China's fourth J-36 prototype conducted its first test flight recently, according to reports cited by the Defence Intelligence Analysis account on X between 10:16:07 AM and 12:15:54 PM UTC on January 29, 2026. Visuals of the aircraft during the test were shared in the post. The report specifies the J-36 fourth prototype, with a file photo accompanying the announcement. No exact timing, location, or additional flight details were provided in the X post from @Defence_IDA. This development occurs amid ongoing UK-China diplomatic engagements in Beijing, where British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier today to affirm a strategic partnership and raise human rights concerns, per statements posted this morning.
