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China’s J-35 vs. America’s F-35: Is a Fifth-Generation Aerial Duel Unfolding?.
The global contest for military dominance has reached new levels with the debut of the J-35A, China’s latest fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed as a direct counter to the American F-35 Lightning II, the J-35A underscores China’s growing ambitions to establish aerial supremacy. While the two aircraft share similarities in design and operational goals, they differ significantly in capabilities, including armament, defense systems, radar technology, and propulsion. These distinctions highlight the unique strategic priorities of the U.S. and China.
The J-35 (top) has drawn comparisons to the American F-35 (bottom), highlighting notable similarities in stealth features and design elements (Picture source: Weibo/US DoD)
Unveiled at the Zhuhai International Airshow 2024, the J-35A marks the latest step in China’s evolution of advanced stealth fighter technology. Built by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, it represents a refined version of its predecessor, the FC-31, which first flew in 2012. Designed for both land-based missions and carrier operations, the J-35A reflects China’s ambitions to enhance its stealth capabilities across multiple domains. The aircraft incorporates advanced electronic warfare technologies and stealth features, positioning it as a strategic asset for China’s air and naval forces.
The J-35A’s development has been incremental but significant. The naval variant conducted its first flight in 2021, followed by the land-based J-35A in 2023. These advancements signify a major leap in the modernization of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force and Navy. Unusually for Chinese defense projects, the FC-31’s initial development was privately funded, without direct backing from the PLA, signaling a shift in the nation’s approach to military innovation.
The U.S., meanwhile, continues to leverage the F-35 Lightning II, produced by Lockheed Martin, as the backbone of its fifth-generation fighter fleet. The F-35 has demonstrated its prowess in simulations and limited operational engagements, earning a reputation for its advanced sensors, stealth, and multi-role versatility. With three distinct variants tailored for diverse mission profiles (the F-35A, B, and C), it remains a cornerstone of U.S. and allied air dominance.
Despite visual similarities, the J-35A and F-35 diverge in critical areas. Both aircraft prioritize stealth, incorporating sleek, radar-absorbing designs. However, the F-35’s stealth capabilities are enhanced by advanced materials and coatings, offering an edge over the J-35A, which may face challenges replicating this level of performance due to the complexity of such technologies.
The stealth capabilities of the J-35 and F-35 are among the most critical aspects of their design, yet they highlight distinct technological approaches and levels of maturity. The F-35 is widely regarded as the gold standard in stealth technology, utilizing advanced radar-absorbent materials, intricate coatings, and seamless aerodynamic lines to achieve an exceptionally low radar cross-section (RCS).
Its stealth has been rigorously tested and proven in various operational environments. In contrast, while the J-35 also incorporates smooth lines, internal weapon bays, and radar-absorbing materials to minimize its RCS, its overall stealth performance remains speculative due to the unproven nature of its technologies. Achieving F-35-level stealth is particularly challenging because it involves not only design but also extensive integration of materials science, manufacturing precision, and operational tactics—areas where China is still catching up. Thus, while the J-35 represents a significant leap in Chinese stealth fighter development, it is unlikely to fully match the F-35’s comprehensive stealth capabilities in the near term.
Propulsion marks another area of differentiation. The J-35A relies on twin WS-13 engines or, in earlier models, Russian-made RD-93 engines, achieving a top speed of Mach 1.8. By contrast, the F-35’s single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine provides superior thrust and an extended operational range of 2,220 kilometers, nearly double the J-35A’s estimated range. This strategic advantage enables the F-35 to excel in long-range missions.
In terms of firepower, the J-35A can carry up to 8 tons of munitions, combining internal and external payloads to maintain a degree of stealth. It is equipped with modern Chinese munitions, including PL-series air-to-air missiles, anti-ship weapons, and air-to-ground precision-guided systems. The F-35, with a slightly larger internal payload capacity of 8.16 tons, incorporates advanced precision-guided weapons and stands out for its superior sensor integration and threat engagement at extended ranges.
Electronics and radar systems further differentiate the two aircraft. The F-35 is outfitted with cutting-edge systems like the AN/APG-81 AESA radar and the Distributed Aperture System (DAS), ensuring unmatched situational awareness and target acquisition. The J-35A, while equipped with Chinese-developed AESA radar and infrared tracking systems, has yet to prove it can rival the F-35’s integrated sensor capabilities.
On the production front, the J-35A benefits from advancements like 3D printing, which has streamlined manufacturing by reducing component counts by 50% compared to earlier models. However, the F-35 program, with its extensive global production network and adoption by multiple allied nations, has set the benchmark for scale and efficiency. China’s challenge lies in mass-producing the J-35A while maintaining consistent quality.
The J-35A and F-35 encapsulate two distinct philosophies in aerial warfare. The F-35 emphasizes stealth, range, and technological integration, while the J-35A focuses on higher speed, significant payload capacity, and potentially reduced production costs. While the J-35A represents a technological breakthrough for China, its combat effectiveness remains untested. Meanwhile, the F-35, despite its limitations, has already established itself as a critical asset in modern airpower. As this rivalry unfolds, these aircraft symbolize the technological ambitions and strategic priorities of their nations.