China’s J-35A Fighter Explained in Just 1 Word

Key Points and Summary: China’s J-35A stealth fighter, developed from the FC-31, aims to bolster Chinese military aviation with advanced stealth, supersonic super-cruise, and sophisticated avionics like AESA radar and electronic warfare systems.

Key Point #1 – Despite its resemblance to the American F-35, the J-35A distinguishes itself with twin engines and potentially rapid mass production, making it strategically concerning. However, uncertainties remain regarding engine reliability, sensor quality, and operational integration.

Key Point #2 – While not definitively superior to the F-35, the J-35A represents a serious step forward for China’s military technology and could significantly alter regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, challenging U.S. air dominance and reshaping defense strategies.

That 1 Word: Trouble. 

China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter: A Real Threat to U.S. Air Superiority?

The Shenyang J-35A, a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), has drawn a lot of attention since its inception. With advocates claiming it’s the best jet and the world, and critics dismissing it as a dollar store version of the F-35, its hard to tell where exactly the J-32A truly sits. If we are to take China it its word, the J-35A is a significant leap in Chinese aeronautics that the US should take seriously. 

J-35A: Development and Design

The J-35A is an evolution of the FC-31 Gyrfalcon, which was initially developed as a private venture by SAC. The FC-31 prototype first flew in 2012, and the J-35A, a refined version, made its debut at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024. The J-35A is designed for both the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF), with a land-based variant and a carrier-based variant optimized for catapult-assisted takeoff (CATOBAR) operations.

Systems and Capabilities

The J-35A incorporates advanced stealth features, including a reduced radar cross-section (RCS), which makes it harder to detect by enemy radar systems. Its design includes angled surfaces and the use of radar-absorbent materials (RAM) to minimize its visibility.

The J-35A is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including an advanced radar system, likely an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which provides superior situational awareness and target tracking capabilities. The aircraft also features an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) and distributed aperture system (DAS), similar to those found on the F-35, enhancing its ability to detect and engage targets at long ranges.

The J-35A is powered by twin engines, providing it with a high thrust-to-weight ratio and enabling it to achieve supersonic speeds without afterburners, a capability known as super cruise. This makes the J-35A highly maneuverable and capable of rapid acceleration, which is crucial in dogfights and evading enemy missiles.

The J-35A is designed to carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs. Its internal weapons bay allows it to maintain its stealth profile while carrying a significant payload. Additionally, the aircraft can be equipped with external hardpoints for additional weapons or fuel tanks, although this would compromise its stealth capabilities.

The J-35A is equipped with advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems, which can jam enemy radar and communications, as well as deploy countermeasures such as chaff and flares to evade incoming missiles. These capabilities enhance the aircraft’s survivability in contested environments.

Why the J-35 Should Not Be Dismissed Just Yet

The introduction of the J-35A has significant implications for global security, particularly for the United States and its allies. Here are some key points to consider:

The J-35A’s advanced capabilities are a direct challenge to the air superiority traditionally held by the United States and its allies. With its stealth features, advanced avionics, and high-performance engines, the J-35A can potentially match or even surpass the capabilities of the F-35 in certain aspects. This shift in the balance of power could have profound implications for military strategies and defense planning in the Indo-Pacific region.

One of China’s strengths lies in its ability to mass-produce military systems. The J-35A is no exception, with reports suggesting that China can produce these aircraft at a rapid pace. This ability to quickly scale up production means that China could deploy a large number of J-35As in a relatively short period, posing a significant challenge to the United States and its allies, who may struggle to match this production capacity.

The deployment of the J-35A could alter the security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia, which rely on the United States for security guarantees, may feel increasingly threatened by China’s growing military capabilities. This could lead to an arms race in the region, with neighboring countries seeking to bolster their own military capabilities in response.

The J-35A is a significant step forward for China’s defense industry, which has often been criticized for lacking innovation and relying on reverse-engineering foreign technology. The development of the J-35A demonstrates that China is capable of producing advanced military systems that can compete with the best in the world. This parity could possibly erode the technological edge that the United States and its allies have traditionally enjoyed.

Despite its advanced capabilities, the J-35A is not without its challenges and limitations. There are questions about the reliability and performance of its engines, as well as the overall quality of its avionics and sensors compared to Western counterparts. Additionally, the integration of the J-35A into China’s existing military infrastructure and doctrine may present operational challenges that could limit its effectiveness in the short term.

Not A Carbon Copy of the F-35 (for Better or Worse)

For obvious reasons, the J-35 is often compared to the F-35. Both are both fifth-generation stealth fighters, but they have distinct differences in design and capabilities. The J-35 emphasizes stealth with its reduced radar cross-section and advanced radar-absorbent materials. It features twin engines for enhanced maneuverability and super cruise capability, allowing it to achieve supersonic speeds without afterburners. 

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

In contrast, the F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a single-engine multirole fighter known for its advanced sensor fusion, which integrates data from various sensors to provide unparalleled situational awareness. The F-35 also boasts superior electronic warfare capabilities and network connectivity, making it a decisive force multiplier for the U.S. and its allies. 

While both aircraft are designed for air superiority and strike missions, the F-35’s comprehensive suite of sensors and data-sharing capabilities give it a significant edge in modern network-centric warfare. While the F-35 may be superior overall, The J-35 should not be ruled out as a threat either. Its stealth capabilities and advanced electronics, if they are all they are cracked up to be, make it a force to be reckoned with.

J-35 vs. F-35 Comparison. Image by Twitter User RupprechtDeino.

About the Author: Isaac Seitz 

Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive 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.