J-35 stealth aircraft begins to be deployed by the Chinese military

China may have begun delivering two variants of its J-35 stealth fighter to both its air force and navy.

According to reports published by Western media, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) has begun supplying two variants of the J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter to the Chinese military. If true, it would mark a major step forward in the country's pursuit of advanced military capabilities. Photo: @Clash Report.

According to the posts, one variant of the J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter is designed for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), while the other variant is designed for carrier operations in the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China. Photo: @Clash Report.

These statements, which have not been officially confirmed by the Chinese government or by international observers, have fueled speculation about China's ambitions to modernize its air force. Photo: @ Nikkei Asia.

The J-35 is believed to have evolved from the FC-31 demonstrator aircraft first unveiled more than a decade ago. The FC-31 first flew in 2012 as a prototype developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Initially marketed as an export-oriented fighter, the FC-31 has struggled to attract buyers, leading to speculation that China eventually repurposed the design for domestic use. Photo: @Wikipedia.

Building the J-35 from the FC-31 represents China's latest effort to build a stealth fighter capable of competing with advanced Western aircraft such as the US F-35. Photo: @ South China Morning Post.

The land-based J-35 variant (also known as the J-35A) for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is said to feature a single nose wheel, modified wing planes to optimize aerodynamic performance, and compatibility with conventional runways. Its design suggests a multi-role platform, capable of air superiority, ground attack, and other electronic warfare missions. Photo: @ Air Data News.

The variant appears to be tailored for operations from China’s vast network of air bases. The single nose wheel and revised wing design suggest improved maneuverability and efficiency over the FC-31, potentially allowing it to operate from shorter or less developed runways. This could help boost the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s (PLAAF) ability to project air power across Asia, from the Himalayas to the East China Sea. Photo: @ South China Morning Post.

If equipped with advanced avionics, such as an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and networked data links, the air force version of the J-35 could integrate seamlessly with China’s growing fleet of early warning aircraft and drones, creating a formidable air combat system. However, in the absence of official specifications or test data, these capabilities remain speculative, based on visual assessments of FC-31 prototypes and industry analysis from sources such as Jane’s Defence Weekly. Photo: @ Air Data News.

The J-35 version on aircraft carriers is said to be equipped with a CATOBAR aircraft launch system (ie takeoff by catapult but landing by arrestor wire, helping the aircraft to take off and land on the deck with the shortest distance, in the fastest time), with folding wings, launch bars and tail hook to support deployment on China's Type 003 aircraft carrier, Fujian aircraft carrier... Photo: @ Air Data News.

This variant could significantly enhance the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) ability to project power far from China's shores, challenging US naval dominance in the Pacific . Photo: @China-Arms.

Both J-35 variants are believed to use the more advanced WS-13E or WS-19 turbofan engines, reflecting China’s efforts to develop indigenous propulsion systems. While these details paint a picture of a sophisticated fighter, the lack of official data leaves much to be desired. Photo: @19FortyFive.

The choice of engine for the J-35 is a key factor. The WS-13E, an upgraded version of the FC-31's original engine, provides better thrust than previous Chinese aircraft engines, but is slower than Western engine rivals like the F135 used in the F-35. Photo: @19FortyFive.

Meanwhile, the WS-19, a newer engine under development, promises greater performance and efficiency, potentially bringing the J-35 closer to its Western rivals. If the J-35 is indeed equipped with the WS-19, it would signal a breakthrough in China’s defense aerospace industry, although these reports are still far from certain. Photo: @19FortyFive.

The lack of transparency in China’s defense programs complicates assessments, as analyst David Axe noted in a 2024 article for The National Interest that China’s rapid military and defense advances often mask technical challenges. Photo: @ South China Morning Post.

China’s defense programs are notoriously opaque, and unverified leaks often serve strategic communication purposes, such as signaling progress to intimidate enemies, or simply to bolster domestic morale. Photo: @19FortyFive.

In the Bulgarianmilitary team’s view, the reports of J-35 deliveries, while intriguing, need to be taken with a grain of salt. If true, they signal China’s rapid push to compete with Western air power, particularly in the maritime military domain. Photo: @ South China Morning Post.

The combination of a land-based stealth fighter and a carrier-based variant could increase China’s power projection capabilities, challenging the US and its allies in the already tense Pacific region. However, the lack of concrete evidence warrants caution. History shows that new military platforms often face delays and failures, as seen with the F-35 and Su-57. Photo: @ Air Data News.

China’s ambitions are clear, but the delivery remains untested. Is the J-35 a game-changer or just the latest move in a high-stakes geopolitical chess game? Only time and more reliable data will tell. Photo: @19FortyFive.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/may-bay-tang-hinh-j-35-bat-dau-duoc-quan-doi-trung-quoc-bien-che-post1546443.html