China’s second stealth fighter, the J-35A, is set to make its official debut at the Zhuhai Air Show from November 12 to 17, 2024, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) confirmed. The highly anticipated display will provide the first public view of the twin-engine J-35A, marking a new milestone in China’s efforts to expand its stealth fighter fleet alongside the PLA’s existing J-20 stealth fighter, which entered service in 2017. The event will also feature Russia’s Su-57, highlighting the collaboration between China and Russia in the field of advanced military aviation technology.
Originally developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation under the designation FC-31, the J-35A represents a new class of multirole fighter designed for both air superiority and ground-attack missions. Equipped with a low-observable design, the J-35A reportedly incorporates a chin-mounted Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS-86) similar to the U.S. F-35’s system, aiming to enhance target detection and tracking capabilities. The J-35A also features a radar-reflecting Luneburg lens mounted near the landing gear, allowing it to appear on radar while protecting its stealth profile in non-combat settings.
Developed initially for export, the J-35 was later adopted by the PLA Navy and Air Force as China expanded its focus on stealth technology for both land-based and carrier operations. Its deployment is anticipated on China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which uses an advanced electromagnetic catapult system. The J-35A’s launch bar suggests compatibility with this system, positioning the fighter to operate alongside China’s existing J-15 fighter on the Fujian and other carriers.
The unveiling of the J-35A at Zhuhai is expected to reinforce China’s position as the only country besides the U.S. to field two classes of stealth fighters. Military analysts, including Chinese expert Li Li, emphasize that the addition of the J-35A significantly enhances China’s sea and air combat potential. “The unveiling of this fighter is a major innovation for the Chinese air force and marks a strategic step forward in defense and international competition,” Li stated in an interview with Chinese broadcaster CCTV.
The J-35A will appear alongside new technologies at Zhuhai, including China’s HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system, designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles, and a new reconnaissance UAV. Russia’s Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter that first entered service in 2019, will also be featured in both static and flight displays, underscoring the close military ties between China and Russia.
With its stealth, sensor fusion, and multirole capabilities, the J-35A is positioned as a potential competitor in the international fighter market, where it may rival the American F-35, Turkish KAAN, and South Korean KF-21. The PLA Air Force has yet to disclose when the J-35A will officially enter service, but experts suggest it could become operational as early as next year.
Expanded Coverage:
