China 'inviting' US to arms race with introduction of advanced fighter jets, military researcher tells RT
A Moscow-based researcher informed RT that China has made significant progress in the competition for a next-generation warplane. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Beijing’s recent unveiling of experimental aircraft conveys a significant message to rivals, according to Dmitry Stefanovich.
The online release of images showcasing China’s latest warplanes has been characterized as a bold “invitation” to an arms race focused on next-generation fighters, as stated by Dmitry Stefanovich, a military researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in comments to RT.
The videos and photos that surfaced on December 26 feature two new tailless jets: one larger, diamond-shaped aircraft, and another smaller plane designed with an arrow-wing-shaped airframe. While Beijing has not officially commented on the display, it has ignited conversations in the international media, with some analysts positing that these jets could represent the first of a new generation of fighter planes.
“So far, we have only seen two variants of experimental aircraft,” Stefanovich noted. “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 argued that the footage primarily illustrates the overall progress in Chinese aircraft development, rather than confirming the presence of sixth-generation planes, pointing out that ‘sixth generation’ is a term applied loosely. Thus, he cautioned that it is premature to make definitive assessments about the capabilities of the newly showcased jets.
Stefanovich added that China will face competition from American next-generation fighter initiatives. “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 explained.
He also reminded that the U.S. remains the only nation with an advanced program for a new strategic bomber—the B-21—which could adapt to what are considered sixth-generation capabilities. “The Chinese and Russian planes of comparable type have not taken off the ground yet,” he emphasized.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
The online release of images showcasing China’s latest warplanes has been characterized as a bold “invitation” to an arms race focused on next-generation fighters, as stated by Dmitry Stefanovich, a military researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in comments to RT.
The videos and photos that surfaced on December 26 feature two new tailless jets: one larger, diamond-shaped aircraft, and another smaller plane designed with an arrow-wing-shaped airframe. While Beijing has not officially commented on the display, it has ignited conversations in the international media, with some analysts positing that these jets could represent the first of a new generation of fighter planes.
“So far, we have only seen two variants of experimental aircraft,” Stefanovich noted. “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 argued that the footage primarily illustrates the overall progress in Chinese aircraft development, rather than confirming the presence of sixth-generation planes, pointing out that ‘sixth generation’ is a term applied loosely. Thus, he cautioned that it is premature to make definitive assessments about the capabilities of the newly showcased jets.
Stefanovich added that China will face competition from American next-generation fighter initiatives. “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 explained.
He also reminded that the U.S. remains the only nation with an advanced program for a new strategic bomber—the B-21—which could adapt to what are considered sixth-generation capabilities. “The Chinese and Russian planes of comparable type have not taken off the ground yet,” he emphasized.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
