This week, China’s Zhuhai Air Show highlighted the J-35A stealth fighter, marking the first public appearance of the aircraft designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

The J-35A, a fifth-generation fighter, will operate alongside China’s J-20 fighter, making China the only country besides the U.S. to deploy two stealth fighter models. While the PLAAF’s J-35A is land-based, the similar J-35 variant will be used on China’s aircraft carriers to extend its naval capabilities.

Compared with F35, the belly of J35a is smooth, which proves that the stealth effect of J35a is much better than that of F35. pic.twitter.com/PYyMMeWQcU

— 看云看山看心情 (@ChristinaRicar3) November 8, 2024

Analysts are paying close attention to the J-35A, which bears a visual resemblance to the American F-35, though its capabilities remain speculative due to limited data on Chinese military technologies.

The J-35A is expected to incorporate the WS-19 turbofan engine, which is reported to provide enhanced range and efficiency, though engine performance continues to be a key challenge for Chinese jet development. Analysts note that the J-35A’s design shares stealth-focused features with the F-35, including a streamlined fuselage, angled stabilizers, and radar-reducing materials—though the extent of its stealth capability is uncertain.