Key Points and Summary: New, high-resolution photos have emerged online showing China’s J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter, likely during rehearsals for the upcoming WWII Victory Day parade.
-The images show multiple J-35 prototypes flying in formation, offering the clearest view yet of the aircraft.
This development comes as China is actively marketing the J-35A export variant, which was recently displayed at the Paris Air Show, to countries like Pakistan and potentially Saudi Arabia.
-This positions the J-35 as a strategic tool for China, challenging US influence by offering a capable, F-35-like alternative to nations unable to purchase American hardware.
The J-35 Take Flight
A new photo (see above) has surfaced of the Shenyang J-35, the latest generation of China’s carrier-based fighter jet. While most photos of the jet have been blurry or otherwise not clear, that’s not the case with the latest photo, which appeared on the X account Stray Helium, and other places online.
According to The War Zone, the photo likely originates directly from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), or possibly another source within the Chinese government.
“In it, we see two prototype J-35s in close formation. Of these, serial 3501 is fitted with a pitot boom for flight tests, while serial 3506 appears to be something closer to a production standard, with its radome likely housing a radar,” The War Zone reported of the photo.
The War Zone also noted the unusual smoothness of the jet’s external finish.
Parade Prep
According to the South China Morning Post, images that emerged are likely connected to rehearsals for China’s 80th World War II Victory Day parade, which is scheduled to take place on September 3.
“More images– including high-definition photos purportedly showing China’s J-35 stealth jets with the serial numbers 3501, 3505, and 3506 – emerged on the platforms Weibo and X,” SCMP reported. “The fighters were pictured flying in formation with several J-15T carrier-based fighter jets, hinting at their potential inclusion in the coming parade, according to the social media user who posted the images.”
Exporting the J-35A
Meanwhile, a report late last week from the Asia Times stated that China’s J-35A is emerging as an option for countries that are cut off from purchasing F-35s from the U.S.
The J-35A was unveiled in model form at the Paris Air Show earlier this month, which represented its first appearance outside of China. That appearance was organized by the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC).
“China’s stealthy new J-35 fighter isn’t just a plane. It is a signal to US allies and others that China is prepared to arm those frustrated by US delays and conditions attached to its military aircraft deliveries,” Asia Times said.
China has reportedly offered the jets to Pakistan, as a bulwark against India, while Asia Times speculated that Saudi Arabia could be another buyer.
“Unable to acquire the US-made F-35 and wary of American conditions attached to aircraft sales, Riyadh may view China’s J-35 as an appealing hedge amid growing doubts about the US’s long-term commitment to Gulf security,” Asia Times said. The U.S., despite improved relations with the Saudis in the second Trump era, has not agreed to sell its F-35 to Saudi Arabia, due to its “legal obligation to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME) in the region.”
“Wary of offending the US, Europe has ruled out buying Chinese military planes, but sales have risen in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia,” the SCMP said of the jets.
What a Pakistan Purchase Could Mean
Per SCMP, Pakistan has confirmed that China had offered to sell 40 J-35 fighters, which would represent the jet’s first-ever export.
According to an analysis by NDTV, Pakistan already has purchased 20 Chinese J-10C and JF-17 fighters, with its J-35s from China expected to arrive later this year.
“With China and [Pakistan] both operating stealth fighters, India’s air defences could come under severe pressure in the event of multi-front hostilities,” the NDTV story said. “This means Delhi must address the gap, starting with upgrading existing air defence systems and bring in 5th generation jets of its own, homemade or otherwise.”
Defense Industry EU confirmed the Pakistan purchase, calling it “one of Pakistan’s most significant military modernisation efforts in recent years.”
About the Author:
Stephen Silver is an award-winning journalist, essayist and film critic, and contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. For over a decade, Stephen has authored thousands of articles that focus on politics, technology, and the economy. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @StephenSilver, and subscribe to his Substack newsletter.
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