Is China's Mysterious 6th-Gen Stealth Fighter Poised to Serve as a Combat Drone Command Center?

China's mystery sixth-generation stealth fighter, which was recently spotted, has sparked significant interest in military circles. Military experts speculate that this jet, potentially named the J-36, could be designed as a command center for combat drones, rather than a traditional dogfighter. The aircraft, which surfaced around December 26, 2024, has generated excitement due to its tailless design and innovative features, which could represent a significant shift in aerial combat strategies.

The Mysterious J-36: A New Era in Warfare

Footage showing two nearly identical tailless fighter jets was shared on Chinese social media platforms, fueling speculation about their role in China's future military strategy. These jets were filmed near China’s top fighter jet manufacturing hubs in Shenyang (northeast) and Chengdu (southwest). While there has been no official confirmation from the Chinese government, a subtle endorsement emerged through the PLA Eastern Theatre Command’s New Year’s Day music video, which featured an image resembling the new jet.

Military analysts quickly labeled this new fighter as the J-36, anticipating that it would incorporate several groundbreaking technologies. John Waters, a former US Air Force fighter pilot, highlighted the J-36's design as favoring stealth over agility, a trade-off that's becoming increasingly common with modern aircraft. The absence of a tail suggests a focus on low-observability characteristics, aiming to make the jet harder to detect by enemy radar.

Redefining Combat Roles

The J-36 is expected to be a force multiplier, enhancing China's air capabilities by working in tandem with unmanned combat drones. The aircraft's design suggests it could act as a command center for these drones, linking them with other assets like the J-20 and J-35 fighter jets, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems), and aerial refueling tankers. This would represent a shift away from traditional dogfighting towards a network-centric approach, where a combination of manned and unmanned systems work together seamlessly in real-time.

Experts such as Bill Sweetman and Peter Layton point out that the J-36 could focus on long-range interdiction missions, targeting enemy air forces, tankers, and surveillance aircraft. Its design could support missions like escorting strategic bombers or providing air defense in areas where ground-based systems are unavailable. The J-36’s potential supercruise ability, which would allow it to operate at high speeds for extended periods, could enhance its performance in these roles, ensuring rapid responses to distant threats.

Advanced Technology and Combat Potential

The J-36 is expected to carry advanced radar and sensors, which would help it detect stealth aircraft at greater distances than current fighters like the J-20. This would not only improve its effectiveness but also increase the overall situational awareness of the entire combat network. The aircraft’s large centerline and side weapons bays could accommodate heavy payloads, such as the PL-17, an extreme-range air-to-air missile with a range of up to 400 km (248 miles).

As a part of China's broader shift toward network-centric warfare, the J-36 could be a key node in a data-driven air combat system. It would gather, process, and disseminate critical information to ensure that all combat elements operate with a unified understanding of the battlefield. This could significantly shorten the “kill chain,” or the time it takes to locate, track, and engage enemy targets, accelerating the pace of modern warfare.

Not a Frontline Fighter

Despite its advanced capabilities, the J-36 is unlikely to be a frontline fighter. Analysts suggest that its primary role would be supporting other combat assets rather than engaging in close-range aerial battles. This would align with the growing importance of beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles and sensors that allow for longer-range engagements without the need for close-quarters dogfights.

Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, echoes this view, noting that next-generation aircraft, both in China and the US, are focusing on manned-unmanned teaming. The combination of advanced automation, AI, and real-time data sharing will improve situational awareness and make warfare more efficient.

Carrier Operations?

The J-36's design raises questions about its potential for carrier-based operations. Some experts believe its size, weight, and the need for three engines would make it unsuitable for carriers. Aircraft carriers require planes with low landing speeds, but the J-36’s delta shape suggests a landing speed higher than what’s typically feasible for carrier-based aircraft. However, there are discussions that a smaller, twin-engine version of the jet, such as the one spotted in Shenyang, might be more suited for carrier operations, though the likelihood remains low.

Conclusion

China's J-36 represents a bold step into the future of aerial warfare. Rather than focusing on traditional dogfights, it seems poised to revolutionize how China approaches combat by integrating manned and unmanned systems into a highly coordinated network. With its advanced stealth, long-range capabilities, and potential to serve as a command center for drones, the J-36 could be a critical element in China’s military modernization, shifting the focus from individual combat to a more strategic, system-based approach.

This new jet may not only redefine the role of fighter aircraft but also set the stage for the next generation of air combat, where artificial intelligence and automation play a central role in shaping the battlefield.