China’s J-35 Stealth Fighter: Inside the Navy’s New F-35 Rival
Complete Roundup of the Chinese J-35 Fighter Jet
China’s new J-35 stealth fighter – a carrier-capable offshoot of the Shenyang FC-31 “Gyrfalcon” program – marks a major leap in Beijing’s military aviation ambitions. Developed as the country’s second fifth-generation warplane after the J-20, the J-35 is designed to bring stealth and advanced multirole capabilities to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Often compared to the U.S. F-35, this twin-engine jet is poised to deploy aboard China’s latest aircraft carriers, potentially transforming the balance of air power in the Asia-Pacific. Below, we examine the J-35’s developmental origins, technical specifications, strategic role, comparisons to other 5th-generation fighters, expert insights, and recent rumors surrounding this cutting-edge fighter.
Background and Development
The J-35’s story begins with the Shenyang FC-31, an early 2010s private venture by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) to build a 5th-generation export fighter. The FC-31 first flew on October 31, 2012 armyrecognition.com, showcasing a mid-sized stealth design sometimes informally dubbed “J-31.” A second improved prototype took to the air in 2016 with refined features like diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) and reshaped tailfins armyrecognition.com. Initially, no PLA service had committed to the FC-31, leaving it a tech demonstrator in search of customers armyrecognition.com.
By the late 2010s, however, Chinese naval interest in a carrier-based stealth fighter had grown. Rumors swirled that the PLAN would adapt the FC-31 for carrier operations, which would eventually lead to the “J-35” designation for the naval variant thediplomat.com thediplomat.com. True enough, the first J-35 prototype – modified for carrier use – made its maiden flight in late October 2021 twz.com, sporting visible carrier-specific adaptations like enlarged folding wings, reinforced landing gear, and a catapult launch bar thediplomat.com. A second prototype followed in mid-2022, spotted in a naval gray paint scheme twz.com. By September 2023, a third airframe was reportedly seen in flight (though blurry photos left observers unsure if it was a J-35 or another FC-31 variant) twz.com.
Meanwhile, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) also became interested in a land-based variant. This de-navalized version, eventually dubbed J-35A, features a smaller fixed wing (omitting the folding mechanism) and other tweaks for air force needs thediplomat.com. The J-35A took its first flight on September 26, 2023 and was publicly unveiled at Airshow China (Zhuhai) in November 2024, wearing PLAAF insignia and the number “75” in honor of the Air Force’s 75th anniversary armyrecognition.com. With that high-profile reveal, the J-35A was essentially “declassified” as an official program, confirming that China would operate two stealth fighter types in parallel armyrecognition.com. By mid-2025, evidence suggests the J-35 naval version has also progressed into low-rate initial production, with photos showing at least two J-35s bearing PLAN markings and serial numbers 0011 and 0012 twz.com scmp.com. This transition from a speculative project into an active fighter program highlights how quickly China has pushed the FC-31/J-35 concept toward operational status.
Design and Stealth Features
Stealth Airframe: The J-35 is a medium-weight, single-seat stealth fighter with an emphasis on low observability. It measures roughly 17.3 meters in length with an 11.5 m wingspan, and has an estimated maximum takeoff weight around 25–28 tons armyrecognition.com. The airframe exhibits all the hallmarks of modern stealth design: carefully aligned angular surfaces and chines, serrated panel edges, internal weapon bays, and radar-absorbing materials on the skin thediplomat.com nationalsecurityjournal.org. Its twin canted tail fins and fuselage shaping strongly resemble the F-35 at first glance, though there are notable differences in canopy design and nozzle geometry armyrecognition.com. Analysts note the J-35’s radar cross-section (RCS) is likely larger than the F-35’s; one estimate puts the J-35’s RCS around 0.01 m² from the front, versus the F-35’s estimated 0.001–0.005 m² all-around nationalsecurityjournal.org nationalsecurityjournal.org. Still, the J-35 should be far stealthier than China’s older J-15 and J-16 jets, greatly reducing its visibility to radar. In addition, the J-35’s twin engines are set apart and vent underneath the tail, an approach that may reduce heat signature from certain aspects (though two engines inevitably produce a larger infrared plume than a single engine) nationalsecurityjournal.org.
