Sixth-gen fighter: China speeds up development of J-36, J-50 jet

China is accelerating the development of two advanced sixth-generation fighter jets, the J-36 and J-50, aiming to challenge U.S. air dominance and enhance its future military aviation capabilities. According to a U.S. Department of War report from December 2025, these aircraft have moved beyond the conceptual phase and are currently in active flight testing, with operational readiness expected by the mid-2030s. The J-36 is primarily designed for air superiority and long-range missions, featuring a tailless or blended-wing design that enhances stealth, aerodynamic efficiency, and internal fuel capacity. It is expected to incorporate advanced artificial intelligence and sensor integration, enabling it to act as a command node that can direct uncrewed aerial vehicles, manage electronic warfare, and coordinate networked combat operations. The J-50, in contrast, is tailored for carrier-based operations to support China’s expanding naval ambitions. It is likely to include structural reinforcements, stronger landing gear, and possibly folding wings to accommodate