At China’s V-Day parade on September 3, military fans got their first official look at the J-35 carrier-based stealth fighter. This sci-fi-inspired jet marks a major milestone for China’s naval aviation, signalling a strategic shift from coastal defense to true blue-water operations.
Sharing core technologies with its land-based twin, the J-35A, the new fighter reduces development time and maintenance costs. Its design supports both catapult launch and ski-jump takeoffs, making it ready for deployment on the Fujian—the first aircraft carrier built by the Chinese mainland with electromagnetic catapult systems.
Unlike the high-maneuverability J-15 series, the J-35 prioritizes stealth. An internal weapons bay keeps missiles hidden, slashing its radar signature and giving it a decisive edge in beyond-visual-range combat. In a potential dogfight of the future, the J-35 could strike first and vanish before the enemy spots it.
Beyond the J-35: An Evolving Air Force
The parade also showcased an upgraded J-20S fighter with a two-seat cockpit, designed for longer missions and enhanced collaboration with combat drones. Military commentator Wei Dongxu calls this 1+1>2 synergy, a nod to the rise of intelligent, integrated aerial warfare.
Meanwhile, the J-15DT variant—where DT stands for dianci tanshe, the Chinese pinyin for electromagnetic catapult—signals ongoing upgrades to existing fleets. Transport capabilities also got a boost as Y-20 jets rolled out with domestically produced engines, swapping out foreign powerplants.
As China’s air power evolves, the J-35 stands out as a symbol of its growing reach and ambition on the seas. Will this new era of stealth and integration redefine carrier operations? Let us know your thoughts below.
Reference(s):
China's New Sword: Stealth fighters led by the J-35 make public debut
cgtn.com
