New Chinese stealth fighter plane
The J-35 is China’s latest advanced stealth fighter jet, designed to enhance the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Navy Aviation Force. It represents the next generation of China’s efforts to develop a multi-role, fifth-generation stealth fighter that can rival Western aircraft such as the American F-35 Lightning II.
China’s ambition to build a world-class stealth fighter has led to the development of several aircraft over the years. The J-20, which entered service recently, was China’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter. However, the J-20 is primarily designed for long-range air superiority missions. The J-35 is reportedly aimed to be a versatile, carrier-capable stealth fighter with improved stealth, agility, and multi-role capabilities, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and electronic warfare.
The J-35 incorporates advanced stealth technologies to minimize radar cross-section. Its airframe design features smooth contours, internal weapon bays, and radar-absorbent materials to reduce detectability. The jet’s engine exhaust and inlet shapes are optimized to lower infrared and radar signatures, increasing survivability in hostile environments.
The J-35’s airframe showcases a sleek design with blended wing-body construction, leading-edge extensions, and canted vertical stabilizers for enhanced maneuverability and stability at various speeds. Its size is generally comparable to the F-35 but may be slightly larger to accommodate carrier operations.
Unlike the J-20, which is primarily a land-based fighter, the J-35 is believed to be optimized for aircraft carrier operations. This includes reinforced landing gear, tailhook for arrested landings, and structural modifications to handle catapult launches and arrested recoveries.
The J-35 is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics systems, including an active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track sensors, electronic warfare suites, and advanced data links. These systems enhance situational awareness, targeting, and survivability in contested environments.
While official information remains scarce, the J-35 is expected to be powered by a new generation of Chinese turbofan engines with thrust vectoring capabilities for improved agility and supercruise, which allows sustained supersonic flight without afterburners. The aircraft likely balances speed, range, and fuel efficiency to perform a variety of missions.
The J-35 is designed as a true multi-role stealth fighter. It can conduct air superiority missions, penetrating enemy air defenses to engage hostile aircraft, and perform ground attack missions with precision-guided munitions. Its stealth and electronic warfare capabilities make it effective in suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses roles.
The introduction of the J-35 marks a significant step in China’s military modernization and its ability to project power, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Carrier-capable stealth fighters like the J-35 increase the operational reach and flexibility of the Chinese Navy, allowing it to compete with other regional naval powers, especially the U.S. Navy.
