In a remarkable shift from China’s historically secretive posture on military aviation programs, a surge of high-resolution imagery now circulating online is offering the world a rare and detailed glimpse into Beijing’s next-generation aircraft ambitions—chief among them, the Shenyang J-35. This stealthy, carrier-based fighter represents a technological and strategic leap for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), symbolizing China’s bid to rival U.S. dominance in naval aviation.
The latest images of the J-35 mark a significant departure from the blurry, pixelated photos and tightly cropped video snippets that have historically defined Chinese military aviation leaks. In contrast, this new material—featuring crisp air-to-air photos and rear-aspect shots—strongly suggests a more deliberate, even calculated, form of soft-power projection by Chinese authorities. The timing and nature of the releases may indicate an evolving information warfare strategy: one designed to showcase progress, intimidate regional rivals, and signal readiness for export partnerships.
The newly revealed air-to-air image showing two J-35 prototypes—serials 3501 and 3506—soaring in tight formation is believed to originate from within the Chinese military, perhaps the PLA Air Force or Navy. The photograph has become a centerpiece in global defense circles, not only because of its composition but due to the immense insight it provides into the aircraft’s physical configuration.
The J-35 is the navalized variant of the FC-31—a land-based stealth fighter prototype long under development by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Serial 3501, distinguishable by its pitot boom, appears to remain in a testbed configuration. Its smooth finish and bolt-on Luneburg lens—used to amplify radar signature during training or peacetime operation—are consistent with stealth requirements while also providing operational flexibility.
The more advanced serial 3506 offers a closer look at a nearly operational variant. With its radome likely housing an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, and no pitot boom in sight, 3506 signals a crucial step toward series production. Rear-aspect images of the same aircraft show a pair of serrated engine nozzles, believed to be part of the WS-13E indigenous turbofan family—further evidence of China’s growing confidence in replacing foreign propulsion systems, particularly Russian ones, with domestic alternatives.
Importantly, analysts have noted a possible cannon port on the aircraft’s left side, just above the intake. If confirmed, this would mark the first strong evidence that the J-35 includes an internal gun—a feature that, while seemingly minor, has posed persistent design and operational challenges even in advanced Western aircraft like the F-35A. For a stealth fighter designed for both air superiority and carrier-based strike, the presence of an onboard cannon offers additional tactical versatility.
Externally, the J-35 exudes stealth. From its angular nose to its canted twin tail fins, the aircraft resembles the Lockheed Martin F-35C in form—yet diverges in important details. The surface finish is notably clean and contoured, pointing to serious attention to radar cross-section reduction. The sharply raked canopy and embedded sensor bays further reinforce this design priority.
However, there are significant differences that argue against simplistic accusations of direct copying. For one, the J-35 appears to retain a twin-engine layout, unlike the single-engine F-35. This decision likely stems from the PLAN’s operational doctrine, which may favor redundancy and thrust in challenging maritime conditions.
Also absent from the currently available images are visual clues to its advanced sensor suite—though these are certainly present. In addition to the AESA radar, the J-35 is expected to carry an electro-optical targeting system, Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for spherical situational awareness, and advanced data fusion capabilities—a critical requirement for operating in the networked battlespace envisioned by the PLAN.
The navalization of the J-35 is particularly significant as it ties directly into the future of Chinese carrier air wings. China’s aircraft carrier fleet is undergoing rapid modernization. Its two in-service carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, currently operate the J-15—a heavier, non-stealthy derivative of the Russian Su-33. But both ships lack catapults and are limited to ski-jump-assisted takeoffs.
That will change with the arrival of the Type 003 Fujian, China’s first catapult-equipped carrier. Equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arrestor gear, the Fujian will dramatically increase the PLAN’s ability to project power. The J-35, optimized for catapult launches and carrier landings, is thus a perfect match for this new platform.
There is growing speculation that J-35 variants may eventually operate from all three Chinese carriers, as well as future hulls under construction. Such a move would align Chinese naval aviation more closely with the U.S. Navy model, where stealth, networked operations, and integrated AEW&C support define power projection.