Propulsion and Performance: Powering the J-35 are two turbofan engines in the 10–12 ton thrust class each. Early prototypes reportedly used Russian RD-93-derived engines (indigenously designated WS-13/WS-21) due to China’s familiar use of that engine in the JF-17 program armyrecognition.com. However, the production-standard J-35 is expected to adopt a new WS-19 engine with higher thrust and efficiency once available armyrecognition.com. Together, twin WS-19s could generate about 46,000 lbs of thrust, slightly surpassing the F-35’s single F135 engine (43,000 lbs) nationalsecurityjournal.org. This gives the J-35 an estimated top speed in excess of Mach 2.0 (reports range from Mach 1.8 to 2.2) compared to the F-35’s Mach 1.6 limit nationalsecurityjournal.org nationalsecurityjournal.org. The J-35’s combat radius is similarly projected to be a bit larger – around 1,200–1,500 km – versus roughly 1,100 km for an F-35A on internal fuel nationalsecurityjournal.org. Such range is valuable for operations in the Pacific theater. Notably, the future WS-19 engines are expected to enable supercruise (sustained supersonic flight without afterburner) armyrecognition.com, a capability that could further distinguish the J-35’s performance. For carrier operations, the J-35’s design incorporates reinforced landing gear and a nose-mounted catapult launch bar, as well as folding wing tips to save deck space thediplomat.com nationalsecurityjournal.org. These features underscore that the jet was engineered from the outset for arduous carrier takeoffs and landings.
Avionics and Weapon Systems
Sensors and Avionics: The J-35 is believed to carry a cutting-edge sensor suite on par with advanced 5th-gen fighters. It reportedly mounts a Chinese AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar in its nose, providing multi-target tracking and high-resolution targeting similar to the F-35’s APG-81 radar nationalsecurityjournal.org nationalsecurityjournal.org. In addition, the fighter is equipped with an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), likely analogous to the F-35’s IR sensors for passive detection of enemy aircraft and ground targets nationalsecurityjournal.org armyrecognition.com. A 360-degree Distributed Aperture System (DAS) or equivalent may also be part of the package, giving the pilot spherical awareness (e.g. detecting incoming missiles) nationalsecurityjournal.org. These sensors are expected to be fused via advanced mission computers and software, though Western experts assess that the J-35’s sensor fusion is not yet as mature as the F-35’s benchmark system nationalsecurityjournal.org. The cockpit likely features a panoramic wide-area display and a sophisticated helmet-mounted display/sight (HMD) system for the pilot armyrecognition.com. The J-35 is also designed for network-centric warfare: secure datalinks enable it to share targeting data with other fighters, ships, or ground units and to receive off-board sensor information armyrecognition.com nationalsecurityjournal.org. Chinese officials have highlighted the J-35’s ability to integrate into a broader air defense network and coordinate with other platforms in real time armyrecognition.com. Electronic warfare (EW) is another focus – the jet likely carries digital RF memory (DRFM) jammers, radar warning receivers, and other EW countermeasure suites to survive in contested electromagnetic environments armyrecognition.com.
Armament: As a true multirole fighter, the J-35 is designed to carry a versatile arsenal of Chinese weapons. It features at least two internal weapons bays (one main bay under the belly and possibly smaller side bays), allowing it to carry missiles and bombs while maintaining a stealthy profile. Open sources indicate the J-35A can hold up to six air-to-air missiles internally armyrecognition.com. These would include the PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) – roughly analogous to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM – and the PL-10 short-range IR-guided missile for dogfights armyrecognition.com. A longer-range “AWACS killer” missile (PL-17) is also speculated to fit in its bays armyrecognition.com. For strike missions, the J-35 can mount precision-guided bombs or small anti-ship missiles internally (within weight limits) and on external hardpoints when stealth is less critical. In “beast mode” with external pylons, the J-35’s total payload is estimated around 8,000 kg (≈18,000 lb) of munitions nationalsecurityjournal.org nationalsecurityjournal.org. This is comparable to the F-35’s armament capacity (about 5,700 lb internally, 18,000 lb with externals) nationalsecurityjournal.org. Likely external stores include larger anti-ship missiles, land-attack cruise missiles, or extra fuel tanks for extended range, although using them would increase the jet’s radar signature. Notably, the Chinese have also been testing a small supersonic anti-ship missile that could potentially be carried by stealth fighters, giving the J-35 a potent ship-killing punch in maritime scenarios (though specific integration on the J-35 is unconfirmed). Overall, the J-35’s weapons suite is expected to mirror the PLAAF’s latest inventory, ensuring it can fulfill both air superiority and ground-/sea-attack roles as needed.
