China’s J-35 Fighter: A New Stealth Challenger to the F-35?
The Straits Times
The United States maintains air superiority with its two operational fifth-generation stealth fighters, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. China, however, is determined to match that prowess. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is advancing its stealth capabilities with the J-35 and J-20 fifth-generation fighters, both designed to evade radar and challenge U.S. dominance.
A Public Debut for the J-35
The J-35 recently captured global attention with its first public display at the Zhuhai Air Show. During a five-minute flight demonstration, the aircraft impressed observers with its agility and speed. These qualities highlight China’s ambition to produce a fighter capable of rivalling the F-35 and even the F-22.
Attendees also examined a J-35 mock-up up close, fuelling speculation that the aircraft could provide the PLAAF with parity or superiority in aerial combat within the Indo-Pacific region. Military analysts see the J-35 as a testament to China’s commitment to modernizing its air force and countering Western dominance.
Carl Schuster, a military analyst and former director of operations at the U.S. Pacific Command’s joint intelligence centre, remarked, “The message [from China’s military] is that they are equal to the U.S. and the rest of the West. U.S. forces have enjoyed air supremacy in every post-World War II conflict. China’s growing air power challenges that now-traditional Western advantage.”
Similarities to the F-35
Critics note that the J-35’s design bears a striking resemblance to the F-35 Lightning II, raising suspicions of cyber-espionage. Past Chinese cyber operations allegedly targeted sensitive data on the F-35, which may have informed the development of the J-35’s avionics and other systems. This resemblance underscores concerns about intellectual property theft in the defence sector.
J-35 Specifications
The J-35 is a medium-sized stealth fighter equipped with features standard to fifth-generation aircraft. These include a twin-engine layout, twin divert-less supersonic intakes, and a single ventral internal weapons bay. Its stealth attributes—such as edge alignment, serrated panelling, smooth external surfaces, and radar-absorbing materials—reflect state-of-the-art design principles.
The aircraft is expected to use the WS-19 engine, a new powerplant distinct from the WS-15 engines of the J-20 Mighty Dragon. The WS-19 promises super cruise capability, thrust vectoring, and speeds exceeding Mach 2. Additionally, the J-35 features an electro-optic/infrared sensor and a wide-angle holographic heads-up display in its cockpit.
Implications for Naval Warfare
The J-35 and J-20 are anticipated to carry advanced weaponry, potentially including anti-ship and air-to-surface capabilities. These features could pose a significant threat to U.S. Navy carrier strike groups. While developing two stealth fighters simultaneously may strain resources and inflate costs, the PLAAF appears committed to maintaining production momentum for both aircraft.
Aerial Combat Prospects
Though the J-35 may not achieve the same level of stealth as the F-35 or F-22, it could still excel in specific scenarios. For instance, it may outperform Taiwanese fighters and older fourth-generation jets like the PLAAF’s J-10 Vigorous Dragon. The real test will be its performance in combat against the world’s premier fifth-generation aircraft.
China’s dual stealth fighter initiative signals its determination to challenge U.S. air supremacy. As the J-35 edges closer to operational deployment, the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific could shift, raising new questions about the future of aerial warfare.
