The Chinese government’s acknowledgment of the next-generation fighter jet has surfaced, as reported through a video related to fighter jets recently published by Chinese state media.
This video was released just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Boeing as the manufacturer for the next-generation advanced fighter for the U.S. Air Force, suggesting that China was issuing a challenge to America.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 24th, China Central Television (CCTV) released a 27-second video commemorating the 27th anniversary of the first flight of the Chinese fighter jet ‘J-10’ the previous day.
At the end of the video, a blurred black image with the phrase “Next?” was revealed.
This resembles an image of what was presumed to be China’s sixth-generation fighter jet, seen over Chengdu in December last year.
Unlike previous generations, this sixth generation features a tailless design, which drew attention, but the Chinese authorities had not issued any official statements about it until now.
Chinese military expert Song Zhongping commented on CCTV’s video release, stating, “This is the first official acknowledgment of China’s sixth-generation fighter jet,” and added, “It shows that it will follow in the footsteps of the ‘J-10’ and ‘J-20.'”
SCMP also pointed out that the release by Chinese state media is seen as China’s challenge to the U.S., which had just announced its next-generation fighter jet production plans.
Previously, on the 21st local time, President Trump announced the designation of the sixth-generation fighter jet, which will follow the 5th generation fighter jets like the F-22 developed in the 1980s, as ‘F-47.’ Boeing was selected as the contractor.
President Trump emphasized, “It will be the most advanced, powerful, and lethal fighter jet ever built,” highlighting “advanced stealth technology, mobility, and unprecedented levels.”