Role in China’s Military Modernization and Carrier Deployment
The J-35’s emergence is central to China’s military modernization, particularly the transformation of its naval air power. This fighter will be the backbone of the air wing on China’s new-generation carriers, starting with the Type 003 Fujian – the first Chinese carrier equipped with catapult launch systems. According to reports, a J-35 prototype conducted China’s first-ever electromagnetic catapult launch from the deck of the Fujian in late March 2025 armyrecognition.com. While not officially confirmed by Beijing, this milestone (if accurate) indicates that China has rapidly moved to integrate its stealth jet with carrier EMALS technology armyrecognition.com. The Fujian, which displaces ~80,000 tons and boasts three EMALS catapults, can launch heavier and more advanced aircraft than the older ski-jump carriers Liaoning and Shandong armyrecognition.com. The J-35’s naval configuration – folding wings, strengthened tailhook and landing gear, and catapult-ready nose gear – was purpose-built for this environment armyrecognition.com. With the Fujian now in sea trials, Chinese Navy aviators are training to fly the J-35 from its decks, heralding a new era of carrier-based stealth fighters for the PLAN.
In service, the J-35 will replace or supplement the Shenyang J-15 (a 4th-gen derivative of the Su-33 Flanker) on carrier decks. The contrast is stark: earlier carriers fielded only J-15s, limiting China to non-stealthy, shorter-range fighters at sea. Now, the J-35 promises greater survivability and power projection. By operating stealth fighters from carriers, China can much better contest airspace against advanced adversaries and strike high-value targets while evading detection armyrecognition.com armyrecognition.com. Chinese strategists see this as essential to counter U.S. carrier air wings, which deploy F-35Cs. Indeed, the PLAN likely views the U.S. Navy’s F-35C as the benchmark – the J-35’s mere presence narrows a qualitative gap and will force U.S. planners to contend with Chinese stealth fighters at sea armyrecognition.com. This could enhance China’s A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) posture, extending a stealth air umbrella over maritime zones like the South China Sea and beyond armyrecognition.com.
Carrier Air Wing Integration: Once fully operational, each Chinese carrier air wing could field a substantial contingent of J-35s. Defense analysts estimate the Fujian (CV-18) might carry up to 48 J-35s in its air wing armyrecognition.com – a number comparable to the fighter complement of a U.S. supercarrier. China’s two smaller carriers (Liaoning and Shandong) lack catapults but might still be retrofitted or used in limited fashion to launch a lighter-loaded J-35; projections suggest they could operate perhaps 24 modified J-35s each (alongside a few J-15s configured for roles like electronic warfare) armyrecognition.com. If these plans materialize, by 2030 the PLAN could deploy on the order of 100 carrier-capable stealth fighters across its fleet armyrecognition.com. Additionally, China’s future fleet plans include Type 076 assault ships and a possible Type 004 nuclear-powered carrier – platforms that might also embark J-35s or variants thereof in the long term armyrecognition.com. Complementing the J-35 will be new carrier-based AEW&C planes (KJ-600) and stealth drones (such as the GJ-11 UCAV), giving China a comprehensive carrier air wing with robust sensing and strike capabilities armyrecognition.com armyrecognition.com. This evolution from a primarily regional, defensive naval air arm to a blue-water, power-projection force is a cornerstone of China’s military modernization.
