China has revealed new details about a laser weapon system being developed for its next-generation combat aircraft, according to Military Watch Magazine. The technology was displayed at the 14th China International Defence Electronics Exhibition, held in Beijing from September 15 to 17.

The Beijing Institute of Precision Mechatronics and Controls presented a system designed to detect and track targets and direct laser weapons against them. An image of China’s prospective sixth-generation fighter, widely known as the J-36, was displayed alongside the equipment.

Information shown at the exhibition indicates that the system weighs less than 380 kilograms, while the laser is believed to have an output exceeding 100 kilowatts. Some of its technical specifications remained concealed.

The presentation does not confirm that the J-36 has already conducted flight tests with a laser weapon installed. It does, however, provide a clear indication that China is working on integrating directed-energy weapons into its next generation of combat aircraft.

One of the system’s primary roles could be protecting the aircraft against incoming air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles. A laser could potentially also perform some functions traditionally assigned to an aircraft cannon during close-range combat, although it is not expected to replace missiles as the J-36’s primary air-to-air weapon.

The system’s effective range and current stage of development remain unknown.

Integrating a high-powered laser into a fighter requires substantial electrical power. The J-36’s unusual three-engine configuration could provide an important advantage in this area by generating significantly more power for onboard electronics and directed-energy weapons.

Military Watch notes that the aircraft’s power-generation capacity could substantially exceed that of existing fighters, including China’s J-20.

The J-36 also differs considerably from conventional fighter designs. Along with its three engines, the aircraft has a large airframe and is expected to carry substantial fuel reserves, potentially allowing it to operate at much greater distances than traditional air-superiority fighters.

Flight testing of the aircraft has continued since its first public appearance in December 2024. If successfully integrated, a high-powered laser could become another defining feature of China’s sixth-generation combat aircraft alongside stealth, extended range and increased electrical power.