China’s future fighter jets will incorporate unmanned systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced technologies, aiming to revolutionize production and capabilities. During the recent visit of the PLA Navy’s aircraft carrier Shandong to Hong Kong, the new J-15T fighter jet was revealed, drawing wide attention. Experts explained how future fighter jets will evolve significantly with these technologies.
Sun Cong, chief designer of China’s J-15 carrier-based fighter and academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, shared insights in an exclusive interview. He emphasized that future fighter jets will integrate unmanned operations and AI to improve performance. The J-15 currently focuses on energy maneuverability and weapons, while the upcoming J-35 will prioritize informationization and speed. This will enable faster detection, engagement, and withdrawal processes.
Moreover, Sun highlighted that China must speed up aircraft production. “We need to produce aircraft the way we produce mobile phones,” he explained. This means aircraft functions will become software-based, separating platform and function designs. When platforms change, functions can integrate seamlessly, creating new capabilities quickly.
Sun also warned that traditional aircraft development cycles of 15 to 20 years are too slow. If other countries innovate every five years, China risks falling behind unless it accelerates its pace. This call for faster development is crucial to keep up with global advancements.
Supporting this view, Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, described Sun’s comments as highly forward-looking. Wang explained that future fighter jets will need standardized interfaces and open architectures. These features will allow plug-and-play upgrades and backward compatibility, ensuring rapid and flexible system-wide improvements.
Overall, the vision for future fighter jets reflects a major leap in military aviation. By integrating AI, unmanned systems, and modular software design, China aims to boost its comprehensive capabilities across air combat domains.