PLAAF Deployment: Beyond the navy, the land-based J-35A is set to play a key role in the PLAAF’s force structure. With the J-35A entering service, China has become only the second nation (after the United States) to field two distinct fifth-generation fighters in active duty armyrecognition.com armyrecognition.com. The heavier Chengdu J-20 (a long-range air superiority platform) will be complemented by the smaller, more affordable J-35A, analogous to how the USAF pairs the F-22 Raptor with the F-35 Lightning II armyrecognition.com. In May 2025, images even showed green-primed J-35As at a PLAAF base in Shenyang, and one elite Air Brigade in Northern Theater Command has begun operating J-35As alongside J-20s armyrecognition.com. The J-35A is slated to fill multirole and strike fighter slots currently occupied by 4.5-gen jets like the J-10C and J-16, gradually shifting the PLAAF toward a stealth-heavy fleet. Chinese media now refer to the J-10C, J-16, J-20, and J-35A as the “four pillars” of modern PLA Air Force aviation, each covering complementary missions armyrecognition.com. The addition of the J-35A enables new doctrines emphasizing stealthy force dispersion, networked operations, and forward basing. For example, J-35As could deploy to smaller airstrips or island bases where a larger J-20 isn’t as practical, all while remaining linked into the PLA’s integrated air defense network armyrecognition.com. In summary, the J-35 family significantly boosts China’s aerospace power – from carrier decks to inland bases – and is a critical element in the country’s quest for technological parity with Western air arms.
Comparisons with Other Fifth-Generation Fighters
China’s J-35 inevitably draws comparisons with other 5th-generation fighters worldwide, especially the American F-35 and the Russian Su-57. Superficially, the J-35 looks like a twin-engined cousin of the F-35, and there is some truth to that analogy. Both are multirole stealth fighters of similar size, but there are key differences in design philosophy and capability:
- J-35 vs. F-35 (U.S.): The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, fielded since 2015, is currently the West’s hallmark of multi-mission stealth. It comes in three variants (A, B, C) for different takeoff/landing modes, whereas China’s J-35 is split into carrier (J-35) and land (J-35A) versions. The F-35 is a single-engine jet, optimized for ease of maintenance and extreme sensor fusion, while the J-35 uses twin engines for redundancy and performance nationalsecurityjournal.org. In raw speed, the J-35 likely has the edge – Mach 2+ vs the F-35’s Mach ~1.6 limit nationalsecurityjournal.org. It also may fly slightly farther on internal fuel (up to ~1,200–1,500 km combat radius) than an F-35 (~1,100 km) nationalsecurityjournal.org. However, the F-35 enjoys advantages in stealth and avionics. Its all-aspect stealth is reportedly better (an order of magnitude lower RCS) than the J-35’s, thanks to ultra-fine-tuned shaping and coatings nationalsecurityjournal.org. More importantly, the F-35’s sensor fusion and battle network integration remain unmatched – its AN/APG-81 radar, Distributed Aperture System, EOTS, and electronic warfare suite are seamlessly linked to provide the pilot a unified “God’s eye” view nationalsecurityjournal.org. The J-35 is believed to carry similar types of sensors (AESA, IRST, datalinks), but analysts assess that its electronics and software have not yet reached the F-35’s level of maturity nationalsecurityjournal.org. The F-35 also has the benefit of combat testing and a massive global logistics/support system behind it, whereas the J-35 is newly in service with many unknowns nationalsecurityjournal.org. In terms of armament, both jets can carry around 4–6 missiles internally and more externally; the J-35 will use Chinese weapons (PL-15, PL-10, etc.) versus the F-35’s AMRAAMs, Sidewinders, JDAMs and so on nationalsecurityjournal.org armyrecognition.com. One should note the F-35’s sensor and software ecosystem (including things like ALIS/ODIN support systems and continuous upgrades) is a huge force multiplier, whereas the J-35 is just beginning its operational life and such networks are unproven. All told, the F-35 currently holds a qualitative edge, but the J-35’s arrival “significantly narrows the gap” in carrier-based stealth capability in the Asia-Pacific armyrecognition.com.
