China ‘invites’ US into next-generation fighter jet arms race, military researcher tells RT
China has taken a significant leap in the competition for next-generation warplanes, according to a researcher based in Moscow speaking to RT. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Beijing’s recently unveiled experimental aircraft sends a powerful message to its rivals, according to Dmitry Stefanovich.
Images of China's latest warplanes emerged online this week, described by military researcher Dmitry Stefanovich from the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a bold “invitation” to engage in an arms race concerning next-generation fighters.
Footage shared on social media on December 26 revealed two previously unseen types of jets: one featuring a larger diamond-shaped design and the other a smaller, arrow-winged configuration. While China has remained tight-lipped about the details, the unveiling has sparked international media discussions, with some analysts speculating that these aircraft might be the initial examples of sixth-generation fighters.
“So far, we have only seen two variants of experimental aircraft,” Stefanovich stated. “Presumably, one of them can be tailored for strike missions that involve attacks on ground and, perhaps, naval targets, while another one is tasked with dominating the skies and controlling the airspace.”
The expert emphasized that the footage illustrates the overall progress in Chinese aircraft development, rather than indicating specific advancements in sixth-generation technology, labeling the term “loosely applied.” As such, he believes it is premature to make any conclusive judgments about the new planes' capabilities.
Stefanovich pointed out the competition that Beijing will face from American next-generation fighter programs, stating, “While there are no game-changers on the horizon, China is explicitly inviting to participate in an arms race, at least in terms of quality.”
He also reminded that “we should not forget, however, that the US is the only country with an advanced-stage program for a new strategic bomber – the B-21 – which can be adapted for some of what we would call sixth-generation capabilities. The Chinese and Russian planes of comparable type have not taken off the ground yet,” he noted.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
Images of China's latest warplanes emerged online this week, described by military researcher Dmitry Stefanovich from the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a bold “invitation” to engage in an arms race concerning next-generation fighters.
Footage shared on social media on December 26 revealed two previously unseen types of jets: one featuring a larger diamond-shaped design and the other a smaller, arrow-winged configuration. While China has remained tight-lipped about the details, the unveiling has sparked international media discussions, with some analysts speculating that these aircraft might be the initial examples of sixth-generation fighters.
“So far, we have only seen two variants of experimental aircraft,” Stefanovich stated. “Presumably, one of them can be tailored for strike missions that involve attacks on ground and, perhaps, naval targets, while another one is tasked with dominating the skies and controlling the airspace.”
The expert emphasized that the footage illustrates the overall progress in Chinese aircraft development, rather than indicating specific advancements in sixth-generation technology, labeling the term “loosely applied.” As such, he believes it is premature to make any conclusive judgments about the new planes' capabilities.
Stefanovich pointed out the competition that Beijing will face from American next-generation fighter programs, stating, “While there are no game-changers on the horizon, China is explicitly inviting to participate in an arms race, at least in terms of quality.”
He also reminded that “we should not forget, however, that the US is the only country with an advanced-stage program for a new strategic bomber – the B-21 – which can be adapted for some of what we would call sixth-generation capabilities. The Chinese and Russian planes of comparable type have not taken off the ground yet,” he noted.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
