Key Points and Summary on the J-35A: Recent photos and footage from Chinese social media suggest that the Shenyang J-35A, China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter, has entered limited operational service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
-The images show two J-35As flying in formation with J-20 and J-16D aircraft, assigned to the 1st Air Brigade.
-This makes China the only country besides the United States to field two distinct types of fifth-generation fighters.
What Makes Us Confused: Just an F-35 Copy or Something More? The J-35A, a twin-engine design similar in role and appearance to the US F-35, gives China a potentially more affordable, mass-producible stealth aircraft to supplement its larger J-20.
Footage Suggests China Fields New J-35A Stealth Fighter
China’s military aviation capabilities just took a significant leap forward, with the reported operationalization of the J-35A, the second fifth-generation stealth fighter to join the ranks of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
If confirmed, China will become the only country besides the United States to field two distinct fifth-generation aircraft in active service.
What We Know
Images shared by Chinese military observers on social media appear to show two J-35A fighters flying in formation alongside J-20 stealth fighters and a J-16D electronic warfare aircraft.
The images mark the J-35A’s first public appearance in a PLAAF formation.
Analysts quickly identified the aircraft in the images by their serial numbers 61820 and 61821, with one Chinese military aviation expert, Andreas Rupprecht, confirming online that the fighters were part of the 1st Air Brigade under the Northern Theatre Command.
While Chinese officials are yet to confirm the news, footage and photographs circulating online suggest that the J-35A has officially entered limited operational service. The 1st Air Brigade already operates the heavy J-20 air superiority fighter, making it the only known unit in the world flying two fifth-generation jets concurrently.
What Makes the J-35A So Powerful?
The development is significant. Reports suggest that the J-35A is based on the FC-31 design, which was originally intended for export and carrier use. Unlike the J-20, which features a canard-delta wing configuration for maneuverability and performance at high and low speeds, the J-35A is a twin-engine, medium-weight stealth fighter with a tailplane wing configuration similar to the U.S. F-35.
The plane is also believed to feature advanced electro-optical targeting systems (EOTS), a forward-hinged canopy, and radar-absorbing coating. Despite its visual similarities to the F-35, however, the J-35A is very different structurally and almost likely less capable in terms of engine performance, stealth, and more.
Regardless, its entry into service means China is officially the second country to produce and field two fifth-generation designs at the same time – something even Russia has yet to achieve.
Military Spending Is Rising Everywhere It Seems
The news comes as NATO prepares to dramatically increase defense spending, raising its target for member states to 5% of GDP, and as the United States Army takes steps to secure its long-term security.
The U.S. military is already in the process of upgrading its B-2 stealth bombers, moving forward with the development of the new B-21 upgrade, and slashing procurement for F-35 fighter jets as work continues on the next generation of American military aircraft.
China appears to be making changes as well. While smaller than the J-20 and with a smaller range, the J-35A is expected to cost less to procure and maintain.
It would allow China to field the aircraft in greater numbers, potentially giving the PLAAF a numerical advantage in future conflicts.
About the Author:
Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society. His latest book is The Truth Teller: RFK Jr. and the Case for a Post-Partisan Presidency.
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