- J-35 vs. Su-57 (Russia): Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” is another twin-engine stealth fighter, intended primarily for air superiority. It is a larger, heavier aircraft than the J-35, with supermaneuverability features (e.g. thrust vectoring engines) and a spacious internal weapons bay for heavy missiles. However, the Su-57 program has been plagued by slow production and technical setbacks, resulting in only a handful of operational jets as of 2025. Many Western observers doubt whether the Su-57 achieves the same level of stealth and sensor sophistication as its American or Chinese counterparts. In fact, while the Su-57 has “struggled to gain the full confidence of Western observers,” China’s J-35 is increasingly “perceived as a credible threat to the F-35” despite having no combat record yet otofun.net. The J-35’s stealth shaping (like a smaller frontal area and wing-body blending) is arguably more optimized than the Felon’s design, which features some exposed engine components that could inflate its radar signature. On the other hand, the Su-57’s large size and powerful Saturn engines (once upgraded to new Izdeliye-30 models) might give it raw speed and altitude performance exceeding the J-35’s. Each jet reflects its nation’s priorities: Russia emphasized kinematic performance and multi-role flexibility (including rumored two-seat and drone-controller versions of Su-57), whereas China emphasized low observability and networked sensors in the J-35. It’s also worth noting that Russia lacks a carrier to deploy Su-57s at sea (and any notional naval Su-57 exists only on paper), while China is about to field J-35s on carriers imminently. In sum, the J-35 and Su-57 are seldom direct competitors – but in the eyes of many analysts, China’s stealth fighter programs have eclipsed Russia’s in both scale and sophistication. Beijing’s ability to produce J-20s and J-35s in growing numbers (and potentially export them) could soon put more fifth-gen jets in Chinese hands than Russia can field, reshaping the global stealth aircraft balance armyrecognition.com armyrecognition.com.
- Other Fighters: The J-35 can also be compared to the U.S. F-22 Raptor (though the Raptor is a larger air superiority specialist not designed for carriers or export) and upcoming stealth jets from other countries. For example, China’s decision to pursue a two-tier stealth fleet (J-20 and J-35) mirrors the U.S. F-22/F-35 approach, whereas countries like India (AMCA project) and South Korea (KF-21 Boramae) are developing single types of stealth fighters that most closely align with the J-35’s size and role. Notably, the KF-21 is a “4.5-gen” fighter in its current prototype form (without internal bays), illustrating that China has leapfrogged ahead by fielding the fully stealth-capable J-35 now. Another peer is Japan’s planned F-X next-generation fighter, but that is still in development for the 2030s. In the carrier realm, only the U.S. and UK field stealth fighters (the F-35C and F-35B respectively) at sea currently – meaning once the J-35 deploys on the Fujian, China will join a very exclusive club. This fact underscores how strategically significant the J-35 is for China’s naval aviation: it essentially aims to match the capabilities of Western carrier air wings, a feat Russia or other powers have yet to accomplish.
Expert Analysis and Commentary
Defense analysts and military experts have been closely watching the J-35’s progression, offering insights into its implications. Song Zhongping, a former PLA instructor and frequent commentator, stated that recent photos showing PLAN insignia on J-35s are a strong signal that the jet “has joined the navy’s carrier aviation force.” The appearance of official serial numbers (0011, 0012) and the “Flying Shark” logo on the tail – similar to that on China’s J-15 fighters – suggests the J-35 “may have been in active service” already, building up operational know-how and logistics for carrier deployment scmp.com. In other words, the PLAN is no longer just prototyping the J-35; it’s actively inducting it in preparation for front-line use.
Western observers have also weighed in. Many note the J-35’s uncanny resemblance to the F-35 and have pointed out the role of industrial espionage in China’s stealth advances. Notably, a Chinese national named Su Bin was convicted in 2016 for stealing F-22 and F-35 technical data for Chinese authorities 19fortyfive.com. It’s widely believed that insights from stolen U.S. plans helped Shenyang designers shortcut some development challenges. At the IDEX 2025 defense expo in Abu Dhabi, a representative from China’s CATIC (the state export agency) openly acknowledged the J-35 is “similar to the F-35” – a rare quasi-admission of the jet’s lineage 19fortyfive.com. China-watchers noted that this candor was likely intended to spark interest among potential buyers by suggesting the J-35 offers F-35-like capabilities 19fortyfive.com. Nonetheless, analysts caution that similar looks do not equal similar performance. As Army Recognition reports, experts advise against assuming the J-35 matches the F-35 one-for-one; the J-35 has distinct twin-tail, twin-engine architecture and likely inferior electronics in some areas armyrecognition.com. “Don’t be fooled by the outward shape,” they suggest – the F-35 still holds a lead in sensor fusion and low-observable coatings that the J-35 may not yet close armyrecognition.com.
