Discover the full specifications, weapons, stealth technology, size, price, users, and comparisons of China’s Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation fighter jet. Learn how it stacks against the F-35 and J-20 in performance and technology.
✈️ Shenyang J-35: China’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter Jet (Full Specifications & Comparison)
China’s aerospace industry continues to capture global attention with the Shenyang J-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to challenge Western air superiority. Developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), the J-35—also known as the FC-31 or J-35A—is a twin-engine, multirole aircraft showcasing China’s ambition to rival the U.S. F-35 Lightning II in technology, stealth, and operational capability.
This detailed overview explores the J-35 specifications, size, weapons, stealth design, number built, users, price, and comparisons with other leading fifth-generation fighters.
🧭 Overview: The Rise of China’s J-35 Fighter Jet
The J-35 program traces its roots to the FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype first displayed in 2014. Over time, the aircraft evolved into the J-35, designed for both carrier-based and land-based operations. Reports indicate that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aims to deploy the J-35 on its latest Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier, marking a significant step toward modern naval air power.
Unlike earlier fourth-generation jets, the J-35 incorporates stealth shaping, advanced radar-absorbent materials (RAM), and state-of-the-art avionics to reduce radar cross-section (RCS) and increase survivability in contested environments.
⚙️ J-35 Specifications: Dimensions, Engines & Performance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) |
| Role | Fifth-Generation Multirole Fighter |
| Length | ~17 meters |
| Wingspan | ~11.5 meters |
| Height | ~4.8 meters |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 1.8 (estimated) |
| Combat Range | ~1,200 km |
| Engines | Twin WS-19 / WS-21 turbofan engines |
| Crew | 1 |
| Takeoff Weight | ~25,000 kg |
| Ceiling | 55,000 ft (estimated) |
The WS-19 engine, reportedly developed to replace Russian AL-31s, enhances thrust-to-weight ratio and stealth performance, allowing the J-35 to compete in agility and power with Western designs.
💣 J-35 Weapons & Internal Bay Configuration
A defining trait of fifth-generation fighters is their ability to carry weapons internally to maintain stealth. The J-35 features two internal weapons bays that can store up to four PL-10 or PL-15 air-to-air missiles, along with external hardpoints for additional payload when stealth isn’t required.
PL-10: Short-range infrared missile (comparable to AIM-9X)
PL-15: Beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile (comparable to AIM-120D AMRAAM)
PL-12/PL-21: Long-range radar-guided missiles
Precision-guided bombs for strike missions
This loadout gives the J-35 versatility in both air-to-air and ground-attack roles, supporting China’s shift toward multirole dominance.🕶️ Stealth Technology and Avionics
The J-35’s stealth design is one of its most discussed features. Its angular airframe, canted vertical stabilizers, and smooth composite surfaces resemble Western stealth geometry principles.
✅Radar cross-section (RCS) reduction through shaping and RAM coating
✅AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar
✅Integrated electro-optical targeting system (EOTS)
✅Helmet-mounted display (HMD) for enhanced situational awareness
✅Infrared search and track (IRST) system for passive target acquisition
🛫 Variants: J-35A vs Naval J-35
Two main versions are expected:
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J-35A (Land-Based Variant): Optimized for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) with longer range and internal fuel.
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Naval J-35 (Carrier-Based Variant): Designed for PLAN carriers with reinforced landing gear, folding wings, and catapult-launch compatibility.
The carrier-based version will likely operate alongside the J-15 Flying Shark, gradually replacing it as China’s primary carrier fighter by 2030.
🏗️ Production Status: Number Built & Test Units
As of 2025, open-source imagery and defense reports suggest a handful of J-35 prototypes and pre-production models are active in testing. The exact number built remains classified, but analysts estimate 10–12 test aircraft currently undergoing flight evaluation and carrier trials.
Serial production is expected to begin between 2026–2028, with the PLAN as the first operational user.
🌍 Users and Potential Export Customers
Currently, the J-35 is primarily developed for domestic Chinese use, particularly by the PLAN and PLAAF.
However, several countries—including Pakistan, Egypt, and Nigeria—have been linked to export interest due to their existing defense ties with China. If China decides to export the J-35 under the FC-31 export brand, it could become a low-cost alternative to the F-35 for nations outside the U.S. alliance system.
💰 J-35 Price and Export Prospects
While official figures remain undisclosed, defense analysts estimate the unit price of the J-35 to range between USD 75–85 million, significantly cheaper than the F-35A (~$120 million).
China’s lower production costs and indigenous systems may give the J-35 a competitive edge in export markets seeking stealth capabilities without Western restrictions.
⚖️ J-35 vs F-35 vs J-20: Comparison Overview
| Feature | J-35 (China) | F-35A (USA) | J-20 (China) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | 5th | 5th | 5th |
| Role | Multirole (Carrier/Export) | Multirole Stealth | Air Superiority |
| Engines | 2 × WS-19 | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135 | 2 × WS-15 |
| Speed | Mach 1.8 | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.0 |
| Range | 1,200 km | 1,400 km | 1,500 km |
| Weapons | PL-10 / PL-15 | AIM-9X / AIM-120D | PL-15 / PL-21 |
| Estimated Price | $80M | $120M | $110M |
While the F-35 leads in sensor fusion and combat data integration, the J-35 offers competitive stealth, dual-engine redundancy, and potential carrier adaptability—all at a lower cost.
🔍 Strategic Importance of the J-35
The introduction of the J-35 represents China’s next step in power projection, particularly in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region. Its carrier-compatible stealth capability enables blue-water naval operations, narrowing the technological gap between China and Western powers.
In essence, the J-35 bridges the gap between affordability and advanced stealth, making it a potential game-changer for allied nations seeking cost-effective fifth-generation air power.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Schema)
Q1: What is the J-35 fighter jet?
The Shenyang J-35 is China’s fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter jet, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It’s an evolution of the FC-31 prototype and designed for both air force and carrier use.
Q2: Is the J-35 a carrier-based aircraft?
Yes. A naval version of the J-35 is being developed for China’s aircraft carriers, compatible with EMALS catapult launch systems.
Q3: How many J-35 jets has China built?
As of 2025, China has built approximately 10–12 prototypes and early production units under flight testing.
Q4: What weapons does the J-35 carry?
It carries PL-10 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles, precision bombs, and guided munitions within internal bays to maintain stealth.
Q5: How does the J-35 compare to the F-35?
The J-35 matches many of the F-35’s capabilities in stealth and agility, with the advantage of dual engines and lower production costs, though the F-35 still leads in sensor fusion and combat software.
Q6: What is the expected price of the J-35?
The estimated price per unit ranges between $75–85 million, depending on configuration and export model.
🔗Comparisons
✅ “China J-20 Mighty Dragon – Full Specifications & Performance Review”
✅ “Top 5 Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets in the World (2025 Update)”
✅ “Pakistan’s Future Air Power Modernization: J-10C, J-31, or J-35?”
✅ “F-35 Lightning II vs Chinese Stealth Fighters – A Full Comparison”
📈 Final Thoughts
The Shenyang J-35 marks a new milestone in China’s defense evolution—combining stealth, versatility, and cost-efficiency into one sophisticated airframe. While still under testing, the J-35 demonstrates how quickly China’s aviation industry is advancing toward parity with Western aerospace leaders.
With dual-engine reliability, carrier compatibility, and next-gen sensors, the J-35 could soon redefine the balance of air power in Asia.
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