A concept model of a next-generation fighter jet was displayed at Airshow China 2022 held in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province in November 2022. Photo: Liu Xuanzun/GT

Some foreign media outlets claimed recently that China is now test-flying another tailless stealthy combat jet, one that is different from the two types of alleged sixth-generation fighter jets that were first spotted in December last year. Foreign media speculated that this new aircraft could be a crewed fighter or a loyal wingman-type drone.

If confirmed, the aircraft, whether a manned fighter or drone, would be another manifestation of China’s high technological level in terms of military aviation, a Chinese expert said.

US media outlet the War Zone published a report titled “New Chinese Stealth Tactical Jet Breaks Cover” on Monday. Citing at least five images of the new design, the report said that it was not clear where or when the imagery was taken, and none of the images provides enough detail of the upper part of the forward fuselage to reveal whether or not a cockpit is present.

The Aviationist, another foreign media focusing on military aviation, said in a report on Tuesday that the images confirm a two-segment trailing edge, with a straight center section that sharply angles outward before extending to the wingtips. The two inlets suggest a dual engine aircraft. The slender probe on the nose is classic first-flight kit. Above it, there might be a cockpit with a canopy although this is not clear, read the report.

The War Zone said that a high-performance, highly autonomous uncrewed combat air vehicle with collaborative “loyal wingman” capabilities is a major possibility, while based on the design, could very well be yet another sixth-generation crewed jet.

The Global Times cannot independently verify the authenticity of the images. China has not announced the development of the reported new aircraft, nor has it officially acknowledged the existence of the two alleged six-generation fighter jets that emerged previously.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Tuesday that if these media reports are confirmed, this new aircraft would further demonstrate China’s advanced technological capabilities in tailless stealth aircraft design.

Being tailless means the aircraft lacks vertical stabilizers. While this design reduces radar cross-section and enhances all-aspect stealth capabilities, it simultaneously demands advanced flight control systems to maintain maneuverability, Fu said.

“China is at a world-leading position in these aspects,” he said.

While no official announcement has been made regarding this specific new stealth jet, China has indeed been actively developing loyal wingman aircraft. This genre of drones can accompany crewed aircraft and provide it with support, including in terms of intelligence, information and firepower.

At Airshow China 2022, the FH-97A loyal wingman drone made its debut. Designer of the drone told the Global Times at the time that loyal wingman is a key hot topic in the field of drones in recent years, and is widely considered to be an important part of the future unmanned combat system. It is the drone industry's general belief that loyal wingmen are expected to greatly change the pattern of conventional manned air combat by creating a new niche in the air combat system.

According to its developer, the FH-97A can carry out collaborative reconnaissance with crewed special mission aircraft and fighter jet, providing early warning, reconnaissance, jamming support, target guidance, or serving as an ammunition depot for crewed aircraft. It can extend a pilot's situational awareness and scope of attack.