Chinese aviation specialist Andreas Rupprecht noted that Beijing’s secrecy can lead to sudden reveals of capability. He pointed out that the J-35’s low-rate production reveal in 2025, while surprising to outsiders, is “not necessarily a huge surprise” internally because China followed a similar pattern with other projects. For example, the upgraded J-15B fighters appeared “out of the blue” in service – with almost two dozen produced – despite no prior confirmation of their mass production twz.com. Rupprecht suggests the J-35 may be following suit, with the PLA quietly producing and testing jets before any official fanfare twz.com. This aligns with a long-standing PLA practice: conduct critical flight tests or even initial deployments unannounced, then only publicize the program when it’s already a foregone conclusion 19fortyfive.com. By the time the J-35 was first shown to the public at Zhuhai and in leaked photos, it was likely well along in development. As Reuben Johnson quipped in 19FortyFive, China often does a “dress rehearsal before the real event” – meaning the first time we see a “first flight” or carrier launch might actually be the second or third time it has happened behind closed doors 19fortyfive.com.
From a strategic perspective, military insiders see the J-35 as both an operational asset and a geopolitical tool. “Its introduction reflects a broader shift,” notes one analysis, where China is positioning itself as a major supplier of advanced stealth fighters to nations that cannot obtain Western jets armyrecognition.com armyrecognition.com. The J-35 could thus serve not only China’s own forces but also strengthen Beijing’s influence via export sales (much like the U.S. uses the F-35 to solidify alliances). Intelligence assessments in the U.S. are certainly tracking the J-35’s progress. The Pentagon’s annual China Military Power Report noted as early as 2020 that an FC-31-based carrier fighter was in development warsawinstitute.org. By 2022-2023, U.S. defense officials publicly expressed concern that China’s fifth-gen fighters, combined with its new carriers, “significantly increase [China’s] ability to project power” and could challenge U.S. air superiority in a regional conflict nationalsecurityjournal.org nationalsecurityjournal.org. In short, expert opinion coalesces around the idea that the J-35 is a game-changer in the Indo-Pacific air balance – though how it actually performs in service will be closely scrutinized in the coming years.
Rumors and Speculative Details (2023–2025)
As with any secretive military program, the J-35 has generated numerous rumors and speculative reports in recent years. Here we highlight some of the prominent unconfirmed details and chatter (clearly labeled as such):
- Unconfirmed Carrier Launch: In April 2025, unofficial sources on Chinese social media claimed a J-35 fighter had completed its first electromagnetic catapult launch from the new carrier Fujian in late March armyrecognition.com. This would be a landmark event demonstrating the fighter’s carrier compatibility. However, Chinese authorities have not confirmed it, and no clear photos have emerged of a J-35 actually taking off from a carrier deck as of mid-2025. If the report is accurate, it shows China quietly reached a major milestone; if not, it is likely only a matter of time, as land-based catapult testing of the J-35 has been underway for months.
- Engine Variants: There is speculation about which engines currently power the J-35. Observers noticed differences in exhaust nozzle color between prototypes, suggesting the Air Force’s J-35A may already be using the new WS-19 engine (with distinctive dark stealthy nozzles), while the naval J-35 prototypes use the interim WS-21 (an improved WS-13 with lighter metal exhausts) twz.com. If true, this means the PLAAF variant could have slightly better performance at this stage. It’s unconfirmed if any J-35s are flying with full-spec WS-19s yet, as development of that engine is ongoing. Chinese sources have not publicly identified the engine model, leaving a bit of mystery around the fighter’s true thrust and supercruise capability.
- Foreign Exports Rumors: In late 2023 and 2024, media reports circulated that Pakistan was offered a deal for 40 J-35A fighters at a 50% “friendship” discount, with pilot training included and deliveries as soon as 2026 armyrecognition.com. This would make Pakistan (a close Chinese ally) the first foreign operator of the jet. However, Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif denied any such agreement in July 2025, calling the reports speculative armyrecognition.com. Despite the official denial, there have been hints that Pakistan showed interest as part of a broader package of Chinese defense systems armyrecognition.com. Similarly, rumors have pointed to countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia eyeing the J-35. China even displayed a model of an export version “J-35E” at the 2025 Paris Air Show, signaling willingness to sell it to nations barred from buying U.S. F-35s armyrecognition.com. No export contracts are confirmed yet, but the deliberate showcasing of J-35 abroad has fueled speculation that buyers in the Middle East or elsewhere could eventually field this jet.
