By Tony Wesolowsky | 2025-03-27

China recently revealed its latest stealth aircraft in action for the third time, unofficially dubbed the "J-36," through images and videos circulating on social media.

This display coincides with Beijing's recent efforts to ramp up its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

New footage emerged on Chinese social media on March 25, showing the aircraft performing low-altitude maneuvers near Wenjiang Airport in Chengdu, Sichuan province, against a sunset backdrop. This evidence marks the third observed test flight since its maiden flight last December 26, indicating an accelerated testing schedule by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.

Two days earlier, China's state broadcaster CCTV aired a 27-second video featuring a blurry image of a tailless aircraft at the end of a montage marking the J-10 jet's 27th anniversary. The final caption, "What will be next?" is seen as the first official reference to China's sixth-generation fighter.

Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping suggested this signals the introduction of Chengdu's next-generation fighter, widely speculated to be the J-36, according to the South China Morning Post.

Recent analyses suggest that the aircraft's tailless, diamond-shaped wing design enhances stealth and aerodynamic performance, likely improving its supersonic cruising capabilities.

The J-36's stealth and range may enable it to penetrate the First Island Chain despite dense air defense networks, Hsiao-Huang Shu, a research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, suggested in an interview with Radio Taiwan International on March 24.

The chain includes Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.

China could target strategic locations within the chain or beyond, such as Guam or US aircraft carriers.

However, the J-36's unusual three-engine configuration, while potentially increasing thrust and speed, raises questions about China's engine technology. The additional engine could increase infrared visibility and fuel consumption, possibly compromising stealth efficiency, said Shu.

'A threat today'

The reports of the stealth-aircraft test flights come as China has been steadily bolstering its military aggression across the Asia-Pacific region, engaging in increasingly provocative encounters with regional forces.

China continues to invest heavily in its military, with defense spending increasing by 7.2% in 2025 to "firmly safeguard" national security. This push places China second only to the United States in defense expenditures.

The development of advanced aircraft like the J-36 underscores China's commitment to expanding its military capabilities.

The unveiling of the J-36 comes amid heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific. China has been increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, engaging in provocative encounters with regional forces.

In recent weeks, Chinese fighter jets have repeatedly harassed Australian aircraft, including dropping flares in the path of an Australian surveillance plane over the contested South China Sea.

Similar incidents have occurred with Australian naval forces, with Chinese destroyers allegedly using sonar pulses against divers in waters near Japan.

At the same time, Beijing has intensified its confrontations with the Philippines as part of a series of "dangerous" provocations aimed at asserting its sweeping maritime claims.

Meanwhile, Beijing has regularly deployed fighter jets, warships and coast guard vessels near Taiwan, and has held several major military drills around the island in the past year.

China insists self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to seize the island by force.

Seeking air superiority

China's stealth aircraft are likely meant for an air superiority role, according to Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, which oversees the US Air Force's fighter, reconnaissance and electronic warfare fleets.

"Those sixth-generation aircraft, we believe, are for air superiority," Wilsbach said on March 4 at an Air & Space Forces Association event, FlightGlobal reported.

While China's stealth technology is advancing, military analysts caution against overestimating its capabilities.

Despite its rapid advances, China's military faces challenges, including whether it has the human capital, structural ability and political will to beat the United States in a conventional conflict, according to the assessment.

The People's Liberation Army "has struggled to attract top-tier talent, particularly from China's best universities," another RAND report, published January 30, found.