The unveiling of China’s J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jet at the 2024 Airshow China in Zhuhai has sparked international attention and reignited debates over military technology and intellectual property. U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin offered candid remarks about the aircraft, emphasizing its apparent resemblance to the U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II.
Speaking with Air & Space Forces Magazine on November 19, Gen. Allvin noted, “It’s still fairly new. But yes, it’s pretty clear; you could place them side by side and see, at least, where we believe they got the blueprints from, so to speak.” His comments underscore growing concerns about China’s rapid advancements in military aviation and the implications for global air power competition.
The Shenyang J-35A was officially presented to the public at the Airshow China, marking its debut after years of speculation and sightings in unofficial images. The fighter jet is China’s second fifth-generation aircraft, following the Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Dragon.” With the J-35A, China joins the United States as the only nations to field two distinct fifth-generation stealth fighters.
The J-35A is designed for versatility, with capabilities in both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground operations, according to Chinese defense outlets. Notably, it features twin engines, distinguishing it from Lockheed Martin’s single-engine F-35. Analysts highlight this difference as a key design decision aimed at enhancing thrust and redundancy, particularly for carrier-based operations.
The striking similarities between the J-35A and the F-35 Lightning II have reignited allegations that China’s advancements may be rooted in industrial espionage. This issue has long shadowed Chinese military aviation, with accusations dating back to the release of classified U.S. intelligence documents by Edward Snowden in 2015. These documents suggested that Chinese cyber operatives may have accessed sensitive information related to the F-35 program.
Although resemblance alone does not confirm espionage, the parallels between the two aircraft are hard to ignore. The J-35A’s airframe, wing configuration, and even its Electro-Optical Targeting System bear a close resemblance to the F-35. Additionally, the presence of a Radar Reflective Luneburg Lens under the J-35A’s fuselage has fueled further speculation about the extent of technological cross-pollination.
“China has consistently denied allegations of industrial espionage,” notes Richard Aboulafia, an aviation industry expert. “However, the speed and sophistication of their stealth fighter developments do raise questions.”
The debut of the J-35A reflects China’s broader ambition to modernize its military and compete with the United States in high-stakes domains like fifth-generation fighter technology. According to Chinese defense media, the J-35A is part of a growing family of stealth aircraft being developed for both the Chinese Air Force and Navy.
The addition of the J-35A to China’s arsenal complements the heavier J-20 “Mighty Dragon,” creating a dual-fighter approach similar to the U.S. Air Force’s use of the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. Military analyst Wang Mingzhi categorizes the J-20 as a heavy-duty stealth fighter, while the J-35A serves as a medium-duty counterpart.
This dual capability offers China strategic flexibility, particularly in regional conflicts where different mission profiles may require either the heavier payload capacity of the J-20 or the more versatile deployment options of the J-35A.
The J-35A is reportedly the land-based variant of the aircraft, while a carrier-based version will be designated simply as the J-35. An export variant, known as the FC-31, is also in development, signaling China’s intent to market its fifth-generation capabilities to international buyers. This development is particularly noteworthy as it positions China to compete with the U.S. in the lucrative global defense export market, where the F-35 has been a dominant force.
While the J-35A’s design and features are impressive, questions remain about its performance compared to its American counterparts. Fifth-generation fighters are defined by advanced stealth capabilities, sensor integration, and networked warfare systems.
Experts caution that the appearance of similarity does not necessarily equate to parity in performance. The F-35, for example, benefits from decades of refinement and support from a vast industrial base. Its state-of-the-art avionics, advanced radar systems, and seamless interoperability with allied forces give it an edge that may not be easily replicated.
China’s defense industry, while rapidly advancing, faces challenges in developing critical components such as high-performance jet engines. Previous iterations of Chinese fighter jets, such as the J-10 and early versions of the J-20, relied on Russian-made engines. However, Chinese engineers have reportedly made strides in indigenous engine development, including the WS-15 engine expected to power the J-20 in future variants.
The unveiling of the J-35A comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. China’s aggressive military modernization efforts are seen as part of a broader strategy to assert dominance in contested areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
The United States has been closely monitoring China’s advancements in military technology. In response, the Pentagon has emphasized the importance of maintaining a qualitative edge over potential adversaries. The continued development of sixth-generation fighters, hypersonic weapons, and enhanced missile defense systems are central to the U.S. strategy.
Gen. Allvin’s remarks highlight the competitive nature of this arms race, particularly in the realm of stealth fighter technology. “The J-35A’s introduction is notable, but it’s critical to ensure we remain ahead—not just in capability but in operational integration,” he stated.
