Images of two new Chinese military aircraft with stealth features were posted online Friday, with defense experts calling them advanced designs, but without enough details for definitive conclusions.

According to Reuters, the aircraft lack vertical stabilizers, a feature that makes them “tail-less” and dependent on computers to maintain their stability.

The larger of the two features an unusual design with three air intakes – two on the side and one at the top of the fuselage.

The smaller, though more conventional, also lacks a tail. Both are characterized by the absence of 90-degree angles, a feature that reduces detection by radar.

China’s

The development is an indication of the Chinese aviation industry’s willingness to experiment and innovate, according to Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyst Ewan Graham.

“The design is original and deserves credit for that,” he added, stressing that China appears to be attempting to compete with the US and its allies.

China’s defense ministry has not commented on the matter, while the U.S. Defense Department confirmed that it has taken note of the reports, with no further statements beyond its annual report on the Chinese military.

Targeting the sixth generation of fighters</h3 The US has been working for years on the NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) program, which focuses on developing sixth generation fighters. At the same time, Europe and Asia are working together to create the Global Combat Air Program. However, the progress of the US program may be affected by the administration of the new president, Donald Trump.
Video verified by Reuters shows the larger of the two new aircraft flying over the city of Chengdu, but the exact date was not confirmed.

Questions about the possibilities

While the designs are groundbreaking, experts note that the actual capabilities of the aircraft, such as their maneuverability, speed or electronic systems, are not yet known.

China’s previous stealth aircraft, such as the J-20 and J-35, have shown some signs of technological advancement, but their full capability remains unclear.

The flight of these new designs over cities is surprising. According to analyst Kelly Griko, this may be an attempt by China to influence the debate in the US about the future of NGAD.

Meanwhile, on the same day, China’s state media reported the launch of its navy’s newest amphibious assault ship.