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Images circulating on Chinese social media have showcased advanced fighter jets flying at low altitudes, sparking widespread attention and speculation about a significant milestone in Beijing’s military modernization. Analysts believe the sightings could represent the debut of sixth-generation fighter jets, signaling a leap forward in China’s defense capabilities.
Photos and videos, first shared on Chinese platforms and later reposted on X, depict two triangular aircraft with a sleek, tailless design performing low-altitude maneuvers. Notably, one jet appears larger than the other, hinting at varying operational roles. The advanced designs suggest reliance on cutting-edge computational technologies for piloting.
Trending on Weibo, a platform akin to X, the footage gained momentum despite unclear origins. In one clip, a larger fighter is accompanied by China’s current flagship, the J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighter. Analysts noted the rarity of such daylight tests, interpreting it as a deliberate show of strength.
China's sixth-generation fighter jet reportedly conducted its first flight, according to visuals shared on Chinese social media. pic.twitter.com/ta8hKFnNax
— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) December 26, 2024
The timing of these flights coincides with uncertainty surrounding the United States’ sixth-generation fighter initiative, the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. With projected costs per unit running into hundreds of millions of dollars, the program’s progress has faced delays and debates. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, recently tasked by President-elect Donald Trump with advising on budget cuts, criticized the U.S. F-35 fighter program as overly costly and technologically flawed, advocating for drone-based alternatives.
“It seems intentional that [China’s military] wanted these aircraft to be seen,” noted Kelly Grieco, senior fellow at the Stimson Center. She added that the timing may be aimed at influencing the ongoing U.S. defense debate.
Pentagon officials have expressed interest in a drone-dominated defense strategy, particularly for Taiwan. Analysts speculate that China’s test flights could reflect concerns over this shift in U.S. strategy. The Pentagon has yet to comment on the development, while China’s Defense Ministry and state media remain silent. Observers, however, noted that the event coincided with Mao Zedong’s birthday, a date often marked by significant military displays.
Reports indicate the tests took place at Huangtianba Airbase near Chengdu, home to Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which develops China’s most advanced combat aircraft. While specifics of the new jets’ capabilities remain unclear, their design suggests a significant advancement over the J-20, which has undergone extensive upgrades since its debut.
China, along with the U.S. and other major powers, is actively pursuing sixth-generation fighter technologies, which include hypersonic speeds, AI-driven systems, advanced stealth, and electronic warfare capabilities. Such advancements could give Beijing a strategic edge in potential conflicts over Taiwan or the South China Sea.
Although mass production of a sixth-generation jet may be years away, the sighting underscores the rapid evolution of China’s military modernization. The Pentagon recently acknowledged in its annual report that Beijing is swiftly narrowing the airpower gap with the U.S., bolstering its fleet with advanced fighters and unmanned aircraft.
While China has set its sights on achieving a “world-class military” by mid-century, its progress has not been without challenges. A sweeping anti-corruption crackdown has disrupted key military operations, with multiple top officials removed from their posts. This week alone, two generals overseeing critical strategies in the South China Sea and the army were dismissed.
Despite internal upheavals, the unveiling of these futuristic aircraft underscores Beijing’s determination to solidify its military dominance on the global stage.
