China Unveils Second Stealth Fighter, J-35, Signaling Naval Aviation Breakthrough
Beijing, China – China has officially entered a new era of naval aviation power, revealing its second fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-35, now integrated into the People’s Liberation Army navy (PLAN). The unveiling, occurring during a military rehearsal for the 80th anniversary of the War of Resistance Against Japan on September 3rd, marks a significant milestone, positioning China as only the second nation globally – alongside the United States – to operate two distinct fifth-generation stealth fighter models concurrently.
(Image: A clear view of the J-35 fighter jet with “Chinese Navy” markings and the “Flying Shark” badge. Source: United News Network)
The J-35, easily identifiable by its ”Chinese Navy” markings and the distinctive “Flying Shark” badge (previously exclusive to the J-15 carrier-based fighter), is believed to be entering initial low-rate production. Serial numbers “0011” and “0012” observed on the aircraft suggest the program is progressing beyond prototype testing and towards equipping frontline units. Experts suggest the images were deliberately released to showcase this advancement.
A Technological Leap for China’s carrier Fleet
The adoption of the “Flying Shark” badge is symbolic, representing a continuation of China’s naval aviation heritage and solidifying the J-35’s role as a core component of its carrier air wings.The fighter’s blue-gray coating further confirms its designation as a carrier-based aircraft.
According to Wang Yongqing, chief expert at the Shenyang Institute of AVIC, the J-35 incorporates the most advanced design technologies and is poised to surpass the capabilities of the American F-35, becoming one of the world’s premier fifth-generation fighters. Experts concur, highlighting the J-35 as the most advanced carrier-based aircraft currently in advancement.
J-35 vs. F-35: A technical Comparison
The J-35 boasts impressive technical specifications,exceeding those of the US F-35C in several key areas:
Maximum Take-off Weight: 35 tons (vs. F-35C’s 32 tons)
Maximum Bomb Load: 8 tons
Maximum Combat Radius: 1,350 kilometers
Maximum Flight Speed: Mach 2.2 (vs. F-35C’s Mach 1.6)
The aircraft also features a unique front landing gear dual-tire design, optimized for the demanding catapult launch and arrested recovery operations required on aircraft carriers.
Fujian Carrier: The platform for Future Dominance
The J-35’s development is intrinsically linked to China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian.This vessel is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system – a technology mirroring that of the US Navy’s latest Ford-class carriers – enabling the efficient launch of heavier, more heavily-laden aircraft like the J-35. This represents a significant upgrade from the ski
