The JH-XX or J-36 is an American designation for a suspected Chinese regional stealth bomber, reportedly developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). It is suspected that the J-36, the first of China’s sixth-generation aircraft, was the stealth fighter-bomber that Western intelligence agencies have been tracking for some time. The J-36 is a highly unusual aircraft with a trijet configuration and a tailless, diamond delta wing layout. Its overall role in the PLAAF remains ambiguous, although its size suggests it is a multi-role strike aircraft. Over time, several different prototypes of the J-36 have been spotted, each introducing minor changes to its design.
JH-XX Bomber Image from X Screenshot. Image Credit: X.
JH-XX Mock Up. This was an early Mock Up. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
JH-XX or J-36: China’s Next-Generation Fighter-Bomber?
Initial reports of the JH-XX surfaced in 2018, when U.S. intelligence agencies reported that China was working on a tactical stealth bomber alongside the intercontinental Xian H-20.
H-20 Bomber Mock Up. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
H-20 Bomber Mock Up. Image Credit: X Screenshot.
Initial concept art for the project depicted an aircraft that differed greatly from the J-36, a fact revealed in 2024.
This aircraft had a more conventional layout with a swept-wing configuration, vertical stabilizers, and only two engines. Some elements of the design, like the side-by-side twin-seat cockpit and the top-mounted air intakes, would carry over to the J-36 that would take flight later. Due to the lack of high-quality English sources, it is difficult to say whether these renderings actually represented the JH-XX or were purely fictional concepts.
Additional reports suggested that China was conducting wind tunnel testing on several sixth-generation fighter designs. In 2022, satellite imagery of Chengdu’s test airfield also showed a tailless aircraft with a diamond delta-wing configuration.
This design closely matched the concept art for the U.S. Air Force’s NGAD program, which also featured a tailless configuration. These sightings, along with intelligence reports, indicated that China was working on something big, although many analysts also theorized it could be a psyop by China to misdirect the West. Whatever the case, all signs pointed towards China’s next aircraft sporting a tailless, diamond delta wing configuration.
NGAD F-47. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The J-36 Takes to the Skies
Word on JH-XX was silent until December 2024, when a new aircraft was spotted over the skies of Chengdu.
This aircraft did indeed feature the tailless, diamond-delta wing configuration seen in concept art and satellite imagery, but several details surprised Western observers.
The aircraft, now christened the J-36 by the West, was fitted with three engines. Subsequent sightings also revealed that the aircraft had three air intakes, with the third mounted atop the airframe. Many analysts suspected that this aircraft was the JH-XX, mentioned in earlier intelligence reports. The aircraft’s size seemed to indicate it was designed for longer ranges and greater payloads than other fifth-generation aircraft, suggesting it could indeed be a tactical stealth bomber.
For a time, Chinese state media was completely silent about the J-36 and refused to confirm or report on the first flight of any next-generation aircraft. However, many analysts believed the J-36’s revelation was deliberate posturing toward the U.S.
J-36 Fighter in the Sky. Image Credit: X Post.
China J-36 Fighter Takeoff. Image Credit: X Screenshot.
J-36 Fighter X Screenshot Image.
It is important to note that, at the time, the USAF’s NGAD program faced an uncertain future. Now, China has revealed not one, but two sixth-generation concepts—the second being the Shenyang J-50, which also flew in December 2024. In 2025, however, official state media finally reported on the J-36 when the aircraft made its second test flight, although neither the PLAAF nor CAC gave any additional details on the aircraft’s specs or intended role within the Air Force.
In 1 Word: Experimenting
The J-36 has since been spotted several times during test flights.
In October 2025, a new J-36 prototype was spotted, revealing several differences from the initial aircraft. For one, the new prototype used divertless supersonic intakes rather than the caret inlets on the first version.
Additionally, the exhausts have been changed from the recessed trailing edge configuration.
The new exhausts appear more angular, resembling two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles found on the F-22. This change puzzled many analysts as it made no sense for an aircraft as large as the J-36 to possess a high degree of maneuverability. This change suggests that the large aircraft may be intended for both air-to-ground and air-to-air combat, or perhaps China is simply experimenting with the airframe.
In December 2025, a third prototype was spotted in the skies of Chengdu. This new version of the aircraft more closely resembles the first prototype, with recessed engine nozzles and a tandem landing-gear configuration.
Due to the limited number of photos, it is impossible to get a clear view of the air intakes or the top half of the aircraft, so it is hard to say what has and hasn’t changed compared to the first two prototypes. Interestingly, some analysts noticed the absence of test probes on this newest version, which were present on earlier prototypes. This may indicate how far along the project has progressed, or it could be the result of AI upscaling (which is notoriously unreliable).
J-36 Fighter from X Screenshot. Image Credit: X Screenshot.
J-36 Fighter. Image Credit: Screenshot from X.
J-36 Fighter Artist Rendition from X Screenshot
A Navalized J-36?
In April, it was revealed that China was currently developing new flight control systems for the J-36 to make it compatible with aircraft carrier operations.
This was published in a research paper in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, which describes the complex requirements of carrier operations. It is too early to tell whether the PLAN is actually interested in a navalized J-36.
Given the aircraft’s enormous size, transporting multiple aircraft of this type, even on the Type 003 Fujian, would be an immense challenge and would take up valuable hangar space. On the flip side, a naval J-36 would be an immensely powerful asset for China, significantly increasing its power projection capabilities.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
