China's J-36: A New Era in Air Combat?

In December 2024, China publicly revealed two new stealthy combat aircraft designs, including a large, tailless three-engine platform tentatively designated as the J-36. This unveiling represents a significant leap forward in China's aviation capabilities and military ambitions, potentially reshaping the balance of air power in the Indo-Pacific region.

The J-36: A New Class of Combat Aircraft

The J-36 stands out due to several key features:

• Large size, significantly bigger than China's J-20 fighter
• Tailless design with no vertical control surfaces
• Three-engine configuration
• Apparent focus on stealth characteristics
• Potentially very long range

These features suggest the J-36 may be optimized for long-range missions, possibly including roles such as:

• Long-range air superiority
• Strike missions against distant targets
• Anti-ship operations
• Targeting of critical enemy assets like tankers and AWACS

The aircraft's size and configuration indicate it likely sacrifices some maneuverability in favor of stealth, speed, and range. This aligns with trends seen in other next-generation combat aircraft programs globally.

China's Evolving Air Combat Capabilities

The J-36 represents the latest step in China's rapid modernization of its air force. Over the past few decades, China has progressed from relying on derivatives of Soviet designs to fielding its own advanced aircraft:

• 1990s: Primarily flew MiG-21 derivatives like the J-7
• Early 2000s: Introduced 4th generation designs like the J-10 and Flanker derivatives
• 2017: Fielded its first 5th generation fighter, the J-20
• Present: Developing a range of stealthy manned and unmanned systems

This pace of development demonstrates China's growing aerospace engineering capabilities and its commitment to fielding a world-class air force.

The J-36 in Context: A System of Systems Approach

The J-36 should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of China's broader approach to developing a modern, networked air combat capability. Other key elements include:

• J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters
• Stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) like the GJ-11
• Advanced long-range air-to-air missiles like the PL-15 and PL-17
• Improved sensors, data links, and command and control systems

Together, these systems aim to create a highly capable and flexible air combat force able to operate across vast distances in the Pacific.

Long-Range Air-to-Air Missiles: A Key Capability

One of the most significant potential impacts of the J-36 relates to its likely ability to carry very long-range air-to-air missiles internally. Current Chinese missiles in this category include:

• PL-15: Estimated range of 200+ km
• PL-17: Possibly up to 400 km range

These missiles pose a significant threat to high-value air assets like tankers and AWACS. The J-36's large weapons bay may allow it to carry these missiles while maintaining stealth, unlike current fighters which must carry them externally.

This combination of stealth and very long-range missiles could force opposing air forces to operate their support aircraft much further from contested areas, potentially limiting the combat radius of shorter-ranged fighters.

Comparing Approaches: Missiles vs. Platforms

In the quest for longer-range air combat capabilities, different air forces are pursuing varied approaches:

1. Longer-range missiles on existing platforms
2. Larger, stealthier aircraft to carry existing missiles closer to targets
3. Smaller, stealthy UCAVs to push shorter-range missiles closer

China appears to be pursuing all three approaches simultaneously, with the J-36 representing the second option. This multi-pronged strategy provides flexibility and creates challenges for potential adversaries in developing countermeasures.

Technological Challenges and Uncertainties

While the J-36's appearance is impressive, several key questions remain about its true capabilities:

• Actual level of stealth performance achieved
• Sensor and avionics capabilities
• Engine performance and reliability
• Integration with broader Chinese command and control networks

Developing and fielding a large, stealthy, long-range combat aircraft is an enormous technological challenge. The true measure of the J-36's impact will depend on how successfully China has overcome these hurdles.

Potential Impact on Regional Balance of Power

If the J-36 lives up to its apparent promise, it could significantly alter the air power equation in the Indo-Pacific:

• Extend China's effective combat radius further into the Pacific
• Threaten US and allied bases and naval forces at greater distances
• Complicate US Air Force and Navy operations, potentially pushing support aircraft further back
• Provide China with a potential counter to US long-range bomber capabilities

However, the aircraft's large size may also make it expensive to produce and operate in large numbers, potentially limiting its overall impact.

Implications for Other Air Forces

The public reveal of the J-36 is likely to influence military planning and procurement decisions in other countries:

• United States: May accelerate next-generation aircraft programs and counter-UAS efforts
• Japan: Could increase urgency for its F-X fighter program
• Australia: May reassess air defense and fighter procurement plans
• India: Likely to closely monitor Chinese capabilities as it develops its own next-generation fighter

More broadly, the J-36 may push other air forces to reconsider the balance between manned and unmanned systems, as well as investments in long-range missiles and supporting technologies like aerial refueling.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Air Combat Evolution

The unveiling of the J-36 represents a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of air combat capabilities. While many questions remain about its true performance and the timeline for operational deployment, the aircraft's mere existence signals China's determination to field world-class air combat systems.

As with many military technological developments, the J-36 is likely to spur further innovation and competition among global air forces. The coming years will likely see increased focus on:

• Very long-range air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles
• Stealthy, long-endurance unmanned systems
• Advanced sensors and data fusion capabilities
• Resilient, jam-resistant communication networks

Ultimately, the J-36 serves as a reminder that the realm of air combat continues to evolve rapidly. Air forces around the world will need to adapt their strategies, tactics, and procurement plans to keep pace with these developments in the ongoing quest for air superiority.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/exD-ZrG1XTA?feature=shared