China Tests Two 6th-Gen Fighter Prototypes, J-36 & J-50

China's leading aircraft corporations, Chengdu and Shenyang, have rolled out their prototypes of sixth-generation prospective fighters, the J-36 and J-50 (J-XDS), respectively. Beijing, in fact, is not only striving to catch up with but possibly surpass the United States in the development of the latest military aviation technologies.

According to experts, China is simultaneously developing two different tactical concepts, presenting two fundamentally different fighters.

The J-36 is a "Flying Headquarters" for long-range operations. Developed by the Chengdu corporation, the J-36 is presented as a heavy, multifunctional platform. It is equipped with three engines, which speaks to its power and long flight range. One of the fighter's features is the internal placement of its armament, which contributes to its stealth technology. The J-36 can carry up to 10 tons of combat load and has the capability to control groups of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This aircraft is primarily intended for delivering long-range strikes and acting as a command post in "network-centric warfare" conditions, coordinating the actions of other combat units.

The J-50 is a challenge for establishing air superiority. In contrast to the J-36, the J-50, created by the Shenyang corporation, is more compact and specialized for gaining air superiority. Its main advantages are excellent stealth, high maneuverability thanks to thrust vectoring engine technology, and advanced sensor systems for close combat. The purpose of the J-50 is to combat enemy fighters and ensure control of airspace.

Both projects incorporate the main features characteristic of sixth-generation fighters:

• Supersonic speed: The ability to fly at supersonic speed for a long time without using afterburner.

• Stealth: Maximum invisibility to radars, infrared, and other detection systems.

• Network integration: The ability to exchange data in real time with other aircraft, UAVs, satellites, and ground systems.

• Elements of artificial intelligence (AI): Systems that assist the pilot, automate combat tasks, and speed up the decision-making process.

The opinion is strengthening in expert circles that Beijing is significantly accelerating the arms race. By presenting two fighters of different concepts at once, China is demonstrating its ambitions not only to catch up with but also to surpass the similar US NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) program. These developments could radically change the balance of power in global military aviation.