At the Zhuhai air show in November, the J-35A was presented – a new fifth-generation stealth fighter from the Chinese corporation Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
The J-35A has attracted the attention of experts due to its similarity to the American F-35 Lightning II fighter jet from Lockheed Martin, which is considered one of the most advanced in the world.
Both aircraft represent the pinnacle of stealth technology and are designed to meet the demands of modern combat conditions. However, the J-35A has its own unique characteristics dictated by China's specific defense needs.
The J-35A fighter is derived from the FC-31 technology demonstrator and has been adapted to perform complex missions on both aircraft carriers and air force bases.
Since 2021, the model has undergone a number of upgrades, including a reinforced wing and landing gear design, a new sensor system, and increased maneuverability.
In 2024, the J-35A was officially presented as part of the Chinese Air Force's combat arsenal.
This fighter will strengthen China's fifth-generation fleet, complementing the heavier J-20 and creating a more balanced arsenal.
At the same time, the F-35 remains a key element of the defense strategy of the United States and its allies thanks to the combination of stealth technologies, sensor integration and multifunctionality.
The presentation of the J-35A confirms the growing competitiveness of Chinese military technologies on the global stage, which forces a review of the balance of power in the air.
By the way, the United States has signed a contract worth $ 869.9 million with Lockheed Martin for the production of F-35 fighters with the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) update. It will provide improved operational capabilities for performing modern combat missions.