China’s New Mystery Aircraft Fuels Sixth-Generation Fighter Speculation

Images of an unidentified stealth aircraft have emerged on Chinese social media, sparking speculation that China may be testing a new sixth-generation combat platform, potentially its third such design, a report in the South China Morning Post says.

At least two ground photos of the aircraft began circulating earlier this week, showing a sleek, tailless design with a lambda-wing layout.

It remains unclear whether the aircraft is crewed, as the images do not clearly reveal a cockpit or internal weapons bays.

Analysts say the design appears smaller and more streamlined than the suspected J-36 stealth fighter, potentially hinting at greater speed or drone-like performance.

Some military experts suggest the aircraft could be a “loyal wingman”, an advanced autonomous drone designed to fly alongside crewed jets and make tactical decisions using artificial intelligence.

Aviation analyst Andreas Rupprecht noted the design bears similarities to the under-development J-50 and may reflect China’s push toward collaborative combat aircraft.

However, many Chinese social media commentators argue the aircraft is likely manned. Comparisons have also been drawn between the new images and a carrier-based fighter design patented by China's Northwestern Polytechnical University, raising the possibility of a naval variant.

If confirmed, the aircraft would represent another leap in China’s race to field sixth-generation platforms, even as the US Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme faces delays. Countries including Britain, Japan, Germany, and France are also developing next-gen fighters, though many projects have hit hurdles.

China has not officially confirmed or commented on the new aircraft.