A Chinese military commentator has sparked global intrigue by declaring the J-36 sixth-generation fighter and H-20 stealth bomber are “coming soon.” The claim, echoed across state media outlets Xinhua and CCTV in a rare instance, has fuelled speculation of imminent debuts.
China has hinted about the debut of the H-20 stealth bomber for years. In January 2021, a clip from the PLA Air Force’s recruitment video featured the flying wing design of the long-underdeveloped next-generation, long-range strategic stealth bomber.
Later, in 2022, images of a metallic wind-tunnel test model of a bomber model linked to the final prototype went viral on social media, as reported by the EurAsian Times at the time.
In high-level messaging, PLA Air Force (PLAAF) deputy commander Wang Wei said in March 2024 that the H-20 would be unveiled very soon, assuring journalists that there were no “technological bottlenecks” in the bomber’s development. At the time, he assured that the aircraft’s test flights would be closely followed by its manufacturing and commissioning, which would take place shortly after its official public debut.
Later that same year, there was widespread speculation that Beijing would finally unveil the H-20 during the Zhuhai Air Show held in November 2024.
However, the Pentagon’s report on China’s military, published in December 2024, stated that the H-20 was unlikely to debut before the end of the decade. “The PLAAF is developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers to strike regional and global targets. PLAAF leaders publicly announced the program in 2016; however, it may take more than a decade to develop this type of advanced bomber,” the report stated.
In early January 2025, a pixelated image of a new large combat aircraft, apparently making a test flight, was linked to the H-20.
Neither of these claims turned out to be true, and the H-20 arguably remains the most awaited aircraft of the PLAAF.
As for the J-36, its first prototype was spotted flying for the first time on Mao Zedong’s birth anniversary on December 26, 2024.
A third prototype of this fighter jet reportedly emerged in December 2025, flanked by a J-10C. At the time, Chinese military aviation observers said it was the aircraft’s first test flight.
In addition to the J-36, produced by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), Beijing is also advancing work on and testing the J-50, another sixth-generation aircraft developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).
Apparently this year China‘s Christmas surprise is not a super-fancy new type, but – itself most impressive – the maiden flight of the third J-36 prototype. pic.twitter.com/cdHNizMJ6t
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 25, 2025
Experts speculate that CAC may have concurrently produced three prototypes with various engine intake and exhaust configurations, landing gear, and possibly a host of other unidentified avionics, sensors, and software modifications, all with an eye on reducing the time before serial production.
The claims about H-20 and J-36 were made by Chinese military expert Du Wenlong in an interview. The commentator was merely expressing his own opinion rather than endorsing the official position of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which remains unknown at this time, Chinese military aviation specialist Andreas Rupprecht said.
Rupprecht added, “Even if not revealed, this is one rare occasion, where official media outlets – here Xinhua News Agency and CCTV both via their social media accounts – simultaneously mentioned the ‘H-20’ and ‘J-36’ are coming soon.”
Several observers have noted that the coordinated messaging from Xinhua and CCTV could serve as an authoritative signal because military experts and state media typically parrot the official line of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and steer clear of floating unauthorised rumours or theories that may not align with the state’s position.
“Opinion or not, it is indeed quite the rare occasion for Chinese commentators (being interviewed) to directly express such a sentiment,” a PLA enthusiast said.
When probed further about the veracity of these claims, Andreas told the EurAsian Times, “The truth is, he [Du Wenlong] summarises what is posted online and as such refers to the H-20 and J-36 … on the other side this has done before with other former military members giving their opinion, which was totally off, so IMO it is more of the usual can and mice game.” Additionally, he emphasised that the news must be treated with caution.
J-36 & H-20
The Chinese J-36 has a trijet design, featuring a blended double delta wing structure, which was immediately noted. These aerodynamic features emphasise stealth, advanced engineering, and modern warfare capabilities.
The J-36’s tailless flying-wing configuration and trijet configuration aim to reduce radar visibility. The design includes side and dorsal air intakes and a low-observable exhaust system, minimising radar and infrared signatures.
The airframe incorporates advanced radar-absorbing materials to reduce electromagnetic wave reflections across a broad frequency range. Additionally, it boasts redesigned nozzles, intake fan structures, and integrated cooling systems that mitigate heat emissions, reducing their infrared signature.
The J-36 possesses operational capabilities, with an estimated maximum speed of Mach 2.5 and a combat radius of approximately 3,000 kilometres. Moreover, the blended fuselage and double delta wing design provides internal storage for fuel and weaponry, enabling extended missions without compromising radar invisibility.
The aircraft’s weapon systems complement its low-observable design. A central internal weapons bay accommodates long-range missiles such as the PL-17, with side bays for munitions such as the PL-12 air-to-air and YJ-12 anti-ship missiles. This configuration allows for adaptability, prioritising air superiority or ground-strike missions. Internal armament storage maintains its stealth profile.
The J-36 is expected to challenge US air dominance. But experts note that a sixth-generation fighter jet is unlikely to compensate for a bomber unless its range surpasses that of a US bomber, such as the B-2, with a range of over 10,000 kilometres.
“A dedicated strategic bomber is irreplaceable, even in an era when other long‑range strike options exist, ”Song Zhongping, a military analyst and former People’s Liberation Army instructor, was quoted as saying in a previous SCMP report. “A strategic bomber can carry out both nuclear and conventional attacks. It is a vital weapon for any major military power, and one that cannot be sacrificed for another.”
Strategic bombers, unlike tactical bombers, fighter-bombers, and attack aircraft, are designed to fly deep into enemy territory and destroy strategic targets, such as major infrastructure, logistical facilities, military installations, and factories, with large payloads of air-to-ground weapons.
“That is the essence of a strategic weapon – the ability to operate across continents,” Song said. “The B‑2, B‑1B, and B‑52 all fulfil this role for the US. At present, China still lacks this long‑range strategic strike capability.”
The H-20, China’s first-ever stealth bomber under development, is expected to be a game-changer for the PLAAF, allowing it to reach areas that have remained out of its reach so far. It is expected to be a “flying-wing” design with a payload capacity of around 10 tons.
Analysts predict that the aircraft would feature serrated air intakes, cranked-kite wings, and foldable twin-tail surfaces that can be configured as horizontal tailplanes or V-tails.
The aircraft would add a flying leg to China’s nuclear triad. Additionally, China could project power beyond the first chain of islands with the H-20, threatening infrastructure, ships, and bases from farther away.
“The H-20, which may debut sometime in the next decade, will have a range of more than 10,000 km [nearly 6,214 miles], enabling the PLAAF to cover the Second Island Chain and into the western region of the Pacific,” the Pentagon report of 2024 stated. “The H-20 bomber’s range could be extended to cover the globe with aerial refuelling. It is expected to employ conventional and nuclear weaponry and feature a stealthy design.”
Similar to earlier stealth platforms, the H-20 probably has internal armament bays that can hold conventional weaponry, long-range cruise missiles, and perhaps nuclear weapons. From a tactical standpoint, the stealth bombers’ primary objective could be to conduct long-range attacks on valuable targets.
The H-20 is probably not intended for carpet bombing or deep-penetration missions, but rather for stand-off and limited penetration.
The H-20 is widely regarded as China’s direct strategic response to the US B-21 Raider, aimed at achieving parity in long-range stealth-bombing capabilities. The H-20 would enable China to threaten US bases farther into the Pacific, mirroring how the B-21 is designed to penetrate advanced defences, such as those in China.
Chinese experts claim it could “surpass” the B-21 in some areas, but the US has downplayed the bomber, saying “it is not a concern.”
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