China's Stealth Fighter Takes Flight, Signaling a Shift in Air Power Dynamics

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's J-35A stealth fighter jet was a major attraction at the Airshow China 2024, held in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. This marked the first official public appearance of China's second fifth-generation fighter jet. The aircraft's performance captivated audiences, with the afterburners creating a visually stunning display over the skies of Zhuhai.

The J-35A is slated to make an international appearance in model form at the upcoming Paris Air Show. The aircraft is designed with an "air-sea twin configuration" approach and a "one aircraft, multiple variants" concept. This design philosophy is expected to lead to large-scale production of the J-35 series.

According to Wang Yongqing, the chief designer from the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, the J-35 series is designed for coordinated and joint operations. The "air-sea twin configuration" and "one aircraft, multiple variants" concepts allow for rapid development and adaptation to meet evolving combat needs. The design approach also allows for efficient resource utilization, reducing development costs and time.

Wang highlighted the superior combat capabilities of the J-35 series, emphasizing its enhanced stealth performance and exceptional abilities in coordinated operations. He described the J-35A's role in systematic combat as a "point guard," highlighting its ability to coordinate other battlefield assets for joint operations. The "one aircraft, multiple variants" concept is expected to lead to a substantial fleet size, reducing maintenance costs and improving logistical efficiency.