According to defense experts, these are advanced designs but there is not enough information to make specific assessments.
Neither fighter jet has a vertical tail, a feature that helps stabilize the aircraft using computers rather than mechanical structures, Reuters reported. The larger aircraft has a diamond-shaped design with three air intakes—two on the sides and one on the roof—a rare configuration. The smaller design has a more traditional layout but also lacks a vertical tail.
A common feature of both models is the design that does not use right angles, a typical factor in reducing the possibility of being detected by radar.
Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the designs were a testament to the innovative and experimental spirit of China’s aviation industry. “While there are some questions about its effectiveness, it is a unique design,” he said.
China's Ministry of Defense has not commented, while the US Department of Defense said it was aware of the information but had no further comment beyond the content of its annual report on the Chinese military.
Currently, the US is implementing the "Next Generation Air Dominance" (NGAD) program to develop a sixth-generation fighter, while Europe and Asia are cooperating in the Global Combat Air Programme, with a recently announced joint Anglo-Japanese company.
Images of the larger Chinese aircraft were confirmed through video footage of the flight over Chengdu, compared with terrain features and satellite imagery. However, the specific date of the video has not been verified.
China's testing of these new designs during the day, right above large, easily observable cities, is considered "remarkable" by experts.
