PLA's New Year Music Video Sparks Speculation on Sixth-Generation Fighter Jets

On January 1, 2025, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command released a music video to ring in the New Year. A particular scene depicting a ginkgo leaf and a bird has caught the attention of netizens, leading them to speculate about the alleged debut of China's sixth-generation fighter jets, which had been the subject of discussion on social media since late December 2024.

The speculation was fueled by various videos and photos that emerged on December 26, which appeared to show test flights of new aircraft that closely resemble a ginkgo leaf. The term "ginkgo leaf" was first coined by the Chengdu-based Defense Times, which noted the aircraft's leaf-like appearance. Reports indicated that these aircraft, noted for their stealth characteristics, do not feature traditional vertical stabilizers and are controlled through advanced computer systems.

Among the two designs that sparked interest, the larger aircraft boasts a diamond shape and three engine intakes, while the smaller one has a conventional layout but lacks a tail. Both designs have been described as lacking the conventional angles typically seen in stealth configurations, making them less detectable to radar. Reports suggested that the larger aircraft is produced by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, known for the J-10 and J-20 fighters, while the smaller variant is attributed to the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, recognized for models like the J-15 and J-16.

Defense analysts have posited that these aircraft could represent China's first advanced sixth-generation stealth fighters. Despite the excitement surrounding the new developments, major Western media outlets have largely overlooked the story. The U.S. military has remained reticent on the matter, though analysts assert that China's aviation innovations signify a shift in the international military balance, particularly given the U.S.'s slower progress on its sixth-generation fighter initiatives.

As China continues to advance its military capabilities, observers note that the country's recent military milestones, including the launch of an amphibious assault ship with electromagnetic catapults, signify a concentrated effort to enhance its defense systems. Experts believe that the current advancements are a result of years of steady progress and innovation within China's defense sector.