China Harnesses "Deepseek" AI Platform to Design Fighter Planes

China is harnessing its DeepSeek artificial intelligence platform to accelerate the design and development of modern military aircraft, according to the South China Morning Post, citing Wang Yongqing, lead designer at the Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute.

Wang, who has worked at the institute—a division of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)—for nearly 40 years, said AI has transformed aerospace engineering by automating routine tasks and allowing engineers to focus on critical aspects of design. “The technology has already shown promising potential for application, providing new ideas and approaches for future aerospace research and development,” Wang told Chinanews.com.

The Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute has been central to the development of several of China’s key combat aircraft, including the J-15 Flying Shark and the J-35 stealth fighter, both produced by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Wang said AI is now contributing directly to projects under way, including new variants of the J-35 with multipurpose roles and air-sea dual capabilities, which he confirmed are “progressing steadily according to our plans.”

Wang also explained that his team is conducting in-depth research on how large language models—like the technology behind ChatGPT and DeepSeek—can be used to analyze and resolve complex aerospace problems based on practical needs. He described this approach as “an important step” for the future of aerospace research.

Meanwhile, China is reportedly ramping up testing of its next-generation stealth fighters—unofficially referred to as the J-36 and J-50—with recent images and videos surfacing on social media suggesting rapid progress.

Earlier this year, DeepSeek, developed by Hangzhou-based researchers, gained global attention by launching a cost-efficient AI model that challenged U.S. competitors. The AI boom in China has spread across industries, including defense, where it is now playing a key role in shaping new military capabilities.