China’s 
second stealthy looking fighter design took off on its maiden flight from an airfield in northeastern China last week, according to international press reports. The black-painted Shenyang J-31 prototype flew for 11 minutes, during which its undercarriage remained in the landing configuration before touching down during the Oct. 31 sortie, reported AFP. The aircraft, alternately referred to as the F-60 or J-21, first appeared in photos leaked in June. It bears a strong external resemblance to the F-22. “The layout is similar, but the material and quality are inferior,” said Chinese military expert Andrei Chang in AFP’s report. The first flight came weeks ahead of current Chinese President Hu Jintao’s planned handover of power to his successor. “I think the regime is trying to show off . . . that the Hu Jintao regime achieved a lot for China,” added Chang.
Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force
Sept. 16, 2026
The Air Force will consider acquiring new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to answer capacity shortfalls in its aging fighter fleet, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. These discussions are happening as the Air Force is building its proposed fiscal 2028 budget and the five-year spending plan that goes…
