China Unveils J-35A Stealth Fighter, Challenging US Asia Dominance

China's J-35A Challenges US Air Dominance

What's even more impressive is that China is currently the only nation manufacturing two series of stealth...

China Unveils J-35A Stealth Fighter: Boosting Air Power & Challenging US Dominance

China has just unveiled its latest stealth fighter, the J-35A, at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE) in Zhuhai, southern China. This move is part of China's broader efforts to bolster its military and challenge US air dominance in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly with regard to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own.

The J-35A's debut is significant, marking a major milestone in China's quest to modernize its military. Although details about the fighter's capabilities are scarce, analysts believe its launch represents a substantial step forward for China's air force. The J-35A is China's second stealth fighter, joining the J-20, which entered service in 2017.

Features of the J-35A:

Twin-engine design, unlike the single-engine F-35 

Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS-86), similar to the F-35's system 

Radar-reflective Luneburg lens, allowing it to appear on radar in non-combat settings 

Land-based version, with a smaller wing surface area compared to the naval J-35 

The J-35A's unveiling also highlights China's growing military collaboration with Russia, with the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter also featured at the air show. As China continues to expand its stealth fighter fleet, the J-35A is expected to play a critical role in enhancing its air and sea combat capabilities.

China has officially joined the elite club of stealth fighter producers with the unveiling of its J-35A, becoming the second country to achieve this milestone alongside the United States. This remarkable feat solidifies China's position as a major player in the global defense industry.

What's even more impressive is that China is currently the only nation manufacturing two series of stealth fighters simultaneously. In contrast, the United States has halted production of its F-22 Raptor, making China's achievement all the more significant. According to James Char, an expert on China's military at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, this development underscores China's growing military capabilities.

China's Stealth Fighter Advancements

J-35A: China's latest stealth fighter, unveiled at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition

J-20: China's first stealth fighter, already in service since 2017.

Global Implications

This breakthrough has substantial implications for regional security dynamics, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. China's enhanced military capabilities are likely to influence the balance of power in the region, with potential impacts on neighboring countries and global powers.

He said, “China has caught up in terms of the range of hardware it has, at least on display.

“But in terms of catching up with the Americans, most analysts would put it at least still 10-15 years behind.”

China's latest stealth fighter, the J-35, has been over a decade in the making, courtesy of Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China. This cutting-edge aircraft is set to complement the J-20, China's air-to-air focused stealth fighter that's been in service since 2017. The J-35's development journey has been quite remarkable, with its origins rooted in the FC-31 prototype, which first took to the skies in 2012.

The J-35's design is sleeker and more slender compared to the F-35, thanks to not having a Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) requirement. Its twin-engine configuration also sets it apart from the single-engine F-35. With the J-35A, the land-based version, China is looking to replace its aging J-10 fighters, which are approaching the end of their development potential. The J-35A is expected to be more affordable to procure and operate than the J-20, making it an attractive option for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

Key Features of the J-35:

Twin-engine design for enhanced performance

Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) for advanced targeting capabilities

Radar-reflective Luneburg lens for stealth functionality

Wide-angle head-up display in the cockpit for improved pilot visibility

The J-35's unveiling marks a significant milestone in China's military modernization efforts, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in stealth technology and fighter jet development.

China's latest stealth fighter, the J-35, has been over a decade in the making, courtesy of Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China. This cutting-edge aircraft is set to complement the J-20, China's air-to-air focused stealth fighter that's been in service since 2017. The J-35's development journey has been quite remarkable, with its origins rooted in the FC-31 prototype, which first took to the skies in 2012.

The J-35's design is sleeker and more slender compared to the F-35, thanks to not having a Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) requirement. Its twin-engine configuration also sets it apart from the single-engine F-35. With the J-35A, the land-based version, China is looking to replace its aging J-10 fighters, which are approaching the end of their development potential. The J-35A is expected to be more affordable to procure and operate than the J-20, making it an attractive option for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).