A particularly intriguing development is the potential export of the J-35 under the FC-31 designation. In early 2024, Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu confirmed that Islamabad was in discussions to acquire fifth-generation fighters from China. Later that year, a translated government post on X stated that Pakistan had been offered “40 fifth-generation Shenyang J-35 stealth aircraft,” along with Shaanxi KJ-500 AEW&C and HQ-19 air defense systems.
Such a deal would mark a historic first: the export of a fifth-generation stealth fighter by any country other than the United States. It would also dramatically change the balance of airpower in South Asia, giving Pakistan a cutting-edge counter to India’s Rafales and proposed AMCA program.
Alongside the J-35, another carrier-borne aircraft is taking shape—the KJ-600 AEW&C platform, developed by Xi’an Aircraft Company. New photos show the KJ-600 in flight, offering the clearest views yet of this vital support aircraft. With its prominent rotating radar dome and twin-turboprop layout, the KJ-600 bears a striking resemblance to the U.S. Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye.
First flown in 2020, the KJ-600 is designed to operate from catapult-equipped carriers like the Fujian, providing early warning, command-and-control, and airspace management capabilities. It will act as the “eyes and ears” of the carrier strike group, detecting low-flying threats and managing the complex air tasking required in modern maritime operations.
The integration of such an aircraft gives China a true force-multiplier. With the KJ-600 feeding data into the fleet’s broader network—and possibly integrating with land-based systems and satellites—it represents a critical step in PLAN’s transformation into a blue-water navy.
Complementing the KJ-600 is the KJ-3000, a land-based heavy AEW&C aircraft based on the Y-20 cargo platform. First glimpsed in grainy photos in late 2023, the KJ-3000 is now visible in far better detail. With four jet engines, an oversized radar dome, and long endurance, the KJ-3000 is poised to replace China’s aging KJ-2000 (based on the Il-76 airframe) and offer a massive leap in airborne sensor capability.
Unlike the smaller Y-9-based AEW&C platforms, the KJ-3000 belongs to the heavyweight class. Its large radar and possible signal intelligence payloads suggest it will serve not only as a radar picket but as a central node in China’s expanding informationized warfare doctrine—especially in areas like the East and South China Seas.
The torrent of new imagery is not limited to developmental platforms. Existing aircraft like the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter, the J-15T (an improved J-15 for catapult operations), the H-6N missile carrier, and the Y-9FQ maritime patrol aircraft have also been photographed in striking clarity.
The J-20, in particular, is increasingly being seen with new equipment—such as faceted external pods (possibly for electronic warfare) and underwing fuel tanks that suggest improved range and mission flexibility. These refinements point to a fighter fleet maturing rapidly toward multi-role, long-range operations.
The H-6N, a variant of the venerable H-6 bomber optimized to carry large ballistic or air-launched hypersonic missiles, remains central to China’s growing standoff strike capability. The Y-9FQ, meanwhile, supports PLAN’s anti-submarine and maritime patrol mission—roles that are becoming more important as China’s interests expand into the Indo-Pacific.
What is the strategic intent behind this unprecedented wave of disclosures? While the Chinese state has not made any official statement regarding the leaks or the rationale behind them, the shift is conspicuous. Whether through indirect encouragement of state-affiliated accounts or deliberate releases to defense-focused audiences, China is telegraphing a message: it has arrived as a peer competitor in the realm of advanced military aviation.
This isn’t merely a technological showcase—it’s psychological warfare. The timing coincides with rising U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan, increased Indo-Pacific naval deployments, and joint exercises by QUAD nations. By showcasing capabilities like the J-35 and KJ-600, Beijing is reminding rivals that any military confrontation in its near seas will be contested in the skies—with high-tech aircraft backed by a maturing command-and-control infrastructure.
It also serves diplomatic ends. As with the JF-17 program, China may use the J-35 to extend influence across the Global South by offering a fifth-generation fighter at a fraction of the F-35’s cost, and without the geopolitical strings attached to U.S. weapons exports.
The appearance of the J-35, along with the KJ-600 and KJ-3000, signals a profound evolution in Chinese air power—especially naval aviation. Together, these aircraft provide the PLAN with stealth, extended sensor reach, and advanced airborne command-and-control—elements essential to sustaining blue-water operations.
While the road to full operational capability will require years of testing, integration, and refinement, the message is clear: China is not just building aircraft—it is building an ecosystem of networked, fifth-generation warfare capabilities.
