Chinese Navy's Fujian aircraft carrier advances with tests of J-35 stealth fighter.

The recent progress of the Chinese Navy is evident in the Fujian aircraft carrier, a Type 003 model. Tests include electromagnetic catapults with two red cars and an aircraft similar to the J-35 stealth fighter on deck, as reported by passengers flying over the carrier.

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 Fujian aircraft carrier with J-35 stealth fighter. (Picture source: Chinese media)

Chinese media sources have released new photos depicting Fujian's activities, including the J-35 stealth fighter, initially identified from low-resolution images and later confirmed in clearer ones. This aircraft is likely the first to undergo electromagnetic catapult tests on the Fujian.

The J-35 is a next-generation multirole stealth fighter, developed by China as an improved, combat-ready version of the FC-31, a carrier-based fighter. Scheduled to debut in 2021, the J-35 is a collaborative effort led by the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment, AVIC's Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, and Chengdu's 29th Research Institute under the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.

The FC-31, the J-35's predecessor, debuted in 2012. However, China never mass-produced it, mainly due to inexperience in manufacturing jet engines. The FC-31 is equipped with Klimov RD-33 engines, the same as those used on Russia's MiG-29 aircraft. China has faced challenges in designing high-performance turbofan engines with afterburners, especially in metallurgy, although it has made significant progress in other aircraft components.

The J-35 addresses the urgent need of the People's Liberation Army Navy for a stealth fighter capable of operating from future aircraft carriers. This is partly in response to the US F-35B and F-35C stealth fighters developed for amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers.

After the J-35's inaugural flight in 2021, it is expected to undergo about five years of testing before active service. As the FC-31 has been tested for many years as a technical demonstrator, this testing period might be shortened, according to Chinese defense experts.

Satellite images from November 2023 indicated that the Fujian temporarily left its dock, suggesting an imminent sea trial. With a displacement of nearly 80,000 tons, the aircraft carrier can accommodate more than 20 aircraft like the twin-engine J-35.

Besides the J-35, other aircraft slated for testing include the KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft and the Z-20 utility helicopter, which has already been widely deployed in various Chinese military branches. The KJ-600, crucial for carrier battle capability, will likely follow the J-35 in the testing sequence. Unmanned aerial vehicles are also on the testing agenda, expected to be trialed after the J-15T and Z-20.