For over 30 years, the B-2 Spirit has ruled the skies as the world’s most advanced stealth bomber. Designed during the Cold War to carry nuclear weapons across continents undetected, it’s become a symbol of U.S. air dominance.
Now, China appears to be building a challenger: a stealth aircraft that looks like it belongs in the same class. It’s called the J-36, and while it’s still officially under wraps, recent sightings suggest it’s very real—and potentially a major shift in global air power.
The B-2: A Proven Stealth Legend
According to Business Insider, The B-2 isn’t just a bomber; it’s a long-range, radar-evading powerhouse. Introduced in 1989, it was built to fly deep into enemy territory, avoid detection, and deliver heavy weapons with precision. It’s capable of mid-air refueling, giving it global reach.
B-2 Key Details:
- First flight: 1989
- Crew: 2
- Payload: Up to 18,000 kg of bombs and missiles
- Range: Over 11,000 km without refueling
- Flight time: Up to 37 hours with aerial refueling
- Purpose: Strategic bombing (including nuclear missions)
- Signature feature: Stealth flying wing design
The J-36: A Mysterious New Player
According to The Aviationist, China’s J-36 was first spotted in late 2024, and although it hasn’t been publicly unveiled, what’s been seen has already turned heads. The aircraft appears to share design features with both the B-2 and the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter.
Nicknamed “Ginkgo Leaf”, the J-36 is being developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation, the same company behind the J-20. It has a tailless, delta-wing shape built for stealth—and likely for long-distance missions.
Design and Capabilities
From what’s visible, the J-36 is likely designed for flexibility. It’s not just a bomber. It may be a multi-role stealth platform capable of carrying missiles, coordinating drones, and supporting both offensive and electronic warfare missions.
What We Know So Far:
| Feature | J-36 (Reported) |
|---|---|
| Length | Around 65.6 feet |
| Wing design | Delta-wing, no tail |
| Crew | 2 |
| Engines | 3 × WS-10C (possible upgrade to WS-15) |
| Role | Multi-role: strike, drone support, possibly strategic bombing |
| Weapon capacity | Estimated 6–8 long-range missiles internally + side bays for smaller munitions |
| Stealth | Yes, tail-less low-observable design |
| Official debut | Not yet made public |
B-2 vs J-36: How They Stack Up
| Feature | B-2 Spirit | J-36 (Reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | China |
| Role | Strategic stealth bomber | Multi-role stealth aircraft |
| Entered service | 1989 | Not yet operational |
| Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Payload | Up to 18,000 kg | Unknown, likely high-capacity |
| Engines | 4 × F118 | 3 × WS-10C (upgrade to WS-15 likely) |
| Range | Over 11,000 km | Unknown |
| Nuclear capable | Yes | Unknown |
What’s Different About the J-36?
Unlike the B-2, which is strictly a heavy bomber, the J-36 seems more versatile. Reports suggest it may be able to carry advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and could even serve as a command aircraft for drone swarms.
Its dual-seat cockpit and internal layout point to a design that supports more than just bombing—perhaps also data processing, battlefield coordination, or even AI-assisted targeting.
Why This Matters
If the J-36 lives up to expectations, it could be China’s most advanced stealth aircraft yet. It represents more than just a new jet—it’s a sign that China is serious about challenging U.S. air superiority in both technology and strategy.
For decades, the U.S. has had a near-monopoly on long-range stealth bombing. The B-2 has flown missions across continents, struck enemy targets with impunity, and helped shape modern air warfare. But the arrival of the J-36 shows that the playing field may be changing.
The Bigger Picture
The J-36 might not be operational yet, but it’s a sign of where global defense is headed. Stealth, versatility, and multi-role capability are now the focus. Aircraft are no longer built just to bomb—they’re platforms for information warfare, drone coordination, and long-range dominance.
Whether the J-36 becomes the “B-2 of China” remains to be seen. But it’s clear that the skies are getting more crowded—and more competitive.
Read More: Rare-Earths Deal: A Fragile Peace or Just a Pause in U.S.–China Tensions?
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on The Ink Post. Get Latest Updates, Latest News on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Explainers.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn and Twitter to Stay updated!
