5-11-2024 (BEIJING) China has announced plans to debut its latest military aviation achievement, the J-35A stealth fighter jet, at the upcoming Airshow China 2024, marking the nation’s entry into an exclusive club of countries operating multiple stealth fighter platforms.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force revealed Tuesday that the J-35A will headline an impressive display of 36 different military aircraft and equipment at the November exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. This announcement effectively confirms the aircraft’s operational status within China’s armed forces.
Military aviation expert Fu Qianshao highlighted the significance of this development, noting that China now joins the United States as the only nations operating two distinct stealth fighter types. While America fields the F-22 and F-35, China’s arsenal now features both the heavy J-20 and medium-sized J-35A.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), which developed the J-35A, states the aircraft is designed for air superiority missions and can effectively counter both fourth and fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Wang Yongqing, chief expert at AVIC’s Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute, emphasised the aircraft’s multi-role capabilities against air, ground, and maritime targets.
Technical specifications suggest the J-35A employs a tailplane wing configuration similar to the American F-35, contrasting with the canard design of China’s existing J-20. This configuration, combined with its streamlined profile, reportedly delivers exceptional stealth characteristics.
The airshow, scheduled for November 12-17, will feature an extensive demonstration of Chinese military aviation capabilities, including performances by the Bayi and Red Falcon aerobatic teams. The event will also showcase the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system and new reconnaissance drones.
Industry analysts suggest the “A” designation might indicate future variants, with speculation already circulating about a carrier-based version following recent aircraft carrier trials aboard the Liaoning.
