The U.S. Air Force Flew a Sixth-Generation NGAD Fighter in 2020 — China Didn’t Fly One Until 2024 and the World Thinks Beijing Is Winning

The U.S. Air Force Flew a Sixth-Generation NGAD Fighter in 2020 — China Didn’t Fly One Until 2024 and the World Thinks Beijing Is Winning

Did the U.S. Technically Win the Sixth-Generation NGAD Fighter Race Already? China’s unveiling of two advanced stealth aircraft – widely referred to as the J-36 and J-50 – has triggered a wave of commentary speculating that Beijing is pulling ahead in the race for sixth-generation airpower. Imagery that first appeared in late 2024 depicting two distinct tailless aircraft in flight testing prompted claims that China had already fielded next-gener…