China appeared to have offered its first public glimpse of the long-rumoured J-36 sixth-generation stealth fighter after the People's Liberation Army released a promotional video featuring what defence analysts believe is the advanced aircraft.&nbsp;The aircraft appeared briefly in a video published on Sunday to celebrate the Y-20 military transport aircraft. During a conversation between two PLA airmen about refuelling "Liu Ye" (Master Six), a nickname for the H-6 bomber, one pilot casually referred to "Xiao Liu" (Little Six). Seconds later, the camera captured a fast-moving aircraft outside the cockpit window with the tailless diamond-shaped wing design widely linked to the J 36 prototype.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">PLA just hinted at the 6th-gen fighter in the video Y-20&#39;s 10th anniversary service! &quot;Captain, who are we refueling today?&quot; &quot;First &#39;Sixth Master&#39; (H-6), then &#39;Little Six&#39; (6th-gen).&quot; The final shot clearly shows the unannounced but well-known 6th-gen jet. <a href="https://t.co/dmVdErtXmO">pic.twitter.com/dmVdErtXmO</a>&mdash; Li Zexin 李泽欣 (@XH_Lee23) <a href="https://x.com/XH_Lee23/status/2071118112792162657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Defence analysts are viewing the brief appearance as the PLA's first public acknowledgement of its sixth-generation fighter programme. Until now, the aircraft had only appeared in unverified photos and videos shared on social media, including footage of what was believed to be a test flight in late 2025 that intensified speculation about China's military aviation capabilities.&nbsp;China's Defence Ministry has not officially commented on the aircraft or confirmed its identity.&nbsp;The J-36 is believed to be one of two sixth-generation fighter prototypes currently under development in China. According to analysts, the larger J 36, reportedly associated with AVIC Chengdu, features a tailless diamond wing design intended to improve stealth. The second prototype, unofficially known as the J-50 and linked to AVIC Shenyang, is believed to have a smaller tailless configuration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-expert-delegation-heads-to-qatar-this-week-rejects-trump-s-claim-of-us-talks-1782769086291">Iranian 'expert delegation' heads to Qatar this week, rejects Trump's claim of US talks</a>&nbsp;Compared with existing fifth-generation fighters such as the US F 35 and China's J 20, sixth-generation aircraft are expected to offer improved stealth, greater operational range, next-generation engines and the ability to operate alongside autonomous combat drones.&nbsp;China's apparent progress comes as several major powers continue developing their own next-generation fighter aircraft. The US Air Force plans to introduce the F-47 by 2028 after reportedly flying classified prototypes years earlier, while the US Navy is continuing work on the F A XX carrier-based fighter.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Europe, the Future Combat Air System has faced setbacks, while the Global Combat Air Programme involving the UK, Japan and Italy aims to field a sixth-generation fighter by 2035.

A promotional video released by the People's Liberation Army may have offered the first public glimpse of China's long-rumoured J-36 sixth-generation stealth fighter.

China appeared to have offered its first public glimpse of the long-rumoured J-36 sixth-generation stealth fighter after the People's Liberation Army released a promotional video featuring what defence analysts believe is the advanced aircraft. The aircraft appeared briefly in a video published on Sunday to celebrate the Y-20 military transport aircraft. During a conversation between two PLA airmen about refuelling "Liu Ye" (Master Six), a nickname for the H-6 bomber, one pilot casually referred to "Xiao Liu" (Little Six). Seconds later, the camera captured a fast-moving aircraft outside the cockpit window with the tailless diamond-shaped wing design widely linked to the J 36 prototype.

A promotional video released by the People's Liberation Army may have offered the first public glimpse of China's long-rumoured J-36 sixth-generation stealth fighter.

Watch | Chinese military offers first glimpse of sixth generation fighter jet

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Watch | Chinese military offers first glimpse of sixth generation fighter jet