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J-36: Why China’s new ‘combat cruiser’ has 3 engines, no tail and the Air Force is worried

China’s mysterious Chengdu J-36 sixth-generation combat aircraft is far larger than any traditional fighter—measuring roughly ...
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Sixth-gen fighter: China speeds up development of J-36, J-50 jet; challenge US’ air dominance

China is reportedly accelerating the development of two advanced fighter jets, according to the U.S. Department of War report released in December 2025. Often referred to as the J-36 and J-50, these ...