J-35A Stealth Fighter: China's Latest Air Force Achievement
China’s aerospace industry has unveiled the J-35A, its second fifth-generation stealth fighter, marking a significant advancement in Chinese military aviation. The aircraft will make its public debut at the upcoming Zhuhai Airshow.
The announcement of China’s J-35A stealth fighter represents a watershed moment in the nation’s military aviation development. As China’s second domestically produced fifth-generation fighter after the J-20, this aircraft demonstrates the country’s growing technological sophistication in advanced military aviation.
The J-35A’s development journey reflects China’s strategic approach to military modernization. Initially developed as the FC-31 technology demonstrator, the aircraft has evolved significantly. The fighter features advanced stealth characteristics, with a reported radar cross-section of just 0.01 square meters, making it exceptionally difficult to detect on radar.
Technical specifications reveal impressive capabilities. The aircraft maintains a combat radius of 1,200 kilometers on internal fuel, which extends to 1,900 kilometers with aerial refueling. Its maximum takeoff weight of 28,000 kilograms and service ceiling of 16,000 meters position it firmly in the medium-weight fighter category. The J-35A can achieve speeds of Mach 1.8 and demonstrate high maneuverability with a load factor range of +9/-3g.
The aircraft’s versatility is evident in its various planned variants:
- J-35A: The baseline air force version
- J-35B: Naval variant with electromagnetic catapult launch capability
- J-35E: Expected export version
In the context of China’s military strategy, the J-35A complements the larger J-20 stealth fighter, forming a high-low mix similar to the American F-22 and F-35 combination. This dual stealth fighter capability makes China only the second nation after the United States to operate two different fifth-generation fighter designs.
The timing of this unveiling is particularly significant, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The aircraft’s tail number “75” specially painted for the Zhuhai Airshow commemorates this milestone, symbolizing the remarkable progress of Chinese military aviation.
The international implications of the J-35A’s introduction are substantial. As a potential competitor to the American F-35 in the global market, it offers an alternative for nations seeking advanced stealth fighter capabilities. Several countries have already expressed interest, with Pakistan reportedly considering acquisition and sending pilots for training.
The J-35A’s development also showcases China’s growing self-reliance in military aviation technology. From advanced avionics to indigenous engine development, the aircraft represents a culmination of decades of aerospace research and development in China’s military-industrial complex.
Looking forward, the J-35A is expected to play a crucial role in China’s military modernization. Its introduction strengthens China’s capabilities in areas such as air superiority, maritime strike, and long-range interdiction, while potentially reshaping the balance of airpower in the Asia-Pacific region.