China Tests Two Advanced Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Prototypes

The tailless stealth aircraft, revealed during public test flights, highlight China's push to modernize its military and rival U.S. airpower.

China conducted public test flights of two sixth-generation fighter jet prototypes on December 26, coinciding with Mao Zedong's birthday.
Both aircraft feature tailless designs to enhance stealth capabilities, with one showcasing a unique three-engine configuration for increased thrust and endurance.
The larger prototype, tentatively identified as the J-36, was escorted by a J-20S fighter and appears designed for long-range missions and heavy payloads.
Defense experts suggest the designs reflect China's innovative approach to stealth technology, potentially challenging U.S. dominance in the Pacific region.
The Chinese Defense Ministry has not officially confirmed the prototypes, but the flights have sparked global speculation about their capabilities and strategic implications.