PUBLISHED on August 14, 2025, 9:00 AM EDT – Key Points and Summary: China’s new Shenyang J-35 is a capable fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to challenge American air dominance, but it still lags behind the F-35.
-While the J-35 boasts a higher top speed and a low radar cross-section comparable to the F-22, its stealth is compromised by a larger infrared signature from its twin engines and less advanced radar-absorbent materials.
J-35 Fighter Screenshot. Image Credit: YouTube Screenshot.
-The American F-35 maintains a clear advantage in all-aspect stealth, sensor fusion, and combat radius. The J-35’s primary advantage is its lower cost, making it a potentially attractive export option for nations like Pakistan.
The J-35 Fighter and the Stealth Question?
The Shenyang J-35 is the newest fifth-generation stealth fighter which is currently being developed for the Chinese military.
First unveiled in 2012, the J-35 is a direct challenge to the American F-35 and American air dominance overall. It was originally built for foreign export; it was later redesigned to operate for the PLAN on it aircraft carriers.
However, countries like Russia and Pakistan have eyed the J-35 as a potential cost-effective fifth-generation fighter for their armies and navies.
The J-35’s Stealth Features
But how good are the J-35’s stealth features?
Stealth in modern fighter aircraft is primarily measured by radar cross section (RCS), infrared signature, and electronic emission control. The J-35 has a front-facing RCS of approximately 0.01 square meters (according to rough estimates). This is relatively low and comparable to the F-22 Raptor, but still larger than the F-35’s estimated RCS of less than 0.005 square meters. In terms of RCS, the J-35 is significantly smaller than most fighters, making it a capable stealth aircraft. However, its design compromises make its RCS slightly larger than the F-35 which may not seem like a lot, but can mean the difference between life and death in active combat
The J-35 takes a conventional approach to its airframe design. It features smooth, blended surfaces that reduce radar reflections, forward-swept canted tailfins similar to those seen on the F-22 and F-35, and sawtooth panel edges. It also incorporates internal weapons bays to minimize radar returns.
J-35A Stealth Fighter from China. Image Credit: Chinese Military.
However, its twin-engine configuration introduces a higher infrared signature, which can compromise stealth against infrared search and track (IRST) systems.
The engines, believed to be WS-19s, use serrated exhaust nozzles to reduce both radar and infrared signatures, but the dual-engine layout inherently produces more heat than the F-35’s single-engine setup, making it more detectable in the infrared spectrum. An unfortunate but unavoidable tradeoff for engine performance.
China has made significant progress in radar-absorbent materials (RAM), which are crucial for stealth. Its American counterparts use advanced RAM materials which experts believe puts it at an edge over the J-35. The F-35, for example, uses highly refined RAM and electromagnetic emission control systems that contribute to its superior stealth profile. These materials and systems are the result of decades of research and development, and they give the F-35 a distinct edge in multi-spectrum stealth. The composition of China’s RAM coatings are highly classified, so objective comparisons between the two are hard to make.
Up Against Stiff Competition
The U.S. has had a monopoly on stealth for years, allowing America to take a firm lead in the fifth-generation arms race. The F-35 is optimized for multi-spectrum stealth, including radar, infrared, and electronic emissions.
Its sensor suite is among the most advanced in the world, featuring the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). These systems provide unmatched situational awareness and allow the F-35 to operate effectively in contested environments. The F-35 has also seen combat in multiple theaters and is operational in over 15 countries, making it the most widely deployed fifth-generation fighter.
The F-22 Raptor, on the other hand, is designed primarily for air dominance. It features extreme agility, supercruise capability, and exceptional radar stealth. Its RCS is estimated to be slightly larger than the F-35’s but still extremely low. The F-22 remains exclusive to the U.S. Air Force due to export restrictions and limited production, but it continues to serve as a benchmark for air superiority fighters.
Power Plant and Avionics
In terms of performance, the J-35 is reportedly faster than the F-35, with a top speed of Mach 2.2 compared to the F-35’s Mach 1.6.
This makes the J-35 better suited for high-speed interception roles. However, the F-35 has a longer combat radius, with the F-35A capable of reaching approximately 2,200 kilometers, compared to the J-35’s estimated 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers. This gives the F-35 greater operational flexibility and reach.
The J-35 is equipped with a domestically developed gallium nitride (GaN)-based AESA radar and electro-optical sensors. While its electronics are sophisticated, experts believe that the F-35 retains technological superiority due to its well-integrated systems.
The F-35’s helmet-mounted display system (HMDS) provides 360-degree vision and real-time data fusion, allowing pilots to “see through” the aircraft. In contrast, the J-35’s cockpit is more conventional, with less curvature and potentially higher radar visibility.
Is the J-35 a Good Stealth Fighter?
In terms of weapons, the J-35 supports internal carriage of PL-15 and PL-10 missiles, with external hardpoints available for additional payloads. The F-35 carries a wide array of weapons, including AIM-120 AMRAAMs, AIM-9X Sidewinders, JDAMs, and more. It can operate in stealth mode with internal weapons or switch to “beast mode” with external stores for maximum firepower.
Overall, the American F-35 remains superior in radar, infrared, and electronic stealth, while the F-22 excels in agility and air dominance. However, the J-35 offers several advantages that make it a competitive adversary.
The J-35’s power plant gives it high performance and a moderate combat radius. Its stealth systems, while overall inferior to Western capabilities, are inferior only by small degrees and should not be underestimated.
Lastly, the J-35 is more cost-effective than its Western counterparts which is likely to make it highly desirable among nations like Pakistan, Iran, and other nations.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
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.
Military Matters
The F-22 Raptor Just Keeps Getting Better
PseudoExpertent
August 14, 2025 at 9:26 am
No comparison between the two.
In a high-end fight (most deliciously favourite words of testosterone-filled US warriors), the j-35 will simply obliterate f-35s.
F-35s now already famous for sudden rapid shut-downs of its vital systems, like hydraulic systems and electrical systems and diagnostic systems.
But that’s a weeny tiny minor problem compared to the j-35’s supreme ability to mesh seamlessly with overhead spy satellite coverage.
In a ‘high-end’ fight, the satellites consisting of SAR and E/O birds will always inform the j-35 of the locations of the f-35s.
Sat: Beware, bogey at three o’clock.
J-35: Gimme coordinates of bogey.
Sat: There ya go. Download them to ya PL-17.
J-35: Fire away.Missile on the way.
Minutes later, the satellite notes an explosion. As the missile connects with the f-35.
bobb
August 14, 2025 at 9:38 am
Future PLAAF fighters will incorporate deep interoperability with space fighter-interceptors and near-space aircraft and suborbital craft.
China has also now made huge advancements in rbcc technology, potentially leaving the US in the dust.
With gliders swerving around the skies at mach 10, how the USAF stealth jets gonna cope.
They could be eaten alive by the damn Chinese.
Eaten for lunch. Eaten for afternoon tea. Eaten fir breakfast. Eaten every now & then. What Rubio goñna do.