Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's J-35A combat aircraft is designed for land-based operations. External features on the aircraft indicate that China is trying to match the system capabilities of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. (Chen Xiao/VCG via Getty Images/Janes)
China has displayed two Shenyang J-35A fifth-generation combat aircraft at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai.
The appearance of the type at the biennial defence event, which is held on the Chinese mainland from 12 to 17 November, suggests that the twin-engine aircraft is edging towards maturity, although details of its powerplant and capabilities remain unknown.
The emergence of the J-35 is the result of a protracted development programme, with the project active since 2007. Janes previously reported that Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) is developing two variants of the aircraft.
According to a statement by Wang Yongqing, chief expert at the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), which was published by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND), the J-35 “represents a family of fighter jets”.
“The J-35 series is designed to be one platform with multiple variants for both Chinese air and naval forces,” Wang said in the press release.
Two variants
Janes has previously reported on the naval variant (whose designation is unclear), which is equipped with an arrestor hook and a launch bar for catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) operations. This version is also equipped with a heavier, two-wheel landing gear and folding wings for carrier-borne service.
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