A suspected Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet, which first surfaced in December last year, has reportedly undergone another flight test, according to videos and images circulating on social media on Monday.
The footage, shared on China’s popular platform Sina Weibo and reposted by the military affairs magazine Naval & Merchant Ships, shows the aircraft in flight with its landing gears retracted, a significant development from its initial sighting, where it was seen flying with landing gears lowered and accompanied by a J-20S dual-seat fighter jet.
Although the authenticity of the footage remains unverified and key details such as the date and location of the test were not disclosed, Chinese military experts suggest that, if genuine, the test signals steady progress in the aircraft’s development.
Song Zhongping, a military analyst, noted that retracting landing gears could indicate testing of related systems as well as assessments of the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance. Similarly, Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, highlighted that the short interval between test flights suggests confidence in the aircraft’s flight stability.
China has not officially confirmed the development of a sixth-generation fighter, but signs of its progress have been evident. A concept model of a tailless, next-generation jet was displayed at Airshow China 2022, bearing a striking resemblance to the so-called “ginkgo leaf” aircraft seen in the latest footage. Additionally, a January 1 music video from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command featured imagery linked to the alleged aircraft, fueling speculation online.
Experts believe these aircraft may be experimental demonstrators, helping China explore next-generation aviation technologies. “China appears to be testing and learning from multiple demonstrators, indicating a firm commitment to advancing its aviation capabilities,” Wang said.
