The annual Pentagon report on China’s military power, released in December 2025, highlights that China’s military aerospace industry has entered a period of rapid growth and significant innovation.
Kabul 24: The report notes that Beijing is simultaneously developing advanced manned and unmanned fighters for the People’s Liberation Army while preparing to export at least three operational fighter models to the global market.
A key highlight is China’s unveiling over the past 12 months of two tailless stealth fighter prototypes, informally known as the J-36 (from Chengdu) and J-XDS (or J-50 from Shenyang).
These aircraft are considered early sixth-generation demonstrators, showcasing advances in stealth technology and control of loyal wingman drones.
Additionally, the official debut of the land-based fifth-generation J-35A, the carrier-based electronic warfare variant J-15D, and a new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the Y-20B transport platform (likely designated KJ-3000) were noted.
The new AEW&C platform is specifically designed to detect and track advanced stealth targets, significantly enhancing China’s ability to counter radar-evading threats.
In the naval domain, the Pentagon assesses that China plans to build six additional aircraft carriers by 2035, bringing its total fleet to nine.
This includes more advanced designs such as the Type 004 (potentially nuclear-powered), substantially narrowing the gap with the U.S. Navy’s 11 nuclear-powered carriers.
China’s third carrier, the Fujian (equipped with electromagnetic catapults), is set to become fully operational in 2025, paired with the carrier-capable J-35 fighters to bolster its naval aviation power.
Furthermore, China is advancing export programs for the J-10C, FC-31 (export version of the J-35), and JF-17 fighters, which have already been sold to countries including Pakistan, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Azerbaijan.
This reflects Beijing’s strategy to become a major player in the global arms market.The Pentagon warns that these developments—despite challenges like the ongoing anti-corruption campaign in the defense sector—are shifting the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and underscore the need for enhanced U.S. deterrence.
Experts argue that these innovations will not only boost China’s offensive capabilities but also intensify the global arms race.
