Expert claims China's latest 'sixth generation' fighters are a 'serious bid to dominate the air'
Two new military aircraft were observed during their initial flights in China, sparking speculation about their potential status as sixth-generation fighter jets. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The recent debut of two new Chinese aircraft is viewed as a significant attempt to assert air dominance in the 21st century, according to Mikhail Khodarenok in an interview with RT.
This week, videos and photos of the aircraft surfaced online following their maiden flights on December 26. While there has been no official statement from Beijing regarding the developments, the unveiling has sparked considerable interest among global experts, who suspect these aircraft might be the first "sixth generation fighter jets."
RT spoke with Mikhail Khodarenok, a retired colonel from the main operational directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. He stated that this development represents a “serious bid to dominate the air in the 21st century” and marks a significant media triumph over the United States. However, he also advised caution against making exaggerated interpretations based solely on their appearance.
The larger of the two jets features a distinctive diamond shape with no tail and is equipped with three engines and a sophisticated yaw control system, which includes split rudders. It was accompanied by a Chengdu J-20, a large fifth-generation jet measuring around 65 feet, and appeared larger and more robust, likely due to a spacious internal compartment for carrying weapons. This aircraft may serve a role similar to that of the Russian Sukhoi Su-34 or the US F-15E, potentially filling the fighter-bomber niche.
The smaller aircraft showcases an arrow-wing shape and is powered by two engines. Like its larger counterpart, it also lacks a tail, and control appears to be managed through fully movable vertical stabilizers. This aircraft was seen with a Shenyang J-16 multirole strike fighter, based on the Russian Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 models. Analysts suggest that this lighter air-superiority fighter might represent competing prototypes from Chengdu and Shenyang under a shared program.
Khodarenok remarked, “China has made a serious bid for the title of lord of the skies in the 21st century. Its air power, which will soon be based on next-generation combat vehicles, is poised to serve as a foundation for convincing its opponents of the need for an international alignment that corresponds with Beijing’s vision of the future world order. And sixth-generation fighters are just the first step in this direction.”
Nevertheless, he indicated it is premature to classify these new aircraft as ‘sixth generation.’ According to him, the capabilities of modern aircraft are not merely defined by their design or the onboard technology, such as radar or avionics, but are ultimately determined by an integrated communication system that connects various weapons within a unified network.
“According to theorists, the outcome of modern air battles and engagements will depend on the awareness of the battlefield situation. Modern fighters do not engage in high-speed chases or chase one another at two Machs,” he explained. “Even the best radar will do little good without a modern information system for combat management, like [the Autonomic Logistics Information System] on board the [US-made fifth-gen fighter] F-35,” he noted.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
This week, videos and photos of the aircraft surfaced online following their maiden flights on December 26. While there has been no official statement from Beijing regarding the developments, the unveiling has sparked considerable interest among global experts, who suspect these aircraft might be the first "sixth generation fighter jets."
RT spoke with Mikhail Khodarenok, a retired colonel from the main operational directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. He stated that this development represents a “serious bid to dominate the air in the 21st century” and marks a significant media triumph over the United States. However, he also advised caution against making exaggerated interpretations based solely on their appearance.
The larger of the two jets features a distinctive diamond shape with no tail and is equipped with three engines and a sophisticated yaw control system, which includes split rudders. It was accompanied by a Chengdu J-20, a large fifth-generation jet measuring around 65 feet, and appeared larger and more robust, likely due to a spacious internal compartment for carrying weapons. This aircraft may serve a role similar to that of the Russian Sukhoi Su-34 or the US F-15E, potentially filling the fighter-bomber niche.
The smaller aircraft showcases an arrow-wing shape and is powered by two engines. Like its larger counterpart, it also lacks a tail, and control appears to be managed through fully movable vertical stabilizers. This aircraft was seen with a Shenyang J-16 multirole strike fighter, based on the Russian Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 models. Analysts suggest that this lighter air-superiority fighter might represent competing prototypes from Chengdu and Shenyang under a shared program.
Khodarenok remarked, “China has made a serious bid for the title of lord of the skies in the 21st century. Its air power, which will soon be based on next-generation combat vehicles, is poised to serve as a foundation for convincing its opponents of the need for an international alignment that corresponds with Beijing’s vision of the future world order. And sixth-generation fighters are just the first step in this direction.”
Nevertheless, he indicated it is premature to classify these new aircraft as ‘sixth generation.’ According to him, the capabilities of modern aircraft are not merely defined by their design or the onboard technology, such as radar or avionics, but are ultimately determined by an integrated communication system that connects various weapons within a unified network.
“According to theorists, the outcome of modern air battles and engagements will depend on the awareness of the battlefield situation. Modern fighters do not engage in high-speed chases or chase one another at two Machs,” he explained. “Even the best radar will do little good without a modern information system for combat management, like [the Autonomic Logistics Information System] on board the [US-made fifth-gen fighter] F-35,” he noted.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
