Photo of the Chinese J-36 super-heavy tactical stealth aircraft have been published for the first time

 J-36

The newly released images show for the first time the Chinese super-heavy tactical stealth aircraft J-36. The photos show the impressive size of this combat vehicle, which indicates serious capabilities and technological progress in the field of aviation in China.

The cabin of the J-36 attracts special attention: the pictures show that the crew is located side by side under a huge teardrop-shaped lantern, which practically confirms the assumptions of experts about the design of the aircraft. This arrangement provides improved visibility and ease of piloting, as well as helps reduce radar visibility.

The J-36 belongs to a new generation of tactical stealth aircraft designed to perform complex combat missions in modern air warfare. Its size and technical characteristics suggest high maneuverability, flight range and powerful weapons.

The appearance of photos of the J-36 is generating great interest in the international aviation community and underscores China's desire to strengthen its air force with advanced technology.

The upgraded F-15E will be able to destroy up to 42 UAVs per flight using APKWS II missiles

 The US Air Force is experimenting with new weapons for the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bomber, planning to equip them with inexpensive, high-precision guided missiles to combat UAVs in the future, including laser-guided APKWS II projectiles. Thus, in the future, the payload increases to 42 guided munitions. Combined with the standard arsenal of air-to-air missiles, this expands the Strike Eagle's capabilities to combat drones and low-flying cruise missiles.

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II), also known as the AGR-20, was developed in the early 2000s to turn standard Hydra 70 unguided missiles into precision-guided weapons. Created by the BAE Systems team in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics, the system retained most of the rocket's parts — the engine, warhead and fuse — but added a guidance unit. Designed to improve accuracy and efficiency, the APKWS II helps reduce collateral damage and reduces logistical burden by 50% due to compatibility with the Hydra 70.

In early 2025, BAE Systems released an upgraded version of the APKWS II rocket, equipped with an infrared homing head. This addition allows the missile to capture the target's thermal signature after laser illumination, which increases its ability to hit fast or maneuverable objects, such as certain types of barrage munitions, IE reports.

The new weapons are designed for situations where traditional air-to—air missiles — each costing hundreds of thousands of dollars - may prove unsuitable or too expensive for large-scale battles.

The APKWS II is already used as an armament for many aircraft and helicopters, including the F-16, A-10, F/A-18 and Apache. The F-15E aircraft provides greater range and payload compared to the light multi-role F-16 fighters. With the APKWS II system, it turns into a multi-purpose target destruction platform capable of carrying more ammunition and staying in a combat zone for longer.

Last month, China unveiled its new sixth-generation fighter jet, the J-36, which is significantly larger and heavier than existing fifth-generation aircraft. According to Chinese media, the length of this new stealth aircraft is about 23 meters, and its weight ranges from 45 to 54 tons.

 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bomber

China unveils sixth-generation fighter jet J-36

J-36

 China has shown off its sixth-generation fighter jet, the J-36, in detail.

China has unveiled its new sixth-generation fighter model, the J-36, which is significantly larger and heavier than existing fifth-generation aircraft.

Possible tasks:

1. It can act as a leader for an entire combat system, which will include various unmanned vehicles, while its participation in aerial combat is "unlikely."

2. Long-range strikes (missile attacks) by enemy aircraft not only in the air, but also on the ground, as well as those stationed on aircraft carriers.

3. The center of a large combat system, which, in addition to drones, will include manned fighters such as J-20 and J-35A, AWACS aircraft and tanker aircraft.

4. A prototype for the creation of a naval version of the stealth fighter.

Length: about 23 m

Weight: from 45 to 54 tons. 

For comparison, the weight of the J-20 varies from 34 to 37 tons, and the weight of the Russian Su-57 with full ammunition is 37 tons. 

Experts believe that the demonstration of a promising aircraft that is already performing test flights is a political gesture to the United States and its allies in Southeast Asia.

Chinese tailless stealth fighter J-36 spotted in flight again

The Chinese J-36 tailless stealth fighter, the largest of the two prototypes, has taken to the air again. This second flight took place almost three months after its debut flight, which indicates the ongoing active testing of the new aircraft.

Satellite images provided by Planet Labs showed that a shelter capable of accommodating a large wingspan of the aircraft was erected on the flight test line. This shelter was built between November and December last year and is designed to prepare the aircraft for flight and conduct final checks with minimal exposure time to observers and satellites from above. In addition, the shelter protects the aircraft from the weather, which is especially important for continuing testing in various conditions.

The J-36 represents a significant achievement in the Chinese aviation industry. Its tailless design and stealth technology make it one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. This aircraft is designed to perform tactical tasks and has high maneuverability and low radar visibility, which makes it virtually invisible to enemy radars.

The second flight of the J-36 confirms that China continues to actively develop its air force and introduce advanced technologies. This step also demonstrates the country's desire for independence in the development and production of high-tech weapons, which reduces dependence on foreign supplies.

Experts note that the J-36 can become an important element in China's strategy to strengthen its position in the region and beyond. High combat performance and stealth capabilities make it an ideal tool for performing complex combat missions, including reconnaissance, strikes against ground targets and aerial combat.

At the same time, the ongoing testing of the J-36 is causing concern among neighboring countries and the international community. The possibility of a new generation of stealth fighter jets could change the balance of power in the region and require other countries to adapt their military strategies and tactics.

In conclusion, the second flight of the Chinese tailless stealth fighter J-36 testifies to China's significant successes in the field of aviation technology and its desire for leadership in this field. The ongoing testing and development highlights the importance of this project for the national security of the country and its ambitions in the international arena.