In the rapidly evolving landscape of global military technology, China’s Nantianmen Project is a bold initiative that allegedly pushes the boundaries of aerospace innovation—yet its cheerleaders on social media are also exaggerating what this project will do, or even if it can be achieved, as part of a wider propaganda push. 

Nevertheless, this project is something Western military leaders and intelligence analysts should keep an eye on. Over the last three decades, underestimating China has consistently proven to be a bad bet.

Translating to “South Heavenly Gate,” this ambitious program, spearheaded by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), aims to develop integrated space-air fighters capable of hypersonic speeds and orbital operations. Unveiled through conceptual models and state media, the project symbolizes China’s drive to achieve technological supremacy in sixth-generation fighter jets and next-level space warfare.

As nations race to dominate near-space environments, the Nantianmen Project highlights Beijing’s strategy focus on hypersonic spaceplanes, blending cutting-edge engineering with futuristic visions.

The origins of the Nantianmen Project trace back to at least 2019, when AVIC first showcased models at events like the Changchun Air Force Open Day. Described as a comprehensive space technology research program, Nantianmen initially featured science-fiction-inspired concepts, such as the “Luanniao” space carrier—an airborne aircraft carrier equipped with unmanned fighters—and the “Xuannv” space fighter, boasting advanced features like meson circulation generators and particle accelerator cannons.

These elements drew from mythological names, emphasizing a fusion of imagination and practical research and development. At the time, the whole thing seemed to many observers like a psychological operation intended to trick the Americans, baiting them into over-investing in their own........

© The National Interest