China’s 6th-gen stealth fighter sighted again as Trump ‘set to announce’ jet contract

China’s massive J-36 purportedly filmed flying solo as Reuters says Trump about to announce US plans for US$20 billion jet to replace F-22

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China’s sixth-generation stealth fighter has been spotted on another test run. Photo: Weibo/第一军情

Published: 5:00pm, 21 Mar 2025Updated: 9:59pm, 21 Mar 2025

One of China’s next generation of stealth fighters has been seen on another test run, while President Donald Trump is reportedly ready to announce the Pentagon’s decision on the US’ own next-generation fighter jet.

Fresh unofficial footage and photos showing China’s triangular tailless aircraft flying over a city skyline started circulating online on Monday. They were reportedly taken in the southwestern city of Chengdu, where its developer, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is based.

This came as Reuters quoted sources as saying that Trump would announce the Pentagon’s decision on the jet contract worth at least US$20 billion as soon as Friday, despite budget concerns.

The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme will replace Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor with a sixth-generation crewed aircraft built to enter combat alongside drones, the report said.

Meanwhile in Chengdu, the massive Chinese sixth-generation aircraft was flying solo with its landing gear seemingly retracted – unlike its first sighting on December 26, when it was accompanied by a J-20S fifth-generation fighter.

The latest flight could mean that the landing gear and the aerodynamic capabilities of the plane were being tested. The short time between the first two known flights – less than three months – suggests the developer is confident in the aircraft’s flight stability, according to state-backed tabloid Global Times.

“The new aircraft is making smooth progress with test flights in short intervals,” Chinese military commentator Song Zhongping said.