- Upcoming Public Debut: The Chinese military is rumored to be planning a major public debut for the J-35 in late 2025. According to insider chatter, the J-35 might perform its first public flight (in PLAN livery) during a large military parade on September 3, 2025 – an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII twz.com twz.com. This would mirror how the J-20 stealth fighter was first publicly paraded shortly before entering full service. If the J-35 appears in the 2025 parade, it would effectively announce to the world that China’s carrier stealth jet is operational. Until then, the aircraft’s existence in PLAN service is known only through leaked images and hints; an official reveal would remove all doubt about its status.
- Carrier Trials Schedule: There has been ongoing speculation about when the J-35 will start full carrier qualifications. Some expected the PLAN to conduct deck trials on the Fujian in 2023 or early 2024, possibly using a test airframe. Others argued the Navy would first certify the new catapults with a modified J-15T before risking the brand-new J-35. As of mid-2025, no open-source photos have shown a J-35 on an actual carrier at sea. However, evidence of extensive land-based testing (e.g. at Wuhan and Huludao test facilities with mock carrier decks) suggests naval pilots have been practicing with the J-35 for some time twz.com. The prevailing rumor is that the first arrested landings and takeoffs from Fujian will happen in 2025 once the carrier’s trials progress, paving the way for a fully qualified carrier air wing by 2026–27. Until official footage is released, these timelines remain speculative.
- Designation and Variants: Interestingly, there is still some confusion over the official designation of the carrier variant. The Air Force calls its version the J-35A, implying the Navy’s could be “J-35” or perhaps “J-35B”. Some outlets (like 19FortyFive) have referred to the carrier jet as “J-35B” 19fortyfive.com, but Chinese authorities have not confirmed any suffix. It’s possible that internally the PLAN variant is simply J-35, while the PLAAF’s is J-35A – or the Navy could eventually apply a different name entirely. Until clarified, most analysts use “J-35” generically for the naval fighter. No two-seat trainer version has been seen, nor any vertical-landing variant (a la F-35B) – though China did reportedly study a short/vertical takeoff stealth design, nothing suggests the J-35 itself will fill that role. A potential future J-35B (STOVL) for amphibious ships is a topic of occasional rumor but remains purely speculative at this stage.
As always, such rumors should be taken with caution. China’s military development is cloaked in secrecy and deliberate misinformation at times. Some “leaks” may even be intended to mislead or deter adversaries. What is clear is that the J-35 program accelerated dramatically from 2021 to 2025, so many earlier speculations (e.g. that it would never enter service) have already been proven wrong. The next few years will reveal which of the current speculations pan out – be it successful carrier deployment, export orders, or performance characteristics – as the J-35 transitions from prototype to a staple of China’s armed forces.
Conclusion
In summary, the Shenyang J-35 – born as the FC-31 “Gyrfalcon” – has rapidly evolved into a formidable 5th-generation fighter that stands at the forefront of China’s military modernization. It provides the PLAN with a long-awaited stealth carrier fighter, transforming China’s carrier strike groups into true peers of other world navies. It also gives the PLAAF a flexible new stealth platform to complement the J-20, solidifying China’s position as the only nation besides the U.S. to operate a dual 5th-gen fighter fleet armyrecognition.com. Technologically, the J-35 brings advanced capabilities in radar evasion, sensing, and networking, even if it still trails the battle-proven F-35 in some areas. As China continues to refine this aircraft and potentially offer it to allies, the J-35 will be a key factor in the global 5th-generation fighter competition. Its deployment on the Type 003 Fujian and beyond will be closely watched by strategists, for it symbolizes China’s intent to project power and challenge the status quo in the skies and seas of East Asia. While many details remain shrouded and its ultimate effectiveness is yet to be tested in real operations, the J-35 already sends a clear message: China’s aerospace industry has come of age, delivering cutting-edge fighters that demand the world’s attention nationalsecurityjournal.org armyrecognition.com.
Sources: Chinese state media, defense white papers, and reputable defense journals (Jane’s, The War Zone, Defense News, SCMP, etc.) have been used to compile this report armyrecognition.com armyrecognition.com scmp.com. The information represents the most up-to-date open-source insights as of 2025, but some specifications and projections may evolve as more data on the J-35 becomes available. The J-35’s journey – from a speculative prototype to an operational stealth fighter – exemplifies the rapid strides in Chinese military technology, a development with far-reaching implications for regional security and the future of carrier warfare.
