China showcases fighter-specific laser tracking system, hinting at airborne missile defense
A state-run aviation institute displayed a laser-tracking and aiming unit for fighters at a Beijing defence expo, suggesting China may be developing airborne laser weapons for its upcoming J-36 sixth-generation jet.
During the recent defence electronics fair in Beijing, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s Beijing Precision Engineering Institute unveiled a laser-tracking and aiming module intended for fighter aircraft, weighing less than 380 kg. Promotional material linked the system to the J-36, an unofficial name for a three-engine, tailless prototype that appeared over Chengdu in December 2024 and is believed to be a sixth-generation fighter under development by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
Analysts note the aircraft’s size could support a high-energy laser, yet the exhibit did not reveal whether the weight figure includes a complete weapon or just the tracking components, nor did it disclose power requirements. China has previously issued procurement calls for airborne laser pods and reported prototype tests, but no public evidence shows the system installed on a fighter. The United States has faced similar hurdles with its SHiELD program, which ended in 2024 without a fighter-mounted laser, underscoring the technical challenges ahead for China’s project.
Why it matters
Airborne lasers could add a new layer of missile defence for future combat aircraft, reshaping aerial warfare.
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