Chinese Sixth-Generation Fighters and Changes in Global Power Dynamics

The technology of fighter aircraft is witnessing continuous progress and successive innovations that clearly affect the dynamics of aerial combat and the balance of power among major nations, which are racing to enhance their military arsenals with the latest warfare technologies.

With the rapid development in this field, the outlines of a new era in aerial combat are beginning to take shape with the emergence of sixth-generation fighters, representing a revolution in air warfare and the future of military conflicts in general. China made its public debut of this new generation of fighters, triggering a variety of reactions within decision-making circles of competing nations and among military aircraft experts worldwide.

In this article, we examine the latest developments in China’s sixth-generation fighter program, clarify how the new Chinese aircraft differ from their predecessors, and explore their impact on the global military power landscape.

The Evolution of Fighter Aircraft

The history of fighter aircraft is characterized by continuous innovation driven by the needs of aerial combat and nations’ ambitions for technological superiority. The first jet fighters emerged during World War II, with the introduction of the Messerschmitt Me 262 into the German Air Force. With the outbreak of the Cold War, military aircraft designs rapidly evolved, achieving higher speeds and improved aerodynamics, leading to the development of supersonic fighters in the 1970s and 1980s, such as the American F-14 Tomcat and the Soviet MiG-29, which were distinguished by better maneuverability, advanced radar systems, and more effective weapons.

In the 1990s, fifth-generation fighters emerged, leading to significant transformations in the field of aerial combat. Aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning introduced advanced stealth technologies and innovative avionics. These aircraft were designed not only to be faster or more advanced but to be nearly invisible to radar, significantly enhancing their survivability in hostile airspace.

Now, as we look towards sixth-generation fighters, the focus is shifting from merely enhancing speed, stealth, and firepower to integrating new technologies such as autonomy, network-centric warfare, and the capability to deploy swarms of drones. These advanced capabilities position these fighters as the next qualitative leap in aerial combat, combining the advantages of previous generations with entirely new technologies.

Features of Sixth-Generation Fighters

Sixth-generation fighters represent the next evolution in military aircraft design, expected to surpass the capabilities of current fifth-generation fighters, like the American F-35 and the Chinese J-20, which focus on advanced stealth, supersonic flight, and exceptional maneuverability. Sixth-generation fighters are expected to feature enhanced versions of these capabilities, designed to incorporate innovative technologies that make them more capable of achieving superiority in modern battlefields. Key differences between fifth and sixth-generation fighters include:

• Autonomy: Sixth-generation fighters are expected to enjoy much higher levels of autonomy compared to fifth-generation fighters, meaning they will be capable of executing complex missions with minimal human intervention, reducing risks to pilots and increasing operational efficiency.
• Swarm Technology: Sixth-generation fighters are likely to be equipped with technologies for managing swarms of drones, utilizing them for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions. This ability to control multiple drones will provide significant strategic advantages in network-centric warfare.
• Network-Centric Warfare: While fifth-generation fighters heavily rely on network systems, sixth-generation fighters will have deeper integration with a broader real-time data network, allowing them to operate as part of an interconnected web of sensors, aircraft, satellites, and other resources, facilitating real-time tactical decision-making.
• Advanced Stealth and Speed: Although fifth-generation fighters incorporate stealth technologies, sixth-generation fighters will further enhance these capabilities, including advanced stealth features across all aspects of the aircraft, alongside employing new materials that make them harder to detect. Moreover, these aircraft may also achieve flight speeds surpassing Mach 5, which fifth-generation fighters cannot attain.
• Artificial Intelligence: A notable characteristic of sixth-generation fighters is the integration of artificial intelligence. These fighters are expected to feature advanced decision-making systems supported by AI, aiding pilots in managing complex combat situations, thus enhancing aircraft performance and reducing the burden on human crews.

J-36 and J-50 Fighters: The New Generation of Chinese Fighters

China’s military aviation sector has seen remarkable advances in recent years, culminating in the recent unveiling of sixth-generation fighter aircraft like the J-36 and J-50. Although details about these fighters have not yet been officially disclosed, many key features have already been noted.

