China Unveils Second 5th-Gen Fighter: The J-35 Revealed

China has made significant strides in enhancing its stealth air force capabilities by unveiling its second fifth-generation fighter jet, the Shenyang J-35, at the nation’s largest air show. The J-35, a twin-engine, single-seat supersonic stealth aircraft, underscores China's ambitions to challenge global aerial supremacy, making it the second country after the United States to develop multiple fifth-generation combat aircraft.

The J-35 bears a resemblance to the U.S. Lockheed Martin F-35, but distinguishes itself with twin engines, offering unique operational capabilities. This is in line with China’s history of drawing inspiration from American designs, as seen with the Chengdu J-20, which shares characteristics with the U.S. F-22 Raptor, and the J-10, reminiscent of the F-16.

According to Chinese state media outlet Global Times, the J-35 is designed for a wide range of combat missions, including gaining air superiority, intercepting enemy fighters, bombers, and cruise missiles. This multifunctional capability parallels the U.S. F-35, which features three variants tailored to the needs of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

"One Aircraft, Many Roles"

The J-35 is anticipated to serve both the Chinese Air Force and Navy, emulating the versatility of the U.S. F-35’s different models—the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C—that are adapted for specific military requirements, such as land-based operations, vertical landings on Marine Corps vessels, and catapult launches from aircraft carriers.

Earlier this year, China’s latest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, commenced sea trials. The carrier features the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), a technology currently found only on the U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. This move highlights China’s efforts to bolster its naval power and blue-water capabilities.

The lighter design of the J-35 compared to the J-20 suggests a different operational focus, though its actual combat performance remains largely untested. Military experts believe that the unveiling of the J-35 underscores China's intent to close the technological and strategic gap with the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region. The aircraft’s presence at the air show indicates that it may soon be ready for active deployment.

Highlights from the Air Show

The Zhuhai Air Show, where the J-35 was showcased, also featured the debut of the world’s first twin-seat variant of a stealth aircraft—the J-20—intended for extended missions and enhanced radar evasion. Russian participation was notable as well, with the Su-57 fighter jet on display.

Unmanned technologies took center stage this year, with China introducing the 'Killer Whale,' an unmanned surface vessel equipped to launch rockets, anti-ship missiles, and helicopters. The prominence of drones at the event reflects the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare, a trend highlighted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, where drones have played a critical role.

India’s Stealth Ambitions

India is also advancing its fifth-generation aircraft capabilities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is expected to be inducted by 2035. Featuring stealth capabilities, the AMCA is intended to strengthen India's aerial power, especially in light of the growing competition with China.

The strategic rivalry between India and China has intensified, with reports of China deploying J-20 fighters near the contested Line of Actual Control. In a potential conflict, India’s Air Force will likely depend on integrated weapon systems such as surface-to-air missiles and the advanced Rafale jets to maintain equilibrium.

Regional Military Dynamics

In a recent move, the United States introduced the AIM-174B long-range air-to-air missile, capable of striking targets up to 400 kilometers away, in a bid to maintain aerial dominance in the Indo-Pacific.

As the air show proceeds, the focus remains on innovations in stealth technology and drone warfare, with China's expanding arsenal raising concerns about the regional balance of power and the future of aerial combat in the region.