According to Defense News, there are indications that China is making progress in the development of its sixth-generation fighter jet, with a prototype expected to be ready around 2028. Wang Haifeng, chief designer at the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute of China Aviation Industry Corporation, mentioned in a January 2019 interview preparations for a fighter jet “capable of defending the sea and air by 2035.” He also discussed features such as manned-unmanned teaming, artificial intelligence, improved stealth, and omni-directional sensors.
Rick Joe, a U.S. observer focused on Chinese military affairs, noted China’s record effort in the sixth-generation fighter jet field, with increasing disclosures of progress through semi-official channels since 2019. He revealed that China has conducted flight tests of the technology demonstrator for its sixth-generation fighter jet.
Brendan Mulvaney, director of the U.S. Air Force China Aerospace Studies Institute, described China’s future aircraft as potentially unmanned but suggested it could also feature a “man on demand” capability depending on the development pace of AI systems and other necessary technologies.
The report speculates that if China’s sixth-generation fighter jet is to enter service by 2035, considering approximately five years for test flights and testing, the prototype could be ready as early as around 2028. Joe considers this timeline feasible, while Mulvaney predicts a potential first flight in the late 2030s to early 2040s.
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