Shenyang J-35: China’s Answer to the F-35 Stealth Fighter

The Shenyang J-35 is China’s latest answer to fifth-generation air power, designed to rival Western stealth fighters like the F-35. Built by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, this next-gen jet is a naval evolution of the Shenyang FC-31, developed specifically for aircraft carrier operations. With its sleek stealth profile, twin engines, and advanced avionics, the J-35 fighter jet marks a critical leap forward in Chinese military aviation, especially in terms of power projection and maritime dominance.

Also referred to as the J-35 China, J-35 jet, or simply the Chinese J-35, this stealth platform is being tailored for launch from China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Type 003 Fujian, which features modern electromagnetic catapult systems. Unlike the land-based J-20, the Shenyang J 35 is optimized for naval warfare, incorporating folding wings, reinforced landing gear, and carrier-grade technologies. Its development signals Beijing’s intent to match the United States not only in stealth capability but also in force projection from the sea.

With estimates placing the J-35 fighter jet price well below its American counterpart, China may also target international buyers, such as Pakistan or Egypt, who are seeking affordable fifth-generation aircraft. Whether it becomes the centerpiece of China’s naval air power or a global export product, the J-35 Chinese fighter is a symbol of China’s evolving strategy to gain aerial superiority across multiple domains.

Development History of the Shenyang J-35

The journey of the Shenyang J-35 begins with its predecessor, the Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon—a project that emerged over a decade ago. First revealed at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2014, the FC-31 was a privately developed stealth prototype with a profile that immediately drew comparisons to the American F-35.

At the time, the FC-31 was not adopted by the Chinese military, reportedly due to performance concerns and technological immaturity. However, the project remained alive, evolving quietly behind closed doors under the direction of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.

It wasn’t until late 2021 that a redesigned version of the FC-31—now known as the J-35 jet—surfaced during test flights at Huangdicun Airbase. These new images and footage showed a more mature aircraft, featuring design changes that clearly reflected naval intent. Notable modifications included strengthened landing gear for carrier deck impacts, folding wingtips to conserve space on aircraft carriers, and reworked engine housings for stealth and thermal management. Analysts quickly concluded that the J-35 Shenyang had moved beyond a private concept and was now a state-backed naval fighter program.

Chinese state media has since acknowledged that the J-35 China is undergoing carrier suitability tests and is likely to be deployed aboard the Fujian aircraft carrier, which utilizes electromagnetic launch systems similar to the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. While China has yet to officially confirm the operational status of the J-35 fighter, its continued testing and steady integration into naval planning suggest it will soon play a pivotal role in the People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF).

The transformation from the low-profile FC-31 to the strategically significant J 35 Chinese fighter highlights not only technological growth but a major strategic pivot in how China intends to use air power at sea.

Design and Technical Specifications

The Shenyang J-35 is a twin-engine stealth fighter that combines aerodynamic finesse with the latest in low-observable technology. Compared to its earlier prototype, the Shenyang FC-31, the Shenyang J-35 features significant design enhancements optimized for carrier operations. Its sleek, angular airframe reduces radar cross-section (RCS), while its smooth paneling and internal weapons bay contribute to a low observable profile. Unlike the J-20 Mighty Dragon, which is optimized for long-range engagements, the J-35 China is designed for multirole missions, including air superiority, strike operations, and electronic warfare in contested maritime environments.

Measuring around 17 meters in length with a wingspan of roughly 12 meters (when unfolded), the J-35 fighter jet is equipped with advanced stealth coatings and radar-absorbent materials similar to those used on the F-35 fighter jet. One of the most notable improvements is its redesigned cockpit canopy, which offers greater pilot visibility and is believed to house an upgraded helmet-mounted display system.

The J-35 cockpit layout appears to be modeled after Western glass cockpit designs, incorporating wide-angle multi-function displays and potentially integrated with advanced data fusion capabilities. While exact avionics are still classified, Chinese sources claim the aircraft uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and cutting-edge electronic warfare suites.

