Beijing, 13 November 2024: China unveiled its second fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Shenyang J-35, at the nation’s largest air show, becoming the second country after the US to develop multiple fifth-generation fighter jets.
The J-35, a twin-engine, single-seat supersonic jet designed for multirole missions, follows China’s first fifth-generation aircraft, the J-20. “The J-35 could significantly boost our integrated combat capabilities,” officials said at the event. China plans to induct the jet into both its Air Force and Navy, akin to the US approach with the F-35.
The J-35’s design closely resembles the American F-35 but features two engines instead of one. This follows China’s history of emulating Western aircraft designs; the J-20 shares similarities with the US F-22 Raptor, differing mainly in the canard configuration, while the Chengdu J-10, known as the “Vigorous Dragon,” is comparable to the F-16.
China’s intentions mirror those of the US, with the J-35 slated for versatile roles across different military branches, much like the American F-35 variants. The US F-35 comes in three models: the F-35A, designed for Air Force runways; the F-35B, capable of vertical landings on Marine Corps ships; and the F-35C, with a broader wingspan for aircraft carrier operations.
The J-35’s public display at the air show signals its readiness for deployment, aligning with China’s strategic aims to challenge US dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. The timing of the reveal coincides with heightened regional tensions, as the US recently introduced the AIM-174B, a long-range air-to-air missile that could alter the balance of power. This missile, seen aboard the US Navy’s F-18 Super Hornet, reportedly boasts an operational range of around 400 km, further intensifying the strategic rivalry in the region.
