Footage appears to show maiden flight of China's new futuristic stealth fighter

Footage has emerged online of what could be the maiden flight of China's new sixth-generation stealth fighter jet.

The video appears to show a fighter jet bearing an unusual triangular tailless design flying over the Sichuan province, south-west China, in broad daylight.

The jet has yet to be officially identified or named, however, some people online have suggested it could be an aircraft known as the White Emperor.

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But it does appear there are some key differences between the aircraft seen in the footage and the White Emperor, a prototype of which was seen on display last month.

While the aircraft pictured has not been confirmed, it seems to have done away with the vertical tail fins of the fifth-generation J-20, instead using wingtip control surfaces for better directional stability and stealth capabilities.

In the video, the aircraft can be seen flying alongside what is thought to be a J-20 aircraft.

Throughout 2024, China has been rapidly advancing its military capabilities in response to Western technology.

China's new J-35A fifth-generation fighter jet made its first public appearance at an airshow in Zhuhai in November.

The jet is seen as China's answer to the F-35, operated by nations including the UK, US and Israel.

Beijing is looking to make further strides in hypersonic flight, AI and space exploration.