China continues to develop its advanced sixth-generation J-36 fighter jet, with social media revealing an animated video showcasing its defensive capabilities using laser systems.
In the clip, the aircraft engages a simulated attack by four air-to-air missiles, destroying them all as it pursues them, highlighting a technology that could change the future of air combat.
The debate continues about the feasibility of using laser weapons on fighters, particularly given technical challenges such as the need for a powerful power source and accurate targeting in a dynamic combat environment.
In 2020, it was reported that a US F-16 successfully intercepted a missile with a laser during a test, but these systems have not yet entered active service, raising questions about their adoption timeline.
The J-36 is expected to be equipped with advanced self-defense systems, but experts indicate that further flight tests are needed before its effectiveness is confirmed. If China succeeds in implementing this technology, it could leapfrog its competitors in the race for technological supremacy, especially with the growing global focus on directed energy weapons as a future solution for air defense.