US F-47 sixth-gen fighter nears production; China's J-36, J-50 already flight-testing

US Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy Helfrich stated the F-47 sixth-generation fighter is 'not too far away' from production, asserting it will be the world's first. Meanwhile, China has already flight-tested two next-generation aircraft, the J-36 and J-50, indicating a potential reversal in the US's historical lead in air superiority. The gap between US and Chinese sixth-gen programs is narrowing, with China's parallel development posing a strategic challenge to US defense planning.