Key Event
- China also unveiled its 6th-generation fighter jet J-36, which was allegedly first flight tested on 26 December (the birthday of Mao Zedong).
- The very first images were revealed through social media videos and this caused controversy all over the world.
Comparison to Generations.
- Generation of fighter jets = new technologies (stealth, speed, radar evasion, payload, manouverability) upgrade.
- 5 th generation: Concentrate on stealth technology (radar evasion) and high speed.
- 6th generation: Increased radar invisibility, enhanced integration of AI, enhanced stealth, enhanced payload and long endurance.
Characteristics of J-36 (The 6thGen Jet of China).
- Tail-less - it has the hardest time showing up on radar, and it is stabilized by the systems of AI-assisted planes.
- Three engine design - improves thrust, cargo carrying capacity, and cross oceans flight.
- Stealth technology - wider radar wavelength visibility.
- High aerodynamics, long -range strike capability, high manoeuvrability.
Comparison with the US
- US is now equipped with F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II (both 5th-gen).
- US is also working on NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) - it will be 6th-gen but is still not in service.
- Trial of prototypes can be seen to have been leaped by China.
Strategic Context
- Russia: Su-57 (5th-gen) operational.
- China: Previously constructed J-20 (5 th-gen) and J-35 (F-35 replica). Now advancing to J-36.
- India: Has Rafale (4.5-gen) and local Tejas (4th-gen). 5th-gen AMCA project, but way behind it because of limited defense budget.
Budget & Economy Factor
- China-defense budget: 471 billion; India: 75billion .
- China GDP: 20 trillion, India 3.5-5 trillion .
- Heavy R&D investment by China is made possible by larger economy.
Implications for India
- India needs to build up economic capabilities to finance hi-tech defense.
- Indigenous projects (Tejas, AMCA) that have advanced but are yet to be competitive with 6th-gen.
Month: Current Affairs - October 03, 2025
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