Footage circulating on social media appears to show the maiden flight of China’s next-generation tactical fighter-bomber, which is expected to replace the Xi’an JH-7, according to Defense Blog.
Footage first appeared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo on Thursday of a new stealth bomber with a “diamond-shaped wing design” flying at low altitude in an unspecified region of China.
So far one of the clearest images of that new CHinese fighter and indeed it seems to be powered by three engines!
Also interesting, a J-20S was acting as its chase-plane. pic.twitter.com/BzcjSKEdlV
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 26, 2024
“The new design signals a shift in China’s emphasis toward a more stealth, precision-strike capability,” a military analyst told the Defense Blog, adding, “Its low-observability features align with the need for platforms capable of operating in contested environments.”
China’s sixth-generation fighter ‘White Emperor’ has made its maiden flight, accompanied by a fifth-gen J-20. pic.twitter.com/Tf2LRJ24SI
— RT (@RT_com) December 26, 2024
Here’s more from Defense Blog:
China’s decision to advance a next-generation fighter-bomber highlights its strategic focus on modernizing tactical aviation. The aircraft is expected to replace the aging fleet of JH-7 bombers, which have been in service since the 1990s. Analysts also point out that the new platform could serve as China’s answer to Russia’s Su-34 Fullback, a proven tactical strike aircraft currently deployed in Ukrainian war.
While specifics about the aircraft’s capabilities remain classified, its development underscores China’s intention to bolster its tactical airpower. The design’s low-observability focus, combined with the platform’s apparent size, suggests it may be equipped for carrying advanced guided missiles, including anti-ship and air-to-ground weapons.
The new aircraft’s emphasis on stealth and survivability positions it as a potential key player in China’s effort to counterbalance adversarial air defenses, particularly in scenarios involving Taiwan or the South China Sea.
“Wow… I’m still flashed but at first sight, this type seems to be huge in comparison to even a J-20S and indeed features three engines with two bottom and one air-intake on top of the fuselage for the center engine,” one China military aviation researcher wrote on X.
Wow😯… I‘m still flashed but at first sight, this type seems to be huge in comparison to even a J-20S and indeed features three engines with two bottom and one air-intake on top of the fuselage for the center engine. pic.twitter.com/d42NhZmdPv
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 26, 2024
Zhao DaShuai, a member of the People’s Armed Police Propaganda Bureau, wrote on X, “This is the world’s first 6th generation fighter. We have moved ahead of the United States in air dominance.”
Meanwhile, in the US, Defense News recently said the US Air Force “struggled for much of 2024 to figure out how — and even whether — to proceed with its planned sixth-generation fighter, known as Next Generation Air Dominance.”
The unveiling of China’s next-gen stealth fighter bomb comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next month.
We suspect it’s only a matter of time before Trump begins boasting about America’s plans for its 6th generation fighter.
Who has the bigger sixth-generation jet?
Tyler Durden
Thu, 12/26/2024 – 09:30
