Mysterious New Chinese Stealth Aircraft - New 6th Generation Fighter or Loyal Wingman?

Introduction

In early August 2025, photos of an apparently new Chinese stealth aircraft started circulating on X.com. There has been debate amongst aviation enthusiasts and analysts as to whether this new platform is a third Chinese 6^th Generation stealth fighter or a previously unknown loyal wingman drone.

Our Analysis

Based on the available photos, it is the opinion of this writer that this new stealth aircraft is a third 6^th Generation stealth fighter. While the external lines of this new stealth aircraft appear to be similar to the Shenyang J-50, there are differences, especially in the rear section of the aircraft. There are no visible engine nozzles in any of the available photos, which only show the underside of the aircraft. This new aircraft also has a smooth angled trailing edge where the exhaust nozzles would be. Is it possible that this new aircraft has exhaust troughs like the Northrop Grumman YF-23 Black Widow II? Maybe, but we will need to get a better look at its upper or rear surfaces before confirming or refuting that speculation. Our educated guess is that new stealth aircraft is most likely Chengdu’s competitor to Shenyang J-50. Both Chinese aircraft manufacturers have competed for aircraft programs in the past, including the J-XX program that led to the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon.

Conclusion

While competition is good for the military aviation industry, we believe that Shenyang needs their J-50 design to win this competition. Chengdu is already producing the PLAAF’s frontline fighter, the 5^th Generation J-20 and is test flying a seemingly uncontested Strike Fighter-Bomber (the JH-XX perhaps) in the 6^th Generation J-36, which is obviously intended for long-range strike missions in the Western Pacific region as well long-range interceptor missions to counter  American B-21 bombers. Shenyang is currently producing small numbers of their 5^th Generation J-35 aircraft for the PLAAF,  developing a carrier-based version for the PLAN and marketing the aircraft for export to foreign countries. Shenyang needs their J-50 to win this 6^th Generation contest to continue being a viable manufacturer of stealth aircraft. I am curious if China regards the health of their industrial base as a factor in determining the winning design of their competitions. Shenyang certainly needs this contract more than Chengdu does. Only time will tell which manufacturer will come out on top.

Images of the New Mysterious Chinese Stealth Aircraft

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