China appears to have test-flown a sixth-generation crewed combat aircraft. The aircraft, described as a triangular, tailless design, was reportedly sighted over Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Footage of the aircraft in flight emerged on Chinese social media, showing it being escorted by a fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, used as a chase plane. The prototype appears to incorporate cutting-edge stealth capabilities and endurance technologies.

The test flight reportedly took place near the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation facility. 

JUST IN: 🇨🇳 First video of the brand new Chinese stealth fighter jet, believed to be a 6th-generation warplane. pic.twitter.com/XsE2Q2fpE9

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) December 26, 2024

New footage & photo of China’s next-generation (6th-gen) fighter jet from its maiden flight today. https://t.co/Sa9wsZmTWY pic.twitter.com/KWFjMlnoOa

— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 26, 2024

Open-source intelligence analysts have pointed out the aircraft’s resemblance to speculative sixth-generation designs, though its exact specifications remain unconfirmed. Analysts caution that it could potentially be a fifth-generation fighter-bomber prototype under the J/H-XX program.

Within hours of the first reveal, imagery of a second, smaller tailless aircraft began circulating. While fewer details are available, it is believed to originate from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. This aircraft was shown being pursued by a Flanker-series fighter jet, possibly a two-seat J-16.

Acc to certain Chinese accounts another 6 Gen Aircraft also made its maiden flight. Earlier one is chengdu design the other one is Shenyang design. Not sure if this a competition for future 6th gen aircraft. pic.twitter.com/Gj7z5iFfXd

— Varun Karthikeyan (@Varun55484761) December 26, 2024

The test flights, which coincide with the birthday of Chairman Mao Zedong, the leader and founder of the People’s Republic of China, underscore China’s efforts to modernize its military and achieve parity with global airpower leaders. 

The Pentagon has identified China as its “top pacing challenge,” citing the rapid modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and naval aviation. A senior U.S. defense also official recently noted that China’s unmanned aerial systems and advanced fighter programs are quickly approaching U.S. standards.

Globally, multiple countries are working on sixth-generation fighter programs. The U.S. is advancing its Next Generation Air Dominance program to replace the F-22 Raptor. Meanwhile, the U.K., Italy, and Japan are collaborating on the Global Combat Air Program, which aims to introduce the Tempest fighter jet by 2035.