase. While China remains secretive about its progress, the rapid pace of test flights suggests it is making significant strides in next-gen aviation technology. The coming years will determine how these aircraft stack up against each other, but one thing is clear—stealthy, AI-integrated, and highly maneuverable fighters will define the future of air combat.
