China’s mystery sixth-generation stealth combat aircraft spotted last month might have sacrificed flexibility and carrier mission opportunities for other roles, according to military experts.
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One such role could be serving as a command centre to direct combat drones, the observers said.
Footage of two similar models of a new tailless fighter jet have been circulating on Chinese social media since they were first posted on December 26, the 131st anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.
They were reportedly filmed near two of China’s largest fighter jet manufacturers – located on opposite sides of the country – in Shenyang in the northeast and Chengdu in the southwest.
Some web users said the timing of their appearance was a tribute to Mao.
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While there has been no official confirmation, the Chinese military has indirectly endorsed the debut. A New Year’s Day music video from the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command featured a ginkgo leaf image that looked very much like one of the new jets.
