The Zhuhai Air Show, a hallmark event for showcasing China’s burgeoning aerospace capabilities, delivered a groundbreaking spectacle this year with the presence of three fifth-generation fighter jets: the Chinese J-20 and J-35A, and Russia’s Su-57. Held in Guangdong province, southern China, the 2024 edition emphasized Beijing’s ambition to solidify its position as a global air power.
The air show offered glimpses into a new arsenal, including the CH-7 stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), an updated PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile, and even a conceptual mockup of China’s sixth-generation fighter, the “White Emperor.” These developments underline a clear intent: to rival U.S. air superiority not only in technology but also in strategic capability.
J-35A
From FC-31 to J-35A
The J-35A, the latest in China’s stealth fighter program, is a significant evolution from the Shenyang FC-31 stealth prototype unveiled in 2012. Initially designed as a land-based aircraft for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), it has now morphed into a more sophisticated platform catering to both air dominance and potential strike roles.
- First flight: September 26, 2023, coinciding with PLAAF’s 75th anniversary.
- Stealth enhancements: Smaller and lighter than the J-20, the J-35A features twin engines, making it more powerful yet maneuverable than its American counterpart, the F-35. Notable design changes include sleeker undercarriage doors, an Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) similar to the F-35, and a redesigned forward-hinged canopy.
Despite its advancements, the J-35A still trails behind the F-35 in systems integration and stealth features like reduced heat signatures from the engine’s nozzle area. Its current engines, the WS-21 (upgraded WS-13), are expected to be replaced by the WS-19 once development is complete.
Capability
The J-35A is designed as a versatile platform:
- Air dominance: Limited strike roles complement its primary focus.
- Naval adaptability: A variant is being developed for carrier-based operations, reflecting China’s ambition to integrate stealth capabilities into its naval fleet.
- Export potential: An export variant, possibly named J-35AE/E, could find buyers in allied nations like Pakistan, with potential deliveries within the next decade.
CH-7 Stealth UCAV
The CH-7 stealth High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UCAV was another showstopper. Its kite-wing design enables low observability and efficient ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions deep within adversary territories. Potential strike capabilities make it a dual-purpose asset.
Comparison and Significance
Resembling the U.S. X-47 stealth UAV, which never saw large-scale production, the CH-7 underscores China’s intent to replicate and improve upon American designs. This system could enhance the PLAAF’s operational range, offering both reconnaissance and offensive options.
Missile Technology: The PL-15 Upgrade
The PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile, a staple of the J-20 and J-35A arsenal, received a crucial upgrade. The folding-fin design enables stealth fighters to carry up to six missiles within their internal weapon bays, a significant improvement from the previous limit of four. This innovation mirrors the design philosophy of the U.S. AMRAAM, showcasing China’s focus on increasing payload efficiency without compromising stealth.
The “White Emperor”: China’s Sixth-Generation Vision
On the inaugural day of the Zhuhai Air Show, China unveiled a mockup of its conceptual sixth-generation fighter, dubbed the “White Emperor.” This futuristic platform aims to bridge air and space capabilities, potentially operating in near-space environments. While this goal appears ambitious, given China’s ongoing struggles with fifth-generation engine technology, it signals the nation’s intent to lead the next wave of aerospace innovation.
- Canards for enhanced maneuverability.
- A vision to integrate air, space, and cyber capabilities.
Experts remain skeptical of its operational viability in the near term, but the unveiling serves as a strategic message to competitors, particularly the United States.
Global Air Power
PLAAF’s Strategic Evolution
China’s growing fleet of advanced aircraft reflects its strategy to maintain a dual-track air force:
- Fourth-generation dominance: A continued reliance on platforms like the J-10, J-11, and J-16 for versatility and cost-efficiency.
- Fifth-generation superiority: A gradual shift toward stealth fighters like the J-20 and J-35A, supported by advanced UCAVs and missile technology.
China’s emphasis on air power aims to:
- Extend its reach over the East and South China Seas.
- Project force in disputed territories and beyond.
The J-35A’s export potential could reshape regional dynamics. Pakistan, a key ally, has already expressed interest, signaling a potential alignment of stealth capabilities between the two nations. Such developments would challenge India’s efforts to modernize its fleet with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), potentially altering the air power balance in South Asia.
While China has made remarkable progress, its systems integration, data fusion, and heat signature reduction lag behind U.S. standards. However, in a scenario of mass production, China’s numerical advantage could offset technological gaps, creating near-parity in specific theaters.
Despite its advancements, China faces significant hurdles:
- Engine development: The WS-19 engine for true fifth-generation performance is still in the pipeline.
- Systems integration: Achieving seamless sensor fusion and decision-support capabilities remains a challenge.
- Command and control: The PLAAF’s rigid hierarchy may limit the operational flexibility required to exploit these advanced technologies fully.
