China’s New J-35 Fighter Is ‘Well Equipped to Neutralize Any Target’

Key Points – China’s Shenyang J-35 is a fifth-generation, multi-role stealth fighter designed to carry a diverse and potent arsenal for air, land, and sea targets, posing a significant challenge to US air superiority.

-For air-to-air combat, it is equipped with the highly maneuverable, short-range PL-10 and the long-range PL-17 BVR missiles.

J-35A Stealth Fighter from China. Image Credit: Chinese Military.

-Its air-to-ground capabilities include precision-guided bombs and KD-series cruise missiles.

-The J-35’s flexibility is enhanced by a combination of internal weapons bays for stealth missions and external hardpoints for increased payload, with a total capacity of around 18,000 lbs, making it a versatile threat.

How China’s J-35 Plans to Dominate Air, Land, and Sea

The Shenyang J-35 is the most recent addition to China’s fleet of fifth-generation fighters. Often compared to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lighting II, the J-35 is a single seat multi-role stealth fighter manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).

This fighter is China’s most recent attempt to challenge the United States’ air superiority. Thus, the J-35 is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors, as well as a multitude of armaments that allow it to take on any threat, whether on land, air, or sea.

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft, with the F-35 Demonstration Team, approach a U.S. Air Force KC-135 for in-flight refueling en route to their next airshow at Pensacola, Florida, on 28 October, 2024. The F-35 Demo Team travels to various bases to showcase the capabilities of the most advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Rupiper)

The J-35’s Arsenal

A core component of any modern fighter jet is its armament. The J-35 aircraft is designed to carry a diverse array of munitions, both internally and externally. This makes it a deadly opponent for both air and ground-based targets. The aircraft uses internal weapons bays for stealth missions to maintain a low radar signature, while external hardpoints can be utilized when stealth is not a priority, allowing for increased payload capacity.

For air-to-air combat, the J-35 is equipped with the PL-10 and PL-17 missiles. The PL-10 is a short-range, infrared-guided missile designed for close-range dog fighting. It is highly maneuverable and comparable to the American AIM-9X Sidewinder. The PL-17, on the other hand, is a long-range, active radar-guided missile intended for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. With a range exceeding 200 kilometers, the PL-17 is considered one of the most advanced BVR missiles in the world and gives the J-35 a significant edge in air superiority missions.

Well Equipped to Neutralize any Target

In addition to air-to-air missiles, the J-35 can carry a variety of air-to-ground munitions. These include precision-guided bombs, such as satellite-guided glide bombs from the LS-6 or GB-series, which are used for striking ground targets with high accuracy. The aircraft is also capable of deploying KD-series cruise missiles, which can be used against both land and maritime targets.

For suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions, the J-35 may carry anti-radiation missiles designed to home in on radar emissions.

The carrier-based variant of the J-35 will likely be equipped with naval strike weapons, including YJ-series anti-ship missiles. These missiles are designed to engage enemy vessels at long ranges and are a key component of China’s maritime strike capabilities. There is also speculation that 5future variants of the J-35 could be adapted for anti-submarine warfare, potentially carrying torpedoes or depth charges, although this remains unconfirmed.

When not on stealth missions, the J-35 can utilize its external hardpoints to carry additional ordnance. This includes drop tanks for extended range, more missiles or bombs, and various pods for electronic warfare or targeting. With internal and external carrying capabilities, the J-35 can reportedly carry around 18,000 lbs of munitions. This flexibility allows the aircraft to be configured for a wide range of mission profiles, from stealthy first-strike operations to high-intensity conventional warfare.

Origins of the J-35

The origins of the J-35 can be traced back to the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, a prototype stealth fighter that first flew in 2012. Initially developed as a private venture aimed at the export market, the FC-31 did not attract significant foreign buyers. However, its potential was recognized by the Chinese military, particularly the navy, which led to the development of a carrier-capable version. This naval variant, equipped with folding wings and a catapult launch bar for aircraft carrier operations, made its first flight in 2021.

The land-based J-35A, optimized for air force operations, followed in 2023 and was officially unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow.

The J-35 is designed with stealth and agility in mind. Its airframe features a blended wing-body configuration that enhances aerodynamic efficiency and reduces radar cross-section. The aircraft has canted twin vertical stabilizers and diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI), which contribute to its stealth profile and improve engine airflow.

The use of radar-absorbent materials (RAM) across the airframe further enhances its low observability. These design elements make the J-35 suitable for a wide range of missions, including air superiority, deep strike, interdiction, and electronic warfare.

Catching up to the US

In terms of avionics, the J-35 reportedly incorporates a suite of advanced systems, although many details remain classified. It likely features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar capable of long-range detection and tracking, as well as electro-optical targeting systems and a helmet-mounted display system (HMDS). The aircraft is expected to have robust data fusion capabilities, allowing it to operate effectively in network-centric warfare environments.

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Additional systems may include electronic countermeasures (ECM) and infrared search and track (IRST) sensors, which enhance situational awareness and survivability.

Performance estimates for the J-35 suggest that it is capable of reaching speeds in excess of Mach 1.8, with a combat radius of approximately 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers. Its service ceiling is believed to be around 18,000 meters, and it likely has a thrust-to-weight ratio close to or exceeding 1:1, especially with the integration of advanced WS-19 or WS-13E engines. The aircraft is also expected to be capable of supercruise, meaning it can sustain supersonic flight without the use of afterburners, which enhances both fuel efficiency and stealth.

The J-35 Flies to Pakistan

The J-35 also has significant export potential. Pakistan broke headlines when it announced interest in purchasing as many as 40 J-35s from China. If this deal goes through, it could massively change the balance of power in the region and give Pakistan a massive lead over India. The aircraft could appeal to other countries that are unable to procure Western fifth-generation fighters due to cost or political restrictions. Its combination of stealth, versatility, and affordability makes it an attractive option for nations seeking to modernize their air forces.

About the Author:

Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.

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