A new video circulating on-line since April 7 has reignited debate among international military analysts about the sixth-generation fighter aircraft allegedly under development by China, designated the J-36 following a conjecture by analysts themselves, based on observed characteristics of the prototype and alleged Chinese numbering conventions. The footage, whose authenticity and provenance have not been confirmed by Chinese Government or industry sources, shows an aircraft in flight with a distinctive aerodynamic configuration, most notably the presence of three engines.

According to expert David Cenciotti in a recent commentary, the choice of a tri-engine propulsion system, with two air intakes positioned under the wings and a third dorsal one behind the cockpit, represents a significant deviation from the conventional twin-engine architecture adopted by most modern combat aircraft. This engineering solution, the expert hypothesizes, could translate into advantages in terms of overall available thrust and greater operational redundancy. Image analysis also suggests the presence of large internal weapons bays integrated into the lower part of the fuselage. This feature, if confirmed, would indicate a capacity to carry a considerable number of long-range missiles, a crucial element for an aircraft intended for attack operations against air, ground and naval targets at long ranges.

The overall dimensions of the fighter and its aerodynamic configuration suggest, according to Cenciotti, that the "J-36" is conceived as a heavy fighter and an ideal platform for the projection of long-range missile power. Such a capability would assume particular strategic relevance in a scenario of potential conflict in the Pacific region.

The development of the "J-36" could propel China into an equal, if not advantageous, position in the global race to develop sixth-generation fighter aircraft, according to some interpretations. Currently, the US fifth-generation fighters F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are widely considered the most advanced fighter aircraft in service. However, China has already developed and fielded two fifth-generation fighters, the J-20 and J-35. Interestingly, on March 21, US President Donald Trump announced that Boeing had been awarded the contract for the USAF's sixth-generation fighter, called the F-47 (see AVIONEWS), stating that a prototype had already been flying for about five years. However, the timing for actual production remains uncertain.

The "J-36" program

While there are strong indications that the aircraft with the characteristics described as the "J-36", spotted several times in the testing phase, is under development at the facilities of the Chinese CAC, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, on the existence of the program and the technical characteristics of the alleged fighter there is currently no official confirmation from either government or Chinese industrial sources. The available information is based on the analysis of Western experts from unofficial videos.

Brief history and presumed technical characteristics of the program:

- Designation: J-36 (provisional, unofficial, the result of conjecture by international analysts).

- Generation: Presumed sixth generation fighter.

- Propulsion configuration (hypothesized): trimotor, with two underwing air intakes and one dorsal one.

- Aerodynamic characteristics (hypothesized): advanced stealth design, large control surfaces.

- Armament (assumed): Large internal weapons bays for long-range air-to-air, air-to-surface and anti-ship missiles.

- Primary role (assumed): multi-role heavy fighter, long-range missile strike platform.

- Strategic implications (hypothesized): potential to compete with or surpass the United States in developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft, relevance in Pacific conflict scenarios.

- Program Status: Unknown, based on unofficial video analysis. No official Chinese confirmation.

Below, the video shows the latest sighting on April 7, 2025: