Latest news with #stealthfighter
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
China's fifth-gen J-35: rare close-up images suggest stealth jets ready for Fujian carrier
Rare close-up images of two PLA Navy J-35 stealth fighters flying in close formation have surfaced online, giving the clearest view yet of China's next-generation carrier-based aircraft. A military observer said the markings and flight characteristics offered the strongest evidence yet that the J-35 had entered production and was approaching operational readiness for deployment aboard China's latest aircraft carrier. Unlike previously circulated ground-based photos, the latest images appear to be air-to-air studies in tight formation. Their clearly visible identification marks suggest the fifth-generation fighter jets have entered initial production, according to former People's Liberation Army instructor Song Zhongping. The images, which first began circulating on China's X-like Weibo at the weekend, show the jets bearing clear 'Chinese navy' markings on their fuselages and 'Flying Shark' insignia on their tails – the strongest visual indication yet of formal naval integration. These markings, along with the official serial numbers '0011' and '0012', suggested the fighters were part of a low-rate initial production run, Song said. 'The Flying Shark insignia confirms the J-35 has joined the navy's carrier aviation force,' he said. 'It indicates the aircraft may have been in active service and is building combat and logistical support capabilities.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
British fighter jet stranded in India for over five weeks is finally ready to fly home
A British F-35B stealth fighter jet that had been grounded in India for over five weeks is finally ready to fly home, according to officials. The F-35B fighter jet was on a routine sortie over the Indian Ocean last month when it came across bad weather roughly 100 nautical miles off the coast of India, forcing it to abandon plans to return to its aircraft carrier, the Royal Navy's flagship HMS Prince of Wales. Instead, the pilot requested emergency landing clearance at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram airport. An airport spokesperson told the BBC that the F-35B was expected to be moved out of its hangar on Monday, with its departure planned for Tuesday. 'We don't have any technical details,' he added. A team of UK-based technicians, including experts from the aircraft's manufacturer, have successfully resolved a hydraulic snag that had grounded the jet, The Times of India reported. The plane's unexpected stay in India has sparked a mixture of amusement in India as well as concern over the potential for its advanced technologies to be compromised. India does not have access to American F-35s itself, though this is something Donald Trump has suggested he could offer New Delhi as part of trade talks. Engineers from the HMS Prince of Wales were dispatched to inspect the jet shortly after it became stranded in Kerala. But when those initial repair efforts failed, Britain was forced to deploy a specialist team of 14 engineers to Thiruvananthapuram airport with advanced equipment to assess and fix the jet. The stranded British F-35B fighter jet (X/UKDefenceIndia) Footage from the time showed the aircraft being carefully towed into a hangar for further work. British officials said the UK engineers were 'carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process'. A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25. Operating from UK Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked… — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 15, 2025 On Monday, an airport official confirmed that the jet is 'confirmed to be airworthy' and scheduled for departure. Speculation had earlier swirled in India that if repairs proved unsuccessful, the aircraft might have to be partially dismantled and flown out on a cargo plane. British officials had played down those concerns. UPDATE: A team of UK engineers has arrived in India to commence repairs on the UK F35B aircraft. Repairs are underway on the aircraft, which has now been moved to the maintenance hangar. We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities. 🇬🇧🤝🇮🇳 — UK Defence in India🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKDefenceIndia) July 7, 2025 Earlier, British officials also denied that they had any concerns about espionage and expressed gratitude to their Indian counterparts for safeguarding the jet. The F-35B Lightning, developed by US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, ranks among the most sophisticated fighter jets in the arsenals of Nato members and a handful of trusted allies. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors, mission systems, and stealth capabilities, the aircraft is designed to carry out operations in hostile airspace while remaining virtually invisible to enemy detection. Once the jet is finally flown out the MoD could be handed a hefty bill for its stay in India. Airport sources told The Times of India that the operator of Thiruvananthapuram International airport – Adani Airport Holdings Limited (or AAHL), a subsidiary of the Adani Group – is considering levying standard parking and hangar charges for the extended stay of the British jet. The Independent has reached out to AAHL for further comment.
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
British fighter jet stranded in India for over five weeks is finally ready to fly home
A British F-35B stealth fighter jet that had been grounded in India for over five weeks is finally ready to fly home, according to officials. The F-35B fighter jet was on a routine sortie over the Indian Ocean last month when it came across bad weather roughly 100 nautical miles off the coast of India, forcing it to abandon plans to return to its aircraft carrier, the Royal Navy 's flagship HMS Prince of Wales. Instead, the pilot requested emergency landing clearance at Kerala 's Thiruvananthapuram airport. An airport spokesperson told the BBC that the F-35B was expected to be moved out of its hangar on Monday, with its departure planned for Tuesday. 'We don't have any technical details,' he added. A team of UK-based technicians, including experts from the aircraft's manufacturer, have successfully resolved a hydraulic snag that had grounded the jet, The Times of India reported. The plane's unexpected stay in India has sparked a mixture of amusement in India as well as concern over the potential for its advanced technologies to be compromised. India does not have access to American F-35s itself, though this is something Donald Trump has suggested he could offer New Delhi as part of trade talks. Engineers from the HMS Prince of Wales were dispatched to inspect the jet shortly after it became stranded in Kerala. But when those initial repair efforts failed, Britain was forced to deploy a specialist team of 14 engineers to Thiruvananthapuram airport with advanced equipment to assess and fix the jet. Footage from the time showed the aircraft being carefully towed into a hangar for further work. British officials said the UK engineers were 'carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process'. On Monday, an airport official confirmed that the jet is 'confirmed to be airworthy' and scheduled for departure. Speculation had earlier swirled in India that if repairs proved unsuccessful, the aircraft might have to be partially dismantled and flown out on a cargo plane. British officials had played down those concerns. Earlier, British officials also denied that they had any concerns about espionage and expressed gratitude to their Indian counterparts for safeguarding the jet. The F-35B Lightning, developed by US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, ranks among the most sophisticated fighter jets in the arsenals of Nato members and a handful of trusted allies. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors, mission systems, and stealth capabilities, the aircraft is designed to carry out operations in hostile airspace while remaining virtually invisible to enemy detection. Once the jet is finally flown out the MoD could be handed a hefty bill for its stay in India. Airport sources told The Times of India that the operator of Thiruvananthapuram International airport – Adani Airport Holdings Limited (or AAHL), a subsidiary of the Adani Group – is considering levying standard parking and hangar charges for the extended stay of the British jet.
Sustainability Times
5 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'They Just Flew It in Broad Daylight': China's Secret 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Stuns Drivers as It Soars Over Crowded Highway
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 The sighting of a mysterious fighter jet, believed to be China's J-36 , has sparked global intrigue and speculation. , has sparked global intrigue and speculation. 🛡️ The jet's unique design features three engines and a tailless airframe, suggesting advanced stealth capabilities. features three engines and a tailless airframe, suggesting advanced stealth capabilities. 🌍 Analysts suggest China may be leading or at least on par with the U.S. in developing 6th-generation fighters. or at least on par with the U.S. in developing 6th-generation fighters. 🤔 The emergence of the J-36 raises questions about future air power dynamics and strategic military preparedness. The sighting of a mysterious, futuristic fighter jet soaring over a busy highway in China has captured the attention of both social media users and defense experts worldwide. This six-second video, though blurry and brief, has spurred speculation and concern about the advancements in Chinese military technology, particularly regarding its air combat capabilities. The aircraft is believed to be a prototype of what could be China's next-generation stealth fighter, tentatively dubbed the J-36. This revelation has reignited discussions about the strategic balance of air power and the evolving dynamics of military technology in the 21st century. A Radical New Design The aircraft spotted in the video represents a significant departure from traditional fighter jet designs. It boasts a unique configuration with three engines, a tailless design, and an ultra-smooth airframe—features that suggest cutting-edge stealth technology. This design choice is telling, as the absence of vertical stabilizers indicates a high priority on radar evasion, making it difficult for conventional radar systems to detect the jet. Defense analysts have noted that the aircraft's silhouette and propulsion system differ markedly from existing fifth-generation fighters such as the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, as well as China's own J-20 stealth jet. David Cenciotti, an aviation expert, describes the triple-engine layout as 'highly unconventional,' with potential benefits in thrust and long-range missile storage. The radical design not only underscores China's ambition in aircraft innovation but also highlights its commitment to developing next-generation military technology. 'These Images Will Keep You Awake at Night': China's Colossal Military Mega-Project Exposed as Satellite Photos Reveal a 1,200-Acre Fortress in the Making Is China Pulling Ahead in 6th-Generation Development? The emergence of the J-36 video adds momentum to the theory that China may be leading the race in 6th-generation fighter development. Even though the Chinese government has not officially commented on this aircraft, the evidence suggests a dual-track development strategy by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This strategy aims to advance their air dominance capabilities for future scenarios in the Indo-Pacific region. While the U.S. has also been making strides in this field, with President Trump announcing Boeing's contract for the F-47—America's own 6th-generation fighter—the details of these advancements remain largely undisclosed. This raises questions about whether the U.S. will be able to maintain its air dominance in the face of such rapid technological evolution from China. The competitive development of these aircraft is not just about technological advancement but also about maintaining strategic superiority. 'China Shatters Global Energy Records': Historic Surge in Solar and Wind Power Redefines the Future of Clean Electricity What Makes a 6th-Generation Fighter? 6th-generation fighters are expected to surpass their predecessors through several key capabilities. These include advanced stealth and electronic warfare capabilities, artificial intelligence-assisted piloting and decision-making, and the ability for optional manned/unmanned operation. Additionally, network-centric warfare integration, directed energy weapons, and extended range and endurance are anticipated features. The J-36's unique design appears to reflect many of these ambitions, particularly regarding stealth, propulsion power, and internal weapons capacity. These advancements are not just about enhancing performance but also about ensuring dominance in increasingly contested airspaces. The development of such aircraft reflects a broader strategy to achieve superiority in future combat scenarios. 'We've Crushed the Range Barrier': Japanese Electric SUV Stuns Industry With 807-Mile Performance Using Only an LFP Battery Strategic Implications The potential operational readiness of the J-36 could signify a major leap in Chinese air power, challenging U.S. and allied air superiority in the Indo-Pacific. This development illustrates China's commitment to advancing its military capabilities and challenging the traditional technological cycles dominated by Western countries. As one Western defense analyst noted, even a prototype's flight is an indication that China is serious about contesting the skies in the coming decades. The sighting of the J-36 raises critical questions about the timeline for deploying such advanced fighters and whether the U.S. will be prepared to counter them with its own innovations. The ongoing developments in military aviation technology are not just about who can build the most advanced fighter, but about who can strategically deploy them in real-world scenarios to maintain air superiority. The emergence of next-generation fighters like the J-36 in China highlights a significant shift in the balance of military technology. As the veil of secrecy around these developments gradually lifts, the world is left wondering how these advancements will reshape global air power dynamics. How will these new capabilities impact future military strategies, and what will it take for other nations to keep pace with these rapid advancements in aerospace technology? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (25)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
An F-35 stealth fighter has been stuck in a country not cleared to access the tech for over a month
A UK Royal Air Force F-35B has been stuck in India for more than a month. India is not a part of the program, and doesn't have permission to access the jet's advanced tech. A warfare analyst said: "You really don't want it sitting in a country that isn't cleared to access knowledge about those capabilities." A UK F-35 stealth fighter jet has been stuck for more than a month in India, a country that isn't part of the program and does not have access to the plane's advanced tech and capabilities. The stealth fighter landed on June 14 at Thiruvananthapuram airport in the state of Kerala, where it was diverted after it ran into bad weather in the Indian Ocean. An engine issue then prevented the jet from returning to the Royal Navy's flagship carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales, the British High Commission in New Delhi said. Local media reports that the jet is still there but the repair work is underway. The jet is an F-35B, the short-takeoff/vertical landing variant built with a lift fan for operations on amphibious assault ships, certain aircraft carriers, and limited runways. This version of the fighter is used by the UK, Japan, Italy, and the US. The fifth-generation aircraft, made by the US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is one of the most advanced jets in the world, and the US determines who gets access to these planes. India isn't on the list of approved partner countries. The jet being stuck for so long has raised questions about how this could happen to such a modern jet and concerns about having top tech stranded where it shouldn't be. Former Australian Army Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan, a warfare strategist, explained to Business Insider that "given the extraordinary capabilities and advanced technologies on these things, you really don't want it sitting in a country that isn't cleared to access knowledge about those capabilities." He said he suspects the US is putting pressure on the UK concerning the recovery of the jet. Neither the Pentagon nor the US State Department responded to BI's request for comment. The F-35 Joint Program Office did not immediately respond either. "I'd say there'd be a lot of diplomatic action in the background with the Indians to ensure that the security of that aircraft is paramount and that there aren't efforts to exploit that aircraft by some who might be tempted to do so," Ryan added. The US is able to decide a lot about how the jet is used around the world, including restricting its export. It has previously done so with countries that use Russian and Chinese weapon systems, such as Turkey, which was initially part of the program. India has never been a part of the program, though there's been interest. Christoph Bergs, an airpower analyst at the UK's Royal United Services Institute, told The New York Times this month that "there's lots of secrecy involving military aircraft in general," but it's even more sensitive with the F-35. Even though it's used by many American and partners allies, its tech is carefully guarded. "You don't want unauthorized access where people can either interfere with the machine, or take very close-up pictures, or even start, you know, messing with the machinery itself," he said. The jet has been moved to an on-site hangar. When it was sitting out in the open, there were reports in Indian media that it hadn't been moved due to the UK's distrust. The Royal Navy rejected that in a statement to The Independent, saying it would have been done sooner if the required tools and expertise had been available. When relocating the fighter jet to a hangar became an option, action was taken "to minimise disruptions to the regular airport operations," it said. The British Royal Navy directed BI to the British defense ministry, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. While the British military and experts have attempted to downplay potential trust issues and there have been no indications that India is attempting to access the jet's classified technology, there is, nonetheless, a reason to take security seriously. A complicated relationship The advanced combat technology aboard the F-35 stealth fighter is exceptionally sensitive, and the US carefully weighs who gets access to it. The US and India are not formal allies, but they are strategic partners. India has purchased billions of dollars worth of US defense equipment, and the countries hold military exercises together, with Washington viewing Mumbai as a partner against China. India, however, also buys a lot of Russian equipment, with Moscow as a major supplier of weapons to Mumbai. India also maintains a relationship with Russia and is a major buyer of Russian oil, complicating ties with the US. Amid these complexities in the relationship, the US has at times been hesitant to share advanced tech with India. For instance, the previous US administration left it off the list of countries with unrestricted access to US-made microchips. It's unclear how the new Trump administration will affect ties. India rejected President Donald Trump's claim in June that he had brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during a conflict in May. But India's government has also publicly praised Trump, in a move seen by some analysts as a bid to avoid heavy tariffs that Trump is putting on much of the world. The Trump administration has pledged to deepen its defense partnership with India. Trump said in February that "starting this year, we'll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars." He added that they were "paving the way" for India to eventually get the F-35. Whether that goes through remains to be seen. It's uncertain whether F-35s are right for India, which is eager to grow its own defense industry. Also, Russia is offering India an export version of its less expensive Su-57. The Russian jet comes with less red tape but also less capability. Rescuing the jet The UK is trying to repair the stranded aircraft to take it out of India. The UK Defence in India, the official X account of UK Defence Adviser in India, Commodore Chris Saunders, posted on July 7 that a team of engineers from the UK had arrived to work on the aircraft It said repairs were underway on the aircraft, which had been moved to the maintenance hangar. It said "we are grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities." India Today reported that UK military personnel were guarding the hangar and that India's security forces were staying outside and at a distance. The jet likely can't be safely flown right now. The UK Ministry of Defence, in a statement to The Associated Press, rejected speculation that the jet could be partially dismantled and transported in a cargo plane if it can't be fixed by engineers. For now, the advanced jet is where it is and has become something of a source of humor in India, sparking memes. The tourism department of Kerala shared a cartoon image of the fighter jet on a runway beside some palm trees with a fake five-star review alongside the text "Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend." Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
