China is advancing its naval aviation capabilities with the development and testing of a new stealth fighter, the J-35, which is expected to significantly enhance the strength of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
This new fighter is being deployed on China’s aircraft carriers, including the Liaoning, Shandong, and the newly built Fujian. This development marks a significant step forward for China’s military aviation program and is seen as a key milestone in strengthening the country’s naval defense.
The J-35 is a fifth-generation carrier-borne stealth fighter jet, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is designed to operate on aircraft carriers and is the second of its kind after the J-20, China’s earlier fifth-generation fighter jet. Officially referred to by Chinese media as a “new-type warplane,” the J-35 is poised to replace or complement the existing J-15 fighter jet, which has been in service since 2013.
The J-35 is equipped with advanced radar capabilities, enhanced payload capacity, and a reduced radar signature. This makes it comparable to the U.S. F-35, although Chinese military analysts have speculated that the J-35 may surpass the American counterpart in certain areas.
According to reports, the new fighter is designed for both catapult-assisted takeoffs and ramp-assisted takeoffs, making it versatile across different types of carriers.
Earlier this year, the J-35 was tested on the Liaoning, China’s first aircraft carrier, which was refitted from a Soviet-era vessel. The new fighter jet was reportedly tested under the supervision of Zhang Naigang, a senior officer who had previously overseen the deployment of the J-15. Zhang expressed his pride at witnessing the J-35’s first takeoff and landing from the Liaoning, noting that it was a clear day reminiscent of the J-15’s initial flight. Although details on the new jet remain scarce, these tests have been officially confirmed, signaling the aircraft’s readiness for operational deployment.
In addition to the Liaoning, the J-35 is undergoing tests on China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is equipped with electromagnetic catapults. This cutting-edge system is expected to improve the efficiency and capability of aircraft takeoffs, similar to the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers.
The Fujian’s flat-top design and electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (ALS) mark a departure from the ski-jump ramps seen on China’s other two carriers, allowing for smoother and faster aircraft launches.
The introduction of the J-35 is part of China’s broader efforts to modernize its naval fleet and compete with other global military powers. By equipping its carriers with this new stealth fighter, China is poised to significantly boost the combat capabilities of its navy. The J-35 is expected to operate in conjunction with the existing J-15, which could lead to mix-and-match formations that capitalize on the strengths of both aircraft.
Moreover, the deployment of the J-35 on both ski-ramp-equipped carriers like the Liaoning and Shandong, as well as catapult-equipped carriers like the Fujian, demonstrates the versatility of this new fighter jet. Analysts believe this development is key to enhancing the overall effectiveness of China’s aircraft carriers, giving them the ability to project power more effectively across the region.
The J-35 represents a crucial step for China’s naval aviation, providing the PLAN with a next-generation stealth fighter designed specifically for carrier operations. As China continues to test and refine this aircraft, it is clear that the J-35 will play a pivotal role in the future of the country’s military strategy. With the combination of the Fujian’s advanced launch systems and the J-35’s stealth capabilities, China is solidifying its position as a major player in global naval power.
As military analysts around the world monitor these developments, it is evident that China’s commitment to enhancing its naval air capabilities is not only about keeping pace with other global powers but also asserting its influence in strategically important regions. The J-35 is not just another addition to China’s growing fleet; it is a symbol of the country’s ambitions to be at the forefront of military aviation technology in the coming years.
