China Enters the Era of Dual Stealth Fighters with the J-35A’s Formal Entry into Service
Zhuhai, China – The upcoming15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) is set to feature a major highlight: the public debut of the J-35A, China’s new medium-sized stealth multirole fighter jet. This unveiling, announced by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF),signifies the J-35A’s formal entry into service, making China the second country in the world to operate two stealth fighter aircraft types.
Colonel Niu Wenbo, a spokesperson for the PLAAF Equipment Department, confirmed the J-35A’s presence at the airshow during a press conference in Beijing on November 5th. He also announced the display of other new equipment, including the Hong-19 surface-to-air missile system, a new type ofstrike-reconnaissance drone, and the cargo hold of the Yun-20 transport aircraft, which will be open for visitors to view through a lottery system.
Military expert Fu Qiangshao, speaking to the Global Times, emphasized the significance of the J-35A’s appearance at Airshow China.He stated that the aircraft has undergone rigorous flight testing and met the PLAAF’s tactical and technical requirements in terms of performance, safety, reliability, and maintainability. This marks China’s entry into the era of dual stealth fighters, a testament to the People’s Liberation Army’s progress towards becoming aworld-class military, Fu said.
The United States Air Force currently operates the F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters, while China’s dual stealth fighter fleet consists of the J-35A and the J-20. The J-20, a large, heavy-duty stealth fighter,made its public debut at the 11th Airshow China in 2016, signaling a new era in Chinese air power.
Military expert Zhang Xuefeng believes the J-35A, designated with the A suffix, indicates a potential multi-variant development strategy, similar to the J-20 program. He told the Global Times, The significance of this is no less than the J-20’s entry into service with the PLAAF.
Fu Qiangshao further explained the rationale behind developing the J-35A. He noted that the J-20, due to itssize and advanced technology, is relatively expensive. I believe the J-35A is currently the stealthiest fighter jet in the world, capable of countering and suppressing adversaries, Fu asserted. It offers a cost-effective solution for the PLAAF to field a large number of stealth fighters.
The J-35A’s public debut at Airshow China is expected to be a major attraction, showcasing China’s continued advancements in military technology and its growing presence on the global stage.
References:
- Global Times (2024). J-35A stealth fighter to debut at Airshow China.Retrieved from [link to article]
- Xinhua News Agency (2024). PLAAF to showcase new equipment at Airshow China. Retrieved from [link to article]
- People’s Daily (2024). China enters the era of dual stealth fighters. Retrieved from [link to article]
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