The J-36, a tailless aircraft, made its first public appearance on December 26, 2024, and is widely believed to be a sixth-generation fighter with stealth and supersonic flight capabilities. It is expected that the J-36 will be equipped with advanced internal weapon bays capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

Observers suggest that the design of the aircraft indicates it will be a more powerful and flexible platform than the Chinese J-20, classified as a fifth-generation fighter. The J-36 is anticipated to be an offensive fighter designed for deep strikes, capable of launching long-range missiles and glide bombs against strategic targets such as airports and aircraft carriers.

In addition to these capabilities, the J-36 may feature advanced radar and AI-supported targeting systems, enabling it to function both as an offensive fighter and a command and control node for other platforms in the air, on land, or at sea.

The J-50, another sixth-generation fighter being developed by China, shares many design concepts with the J-36 but is expected to focus more on the role of lightweight fighters, contrasting with the multi-role capabilities of the J-36. Observers believe its capabilities may exceed or parallel those of the American F-35, particularly in range, payload capacity, and supersonic flight capability.

Significant Challenges for American Air Superiority

The U.S. response to the emergence of Chinese sixth-generation fighters has been relatively subdued, with Pentagon officials avoiding direct comments on the matter, possibly to prevent escalating tensions. However, there is no doubt that the advent of these advanced aircraft has raised concerns within the American defense community.

Experts indicate that once operational, these new aircraft may pose a significant challenge to American air superiority. According to Scott Deutsche, an analyst at Deutsche Bank, China’s investments in sixth-generation technology could negatively impact continuing demand from the Pentagon for the F-35, as the speed, autonomy, and multi-role capabilities of the J-36 may place the F-35—currently the backbone of the U.S. Air Force—at risk in future conflicts.

Moreover, the supersonic flight capabilities of the J-36 and its advanced stealth features are likely to provide it a substantial advantage over the F-35, especially in scenarios requiring rapid responses to high rates of aerial attacks. The bottom line is that Chinese sixth-generation fighters may shift the balance of power in the skies, prompting the U.S. to accelerate its own sixth-generation fighter development efforts, particularly in light of challenges that the current F-35 fleet may face.

Other Countries’ Sixth-Generation Fighter Programs

While China’s J-36 and J-50 fighters are among the most talked-about sixth-generation fighter programs recently, other nations are also working on similar projects. The U.S. has its own sixth-generation fighter development program, known as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Although details are scarce, the NGAD program is expected to focus on developing fighters enhanced with advanced capabilities in autonomy, stealth, and drone swarm control. According to reports, the U.S. Air Force has already begun testing prototype technologies, and some experts believe that the NGAD program may be operational by the early 2030s.

In the same context, European countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, are collaborating on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, aimed at developing a sixth-generation fighter to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale fighters. This fighter is expected to emphasize advanced stealth, autonomy, and supersonic capabilities. On another front, Japan’s F-3 fighter program, developed by Mitsubishi, is also a competitor in the sixth-generation fighter race.

The Future of Aerial Combat: What to Expect?

Indisputably, the introduction of sixth-generation fighters will transform the nature of aerial combat with their enhanced capabilities for supersonic speeds, increased autonomy, and the ability to manage drone swarms, providing operating nations with significant strategic and tactical advantages. Furthermore, the development of these aircraft will represent a radical shift in military aviation, likely prompting entirely new air combat strategies.

As such, the balance of power is set to change significantly, with nations like China and the U.S. racing to develop and deploy sixth-generation fighters. The proliferation of advanced aerial capabilities compels nations to rethink their military doctrines, as these aircraft will enable engagements to occur swiftly and decisively over greater distances, while minimizing risks to human pilots. With increasing integration of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence in military operations, we can anticipate significant changes not only in aerial combat but also in defense infrastructure and cyber warfare.

The race towards the development of sixth-generation fighter aircraft is a critical chapter in the ongoing evolution of military technology. As countries like China advance in this domain, the world is witnessing a shift in the global air power balance. With the entry of these advanced aircraft into service, the methods of conducting wars in the sky will be redefined, affecting how countries project their power and how defensive systems adapt to new technological realities. While details are still unfolding, one thing is clear: the future of aerial warfare will have profound implications for the world for decades to come.