The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has officially revealed its latest stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, marking a significant development in China’s military aviation sector. The announcement came on November 5, during an Air Force press conference. Set to debut at the upcoming Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, the J-35A reflects China’s rapid advancements in stealth technology and multi-role combat capabilities. Airshow China, running from November 12 to 17, promises to offer an extensive look at the PLA Air Force’s newest addition, showcasing China’s aerial power on the global stage.
The announcement has garnered widespread attention, as the J-35A is now confirmed to be operational. State-run media, including the Global Times, emphasized that the aircraft meets the PLA’s rigorous standards for performance, safety, and reliability, indicating that it is fully capable of active deployment.
The introduction of the J-35A is a milestone, underscoring China’s efforts to compete in high-stakes aerial combat technology. Following its predecessor, the Chengdu J-20, the J-35A represents China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This development places China alongside the United States, the only other nation with two fifth-generation stealth fighter jets—the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.
The J-35A’s arrival is also timely, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the PLA Air Force, founded on November 11, 1949. A recent image of the aircraft, featuring the number “75” on its tail, pays homage to this legacy, symbolizing the Air Force’s growth and modernization over the decades.
The Chinese military expert community has responded with enthusiasm, with one commentator calling the J-35A “the world’s most stealthy fighter jet,” suggesting it is capable of challenging its Western counterparts. This model of the aircraft, reportedly designed for land-based operations, is complemented by a carrier-capable version known as the J-35, which can operate from China’s aircraft carriers.
Hints of the J-35A’s unveiling first surfaced online on November 4, when an image of the jet’s tail appeared on Chinese social media. Shared by the PLA News Media Center on Weibo, the image quickly caught attention. Popular military researcher @RupprechtDeino further amplified the news by reposting the image on X (formerly known as Twitter), sparking discussions among military enthusiasts and analysts worldwide.
The official PLA social media account, China Bugle, followed with a teasing post, “Super spoilers! Is the J-35 officially announced?” The post hinted at an upcoming reveal, building anticipation for Airshow China 2024.
The J-35A’s design is distinct from its predecessor, the J-20. While the J-20 features a canard wing configuration for air superiority missions, the J-35A adopts a tailplane wing design akin to the American F-35. This medium-sized fighter is intended for versatile operations, including ground-attack missions. Reports suggest that the aircraft’s structure has been fine-tuned with features such as smoother contours, an advanced radar system, and stealth-focused control surfaces, all contributing to a minimized radar signature.
Further, the J-35 series includes two versions: a land-based J-35A and a carrier-based J-35. The carrier-based J-35 was tested recently on China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, indicating that it is equipped with a wing-folding mechanism necessary for carrier operations. The Liaoning, along with China’s second carrier, the Shandong, uses ski-jump ramps for aircraft launches—while the Type 003 Fujian, China’s latest carrier, utilizes a more advanced electromagnetic catapult launch system. Observers note that this compatibility with various launch mechanisms broadens the J-35’s operational flexibility.
The J-35’s carrier trials have furthered discussions on its potential deployment across China’s growing fleet of aircraft carriers, enhancing the PLA Navy’s reach and power. September 18 marked a significant milestone when the J-35 completed successful takeoffs and landings on the Liaoning, underscoring its operational readiness for maritime missions.
The J-35 series builds on the foundation set by the earlier FC-31 prototype, an aircraft initially equipped with Russian RD-93 engines. However, Chinese engineers are currently developing the indigenous WS-13E engine, projected to deliver approximately 22,000 pounds of thrust. This advancement promises to enhance the J-35A’s speed, maneuverability, and operational range, likely to bolster China’s competitive edge in aerial combat.
Designed to support a payload capacity of 18,000 pounds, the J-35A can accommodate an internal load of up to 4,400 pounds for munitions and other equipment, maintaining its stealth profile. Additionally, the aircraft features six external hard points, which can carry an extra 13,000 pounds of armaments, making it a versatile platform for a variety of combat roles.
The J-35A’s anticipated global appeal is evident as nations seek advanced yet cost-effective stealth fighters. Pakistan, a close ally of China, has already expressed interest in acquiring the FC-31—the J-35A’s precursor—signaling China’s potential to penetrate international markets for stealth technology. Pilots from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have reportedly begun training on the FC-31, underscoring a growing demand for advanced medium-weight fighter jets.
China’s defense export strategy, notably offering stealth fighters like the J-35 at competitive prices, could attract a range of customers, particularly those seeking alternatives to the US F-35 due to export restrictions or political constraints. In February, China showcased the J-35’s prototype at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia, sparking interest from Middle Eastern nations, including Egypt.
Beyond the FC-31’s appeal to international buyers, China’s efforts in stealth technology could create shifts in regional military balances, especially as countries in Asia and the Middle East enhance their air capabilities. The South Korean KF-21 Boramae and Turkey’s TF Kaan are notable examples of regional competitors, representing a new generation of stealth and semi-stealth fighters developed by emerging defense industries. For countries facing economic constraints or political barriers to obtaining the F-35, the J-35A and FC-31 present viable alternatives.
China’s military modernization aims to address existing gaps relative to the United States, whose Navy deploys the carrier-launched F-35C and the Marine Corps’ F-35B. Both platforms provide the US with formidable air dominance capabilities. In contrast, China’s PLA Navy has been undergoing a rapid but gradual transition, working to replace older aircraft with more modern, capable platforms. The J-35A and its carrier-based variant, the J-35, are pivotal in bridging this capability gap.
This transition within the PLA Navy and Air Force marks a transformative phase in China’s aerial and naval warfare strategies. As China continues to develop these capabilities, the potential operational deployment of the J-35 on its aircraft carriers could strengthen its position in contested maritime regions, including the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
The development of the J-35A and its deployment across multiple PLA branches is a testament to China’s commitment to advancing its military aviation capabilities. Although specific production details and total unit numbers remain classified, reports suggest that the J-35’s land and carrier variants are poised for significant roles within both the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF).
China’s unveiling of the J-35A comes amid a broader trend in global defense, with countries actively seeking to replace aging fourth-generation jets with more capable, next-generation models. Stealth fighters like the J-35A offer critical advantages in contested environments where air superiority and electronic warfare capabilities are increasingly vital.
