Expert tells RT that China's latest 'sixth generation' fighters are a 'serious bid to dominate the air'
Two new military aircraft were recently observed conducting their maiden flights in China, leading to speculation that they may be sixth-generation fighter jets. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The recent debut of two new Chinese aircraft has sparked significant interest, described by Mikhail Khodarenok as a “serious bid to dominate the air in the 21st century.” The aircraft made their initial flights on December 26, generating considerable buzz among global experts, even as Beijing has not officially commented on the developments. These planes are widely believed to represent a new category of “sixth generation fighter jets.”
In discussions with RT, Khodarenok, a retired colonel from the main operational directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, noted that the unveiling marks a substantial media achievement for China against the USA. He cautioned, however, that conclusions should not be drawn hastily based solely on the aircraft's appearance.
The larger model features a diamond-shaped, tailless design with three engines and a sophisticated yaw control system, incorporating split rudders. Escorted by a Chengdu J-20—a substantial fifth-generation jet—this newer aircraft appears significantly bulkier and may possess a spacious internal compartment for carrying weapons. It has the potential to fulfill a fighter-bomber role akin to that of the Russian Sukhoi Su-34 or the American F-15E.
The smaller aircraft showcases an arrow-wing design with two engines, also lacking a tail. Control is likely managed via full-movable vertical stabilizers. Accompanied by a Shenyang J-16 multirole strike fighter, which is based on Russian Su-27 and Su-30 designs, this aircraft is expected to serve as a lighter air-superiority option. Some analysts speculate that the two new jets could represent competing prototypes from Chengdu and Shenyang, both developed within the same program.
Khodarenok highlighted the implications of this advancement, stating, "China has made a serious bid to dominate the air in the 21st century. Beijing's air power, which will soon be based on next-generation combat aircraft, will clearly be used as a foundation for convincing its opponents.” He emphasized that the introduction of these sixth-generation fighters is merely the “first step” toward achieving that goal.
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, Khodarenok cautioned against rushing to classify the new models as ‘sixth generation.’ He argued that an aircraft’s performance is determined not just by its design or onboard technology but also by the efficacy of an integrated communication system that connects various weapons into a cohesive network. "According to theorists, the outcome of modern air battles and battles will depend on the awareness of the battlefield situation. Modern fighters do not chase each other at two Machs or tail one another,” he elaborated. He further noted that advanced radar systems would be ineffective without a modern information system for combat management, similar to the Autonomic Logistics Information System found on the US F-35 fifth-generation fighters.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
In discussions with RT, Khodarenok, a retired colonel from the main operational directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, noted that the unveiling marks a substantial media achievement for China against the USA. He cautioned, however, that conclusions should not be drawn hastily based solely on the aircraft's appearance.
The larger model features a diamond-shaped, tailless design with three engines and a sophisticated yaw control system, incorporating split rudders. Escorted by a Chengdu J-20—a substantial fifth-generation jet—this newer aircraft appears significantly bulkier and may possess a spacious internal compartment for carrying weapons. It has the potential to fulfill a fighter-bomber role akin to that of the Russian Sukhoi Su-34 or the American F-15E.
The smaller aircraft showcases an arrow-wing design with two engines, also lacking a tail. Control is likely managed via full-movable vertical stabilizers. Accompanied by a Shenyang J-16 multirole strike fighter, which is based on Russian Su-27 and Su-30 designs, this aircraft is expected to serve as a lighter air-superiority option. Some analysts speculate that the two new jets could represent competing prototypes from Chengdu and Shenyang, both developed within the same program.
Khodarenok highlighted the implications of this advancement, stating, "China has made a serious bid to dominate the air in the 21st century. Beijing's air power, which will soon be based on next-generation combat aircraft, will clearly be used as a foundation for convincing its opponents.” He emphasized that the introduction of these sixth-generation fighters is merely the “first step” toward achieving that goal.
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, Khodarenok cautioned against rushing to classify the new models as ‘sixth generation.’ He argued that an aircraft’s performance is determined not just by its design or onboard technology but also by the efficacy of an integrated communication system that connects various weapons into a cohesive network. "According to theorists, the outcome of modern air battles and battles will depend on the awareness of the battlefield situation. Modern fighters do not chase each other at two Machs or tail one another,” he elaborated. He further noted that advanced radar systems would be ineffective without a modern information system for combat management, similar to the Autonomic Logistics Information System found on the US F-35 fifth-generation fighters.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
