In a significant development for China’s burgeoning military capabilities, the country’s air force is set to officially unveil its new stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, at the upcoming Zhuhai Airshow next week, CNN reports.
This highly anticipated aircraft marks a major milestone in China’s quest to match the United States’ stealth fighter capabilities.
The J-35A, an image of which was released during an air force press conference Tuesday, is designed primarily for air combat operations and can also carry out air-to-surface attacks. If commissioned into service, the J-35A would make China the second country after the US to boast two types of stealth fighter jets. China’s first stealth fighter, the J-20, entered service in 2017.
Experts believe the J-35A could be deployed as a carrier-based aircraft, significantly enhancing China’s sea and air combat capabilities. The fighter’s debut follows China’s recent bolstering of its forward theater commands with additional J-20s. The PLA Air Force has inducted more than 70 J-20s since July 2023, bringing its operational fleet to approximately 195.
While the specific details about the J-35A’s capabilities remain scarce, analysts believe it is a derivative of an earlier prototype and has undergone significant improvements, particularly in terms of engine power. The fighter, which has been in development for over a decade, is widely seen as a competitor to US stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35.
China’s development of stealth fighters has faced accusations of technology theft from the US, claims Beijing vehemently denies. The J-35A, however, is described as an “independently developed” aircraft by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
The Zhuhai Airshow, taking place from November 12 to 17, will also feature the public debut of other advanced military technology, including the H-19 surface-to-air missile system and new “reconnaissance and strike” UAVs. Notably, Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter will also participate in the event, alongside equipment from 49 countries and regions.