Propulsion remains a work in progress, with early prototypes powered by Russian RD-93 engines, but China is reportedly transitioning to its domestic WS-19 turbofan engines for future production models. The WS-19 is expected to offer greater thrust, improved reliability, and stealthier infrared signatures, giving the J-35 Shenyang better performance in both air-to-air combat and carrier takeoff scenarios.

Internally, the J 35 fighter is believed to carry a standard loadout of PL-10 short-range missiles and PL-15 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, along with precision-guided munitions. With three internal weapon bays and four external hardpoints, the J-35 plane has the flexibility to operate in both stealth and conventional modes depending on mission requirements.

Although exact figures are speculative, analysts estimate the J-35 cost to be between $60 to $70 million per unit, considerably lower than the F-35’s $80 to $100 million price tag. This lower J-35 fighter jet price could make it especially attractive for export to allied nations or partners who cannot access Western technology. In all, the Chinese J-35 is more than just a copy—it’s a carefully engineered platform that integrates lessons from global stealth aviation while tailoring the technology to meet China’s strategic needs.

Variants of the J-35

While the term Shenyang J-35 is commonly used to describe the aircraft as a whole, it’s important to understand that China is actively developing multiple variants of this fifth-generation fighter to meet both naval and land-based operational requirements. These versions reflect China’s broader goal of building a flexible, multi-role stealth fleet that can serve different branches of its armed forces. So far, two main variants have emerged in open-source intelligence and defense analysis: a carrier-based J-35 and a land-based J-35A.

J-35 (Naval Variant)

The primary version of the J-35 jet is clearly intended for aircraft carrier operations. This naval variant features reinforced landing gear to withstand the extreme forces of carrier takeoffs and arrested landings, along with folding wingtips to maximize space aboard tightly packed carrier decks.

Most tellingly, its nose gear includes a launch bar, which indicates compatibility with catapult-assisted takeoff systems, particularly China’s new electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) aboard the Fujian (Type 003) carrier. This variant of the Chinese J-35 will likely replace the older J-15 “Flying Shark” in frontline carrier air wings, offering enhanced survivability, stealth, and multirole functionality.

The J-35 fighter jet naval version is also expected to carry advanced maritime strike capabilities, including anti-ship cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs. Given its stealth profile and onboard sensor fusion, it can serve not only as a strike aircraft but also in reconnaissance and electronic warfare roles. These capabilities align with China’s vision of turning its carriers into true power-projection tools, rivaling U.S. Navy carrier groups in both scale and technological sophistication.

J-35A (Land-Based Variant)

A lesser-known but increasingly discussed variant is the J-35A, a land-based version of the J-35 fighter designed for use by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This variant reportedly lacks carrier-specific modifications like folding wings or catapult hardware, which simplifies production and reduces weight, potentially improving range and maneuverability.

The J-35A is being considered as a lower-cost alternative to the J-20, particularly for roles that require multirole versatility but not the long-range air superiority specialization of its Chengdu-built cousin.

The J-35A jet is also the version that has sparked the most interest abroad. According to multiple defense sources, Pakistan has reportedly agreed to purchase up to 40 J-35A fighters, making it one of the first foreign buyers of a fifth-generation Chinese aircraft.

There are also unconfirmed reports that Egypt and other nations aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative have expressed interest. This version could help Beijing secure a foothold in the international arms market while offering a credible stealth fighter to countries excluded from Western options like the F-35.

Together, the Shenyang J-35 variants represent a scalable family of stealth aircraft that can adapt to different mission profiles and geographic theaters. Whether launched from a carrier deck in the South China Sea or scrambled from inland airbases, the J-35 fighter is being tailored for flexibility, combat effectiveness, and long-term export potential.

