The Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai has unveiled two critical advancements in China’s military aviation arsenal, spotlighting China’s growing prowess in stealth technology. On display were China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Shenyang J-35A, and the CH-7 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), which has progressed through a series of refinements over the years. Both developments illustrate China’s intensified efforts to modernize its military and position itself as a formidable force in aerial combat technology, comparable to the United States.
The J-35A, China’s latest fifth-generation stealth fighter, has captured considerable attention as it officially debuted in Zhuhai. This twin-engine aircraft is China’s second stealth fighter jet following the Chengdu J-20, known as the “Mighty Dragon.” The development and public display of the J-35A mark a significant milestone for China, making it only the second country globally, after the United States, to introduce two types of fifth-generation fighter jets.
Chinese defense analysts describe the J-35A as a multirole fighter capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. This versatility is intended to increase China’s flexibility in responding to various combat scenarios, especially over the South China Sea and near Taiwan. Official Chinese defense media have characterized the J-35A as an advanced, stealth-oriented aircraft designed to counter sophisticated threats and support missions ranging from aerial supremacy to precision strikes.
While the official technical specifications of the J-35A have yet to be disclosed fully, its design is believed to incorporate several stealth features and advanced avionics aimed at reducing radar cross-sections and enhancing its ability to evade detection. Its performance is reportedly in line with fifth-generation requirements, although exact metrics such as speed, range, and payload capacity remain closely guarded. Early images and unofficial sightings have hinted at design elements resembling the U.S.-developed F-35 fighter jet, developed by Lockheed Martin, sparking debates over the extent to which the J-35A draws inspiration from Western technology.
The visual similarities between the J-35A and the American F-35 have ignited discussions among defense analysts and industry observers worldwide. Skeptics argue that China’s design may have benefitted from information derived through espionage, a claim the U.S. Department of Defense has frequently raised. However, Chinese authorities have consistently denied these allegations, asserting that the J-35A is an entirely indigenous creation developed through local expertise and resources. Despite the resemblance, no conclusive evidence has surfaced to substantiate the claim of intellectual property theft.
The J-35A’s official unveiling underscores China’s determination to compete with the United States, challenging its position as the leader in fifth-generation fighter jet technology. By introducing the J-35A alongside the J-20, China appears to be following a dual-jet approach similar to the U.S., which has fielded both the F-35 and the F-22 Raptor. This strategy suggests that the J-20 may continue to focus on air dominance roles while the J-35A offers multirole capabilities, allowing the Chinese military greater tactical flexibility.
In parallel with the J-35A’s debut, the CH-7 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) was showcased, representing China’s strides in unmanned stealth technology. Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), a state-owned entity, the CH-7 has been designed as a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) stealth drone capable of performing various roles, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strikes.
First introduced in concept form during Airshow China 2018, the CH-7 has undergone several modifications to improve its flight stability, payload capacity, and endurance. The current iteration showcased at Airshow China 2024 is believed to be the final production-ready version, marking the conclusion of a development phase that has taken years of refinement and testing.
With a length of approximately 10 meters and a wingspan close to 26 meters, the CH-7 is relatively large for a UCAV. It has an estimated maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of around 10 tons and can reach speeds of up to 926 km/h. These specifications make the CH-7 suitable for extended missions deep into contested territories, providing China with the capability to gather intelligence or strike targets without risking the lives of pilots. According to Chinese military sources, the CH-7 can remain airborne for up to 15 hours, covering a substantial operational radius and increasing its effectiveness in surveillance roles.
The CH-7’s design bears a striking resemblance to the U.S. RQ-180 stealth drone, a product of Northrop Grumman. The RQ-180, like the CH-7, is a high-altitude, stealth-focused platform designed for ISR missions over hostile territories. Many observers have speculated that the CH-7 may have incorporated design features observed in U.S. stealth drones. However, much like the J-35A, the resemblance between the CH-7 and its U.S. counterpart is speculative, with no concrete evidence confirming that China’s drone is based on stolen technology.
Chinese officials maintain that the CH-7 represents a unique advancement in domestic drone technology, leveraging recent innovations in materials, stealth shaping, and aerodynamics. While its design is in line with broader trends in stealth UCAV development globally, it remains to be seen whether its operational performance will match or exceed that of the RQ-180.
The introduction of the J-35A and CH-7 UCAV at Airshow China 2024 signals a shift in the regional security landscape. China’s efforts to rapidly enhance its military capabilities are likely to raise concerns among neighboring countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, as well as the United States, which maintains a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region. By augmenting its aerial arsenal with advanced, stealth-capable platforms, China is positioning itself as a capable rival to U.S. military forces in Asia and potentially on a global scale.
Both the J-35A and CH-7 represent significant improvements in China’s ability to project power beyond its immediate borders. These stealth assets are particularly suited for operations in contested areas, where air defense systems present significant threats to non-stealthy aircraft. The J-35A’s ability to perform multirole operations complements the J-20’s air dominance focus, providing a comprehensive toolset for dealing with aerial threats and ground targets alike.
The CH-7 UCAV, on the other hand, enhances China’s ISR and strike capabilities in a manner that minimizes risk to personnel. Its long endurance and stealth characteristics make it a valuable asset for intelligence gathering and surveillance missions in sensitive areas, such as the East China Sea and near the Taiwan Strait. Should the CH-7 be equipped with offensive capabilities, it could also serve as a force multiplier in coordinated operations, supporting manned aircraft like the J-35A or J-20 in complex mission scenarios.
China’s investments in fifth-generation jets and UCAV technology underscore its ambition to rival the United States in advanced military technology. Both the J-35A and CH-7 serve as indicators of a broader strategic vision aimed at developing a self-sufficient defense industry capable of producing state-of-the-art military platforms without reliance on foreign technology.
The debut of these new systems is likely to prompt reassessment within the U.S. defense community regarding the pace and focus of China’s military modernization efforts. U.S. military planners have already shifted more attention to the Indo-Pacific region, rebalancing assets and strengthening partnerships with allies to counterbalance China’s expanding influence. The presence of China’s J-35A and CH-7 UCAV further solidifies the view that the Indo-Pacific region will be a focal point for strategic rivalry in the coming decades.
The U.S. response to China’s stealth advancements may involve ramping up research and development in counter-stealth technologies and enhancing the capabilities of existing fifth-generation platforms like the F-35. Additionally, the United States may continue to strengthen its ties with regional allies, deepening defense partnerships with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia to ensure a coordinated response to potential security threats posed by China’s growing military power.
Airshow China has become an essential platform for China to showcase its technological advancements and signal its commitment to establishing itself as a military superpower. The display of the J-35A and CH-7 UCAV at this year’s event underscores China’s intent to leverage military shows not only to attract potential buyers and allies but also to convey a message of strength and progress.
While it is unclear if China intends to offer the J-35A or CH-7 for export, the display of these platforms may attract interest from countries seeking alternatives to Western defense products. Countries with growing defense needs but limited access to U.S. technology, such as Pakistan, Iran, and several African nations, may view Chinese military hardware as a viable option. If China chooses to export these advanced platforms, it could significantly impact global arms markets and alter existing alliances.
