China’s military has offered what appears to be the first official glimpse of its next-generation stealth fighter jet in a newly released promotional video. The aircraft, widely believed to be the J-36 sixth-generation stealth fighter, was briefly shown in footage celebrating the Y-20 military transport aircraft. 

During a conversation between two PLA airmen about refuelling “Liu Ye” (Master Six), a nickname for the H-6 bomber, one pilot casually mentioned “Xiao Liu” (Little Six).

Moments later, the camera captured a fast-moving aircraft outside the cockpit window displaying a distinctive tailless, diamond-shaped wing design long associated with the rumoured J-36 prototype.

The fleeting shot is being interpreted by defence analysts as the PLA’s first apparent public acknowledgment of its sixth-generation fighter program. Until now, the aircraft had only appeared in unverified photos and videos shared on social media, including footage of what seemed to be a test flight in late 2025 that fuelled speculation about Beijing’s rapid advances in military aviation.

China’s Defence Ministry has not officially commented on the aircraft or confirmed its identity, but the video has already intensified global scrutiny.

The J-36 is believed to be one of two sixth-generation prototypes under development in China. Analysts suggest the larger J-36, reportedly linked to AVIC Chengdu, features a tailless diamond-wing design optimised for stealth.

A second prototype, unofficially known as the J-50 and associated with AVIC Shenyang, is said to have a smaller tailless configuration resembling the Greek letter lambda. Both designs reflect China’s ambition to leap ahead in stealth technology and air combat capabilities.

Compared with current fifth-generation fighters such as the US F-35 and China’s own J-20, sixth-generation aircraft are expected to deliver enhanced stealth, longer operational range, next-generation engines, and seamless integration with autonomous combat drones. These features represent a significant step forward in air power, enabling greater survivability and operational flexibility in contested environments.

China’s apparent progress comes as other major powers accelerate their own next-generation fighter programs. The US Air Force plans to field its F-47 by 2028, having already flown classified prototypes years earlier. The US Navy continues work on its F/A-XX carrier-based fighter.

In Europe, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) has faced delays, while the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP)—a partnership between the UK, Japan and Italy—aims to deliver a sixth-generation fighter by 2035.

India, meanwhile, is advancing its AMCA fighter jet, with private-sector participation playing a crucial role in prototype fabrication and technology development.

The PLA video has renewed global attention on China’s military aviation ambitions. Analysts are closely examining every frame for clues about the country’s next leap in air combat technology.

The appearance of “Little Six” signals that China is moving steadily towards operationalising sixth-generation fighters, a development that could reshape the balance of power in the skies over Asia and beyond.

Agencies