Operational Deployment

Though not yet fully operational, the Shenyang J-35 is deep into testing and appears close to front-line service. Flight trials at bases like Huangdicun and integration exercises linked to the Fujian (Type 003) aircraft carrier suggest the J-35 jet is being refined for carrier operations. As China transitions to using electromagnetic catapults on its newest carriers, the Chinese J-35—designed with catapult compatibility—will likely become the PLAN’s flagship stealth fighter, replacing the older J-15 in naval aviation roles.

The J-35 Shenyang is also being positioned for potential deployment by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in its land-based variant, sometimes referred to as the J-35A. With tensions rising in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, placing J-35 fighters in these regions would give China a fifth-generation platform capable of strike missions, air superiority, and electronic warfare. This land-based role offers more flexibility and reach than carrier deployment alone.

Moreover, the J-35 plane is expected to operate within a larger network of satellites, drones, and early warning systems, mirroring the combat doctrine used by the U.S. with its F-35 fleet. Designed to share targeting and surveillance data in real time, the J 35 fighter fits into China’s long-term strategy of “informatized” warfare. In that context, the J-35 jet is more than just a stealth aircraft—it’s a central node in China’s vision of future combat.

Export Potential and International Interest

The Shenyang J-35 is not just a symbol of China’s military modernization; it also represents a strategic tool for Beijing’s expanding influence in the global arms market. With its expected lower cost compared to Western fifth-generation fighters, the J-35 fighter jet price is estimated to be significantly more affordable, making it an attractive option for countries that seek advanced stealth capabilities but lack access to or cannot afford platforms like the F-35. This positions the J-35 Chinese fighter as a potential game-changer for export markets, particularly among China’s allies and partners in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Pakistan is widely reported to be the first foreign customer of the J-35A, the land-based variant, with a deal that could involve up to 40 aircraft. This aligns with the long-standing military cooperation between the two nations and Pakistan’s quest to modernize its air force with stealth technology.

Other countries, including Egypt and possibly some Southeast Asian nations, have shown interest in the Chinese J-35 as part of broader defense cooperation agreements and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The J-35 jet could help these countries enhance their air defense and strike capabilities without the political strings often attached to Western arms sales.

However, international adoption of the Shenyang J-35 will depend on factors such as technology transfer, training, maintenance support, and geopolitical considerations. Some analysts caution that while the J-35 plane offers a cost-effective stealth solution, it may not yet match the full combat readiness and logistical infrastructure of more established platforms.

Nonetheless, its growing presence on the export market reflects China’s ambition to become a major global player in advanced military aviation, leveraging the J-35 fighter as both a strategic asset and a diplomatic instrument.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Shenyang J-35 stands as a significant milestone in China’s quest to build a modern, capable fifth-generation stealth fighter tailored for naval and multirole operations. Evolving from the early FC-31 prototypes, the J-35 jet represents a leap forward in design, technology, and strategic ambition, particularly as China seeks to assert its presence in contested maritime regions. With carrier-based modifications, advanced avionics, and growing operational tests, the J-35 fighter is poised to become a core component of the People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force’s future.

Looking ahead, the J-35 Chinese fighter is likely to see expanded deployment both on aircraft carriers like the Type 003 Fujian and at key land bases in regions of strategic importance. Its potential export success will depend on China’s ability to offer a competitive package that balances performance with affordability, appealing to nations seeking stealth capabilities without the costs or restrictions associated with Western platforms. As the J-35 plane matures, continued improvements in engine technology, avionics, and stealth features will be critical for maintaining its edge in an increasingly crowded field of next-generation fighters.

Ultimately, the Shenyang J-35 embodies China’s broader military modernization goals—blending indigenous innovation with lessons drawn from global aviation powers to produce a stealth fighter that fits its unique strategic needs. Whether flying off a carrier deck in the South China Sea or patrolling contested airspace inland, the J-35 fighter jet is set to play a defining role in China’s aerial future, signaling a shift in the balance of power in Asia and beyond.