For the First Time, China Unveils Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Named “White Emperor”

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, which opened yesterday (Nov 12), has unveiled for the first time China’s sixth-generation fighter model, named the “White Emperor” or “Baidi” in Chinese.

The “White Emperor” is a full-scale model of an advanced fighter aircraft that is part of Project Nantiamen, a research initiative exploring future aviation technologies.

According to information at China’s premier aerospace exhibition, the “White Emperor” is described as an integrated space-capable fighter with supersonic speed capabilities and the ability to operate in outer space.

If its claimed space-operational capabilities are validated, this sixth-generation space fighter could make it a coveted asset for many nations.

Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a leading aerospace and defense conglomerate, the “White Emperor” showcases China’s advancements in aerospace.

Though most technical specifications remain classified, the fighter is said to be capable of carrying a variety of air-to-ground weapons, indicating its potential for real battlefield deployment.

An information board near the model highlights that the “Type B White Emperor space fighter has received comprehensive avionics upgrades, improved cockpit ergonomics, and streamlined maintenance procedures, enhancing its deployability and operational effectiveness.”

The unveiling of the “White Emperor” at Airshow China 2024, just days after the 75th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), underscores China’s military modernization plans.

While the futuristic design of the “White Emperor” is visually striking and recalls hypersonic fighters like the fictional “Darkstar” from Top Gun, analysts and observers remain skeptical about its true capabilities and future development.

Some speculate that the “White Emperor” may serve as a prototype for the Chinese Air Force, although Beijing has not confirmed this.

Despite uncertainties, the introduction of the “White Emperor” signals China’s ambition to position itself as a leading nation in aerospace and military technology.

The appearance of this sixth-generation space-capable fighter model also highlights the intensifying competition among major nations to develop next-generation combat aircraft.

In this multi-billion-dollar race, the United States has taken a lead, having introduced the B-21 Raider bomber in 2022, with its first flight in 2023.

China is also developing the H-20, a sixth-generation bomber, but it is expected to take several more years before it enters active service.

The United States is advancing with its sixth-generation fighter project, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), while the United Kingdom and its allies are working on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).

Meanwhile, Germany and France are jointly developing the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). – DSA