China’s J-35A Just Entered Service — Lighter, Cheaper, Stealthier! (Video)

By :SpaceEyeNews.

China has officially taken the wraps off its latest stealth aircraft—the J-35A—which has now entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This significant milestone positions China as the first nation in the world to field two fifth-generation stealth fighter classes in active production and deployment: the heavyweight J-20 and the newly inducted, more compact J-35A.

With advanced sensor systems, radar-absorbent coatings, and a smaller footprint, the J-35A is designed to provide scalable stealth capabilities at a lower cost. But the implications go far beyond hardware. This move signals a fundamental shift in China’s airpower doctrine—one that emphasizes quantity, flexibility, and networked warfare.

A Fighter Years in the Making

The development of the J-35 dates back over a decade. The aircraft, initially referred to by analysts as the FC-31 or J-31, first flew in 2012—just one year after the J-20’s maiden flight. However, while the J-20 quickly moved into active development and was inducted into service in 2017, the J-35 remained largely under wraps. It was long believed to be intended solely for carrier operations or foreign exports, with uncertain prospects within China’s own air force.

All that changed in mid-2025. On June 6, official footage confirmed that the J-35A had joined the 1st Air Brigade, an elite unit already operating the J-20. The new footage showed J-35As flying in formation with J-20s, clearly signaling an integrated operational strategy and a formal role in the PLAAF.

The manufacturer, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, had been quietly refining the aircraft for years. The updated version—designated J-35A—is a highly evolved platform equipped with new systems, reduced radar signature, and improved data integration. Its entry into service marks a new chapter for China’s stealth capability—not just in terms of fleet numbers but also in terms of how it structures its future air combat roles.

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Design and Performance: What Sets the J-35A Apart

While the J-35A draws on lessons learned from the J-20, its airframe and operational philosophy are distinct. Designed as a smaller, twin-engine stealth fighter, the J-35A sacrifices range and payload in exchange for reduced production costs, greater maneuverability, and ease of maintenance. This trade-off isn’t a weakness—it’s a calculated decision.

The aircraft reportedly features:

• Low radar cross-section shaping, making it harder to detect by enemy radar
• Radar-absorbent material coatings (RAM) for added stealth
• Distributed aperture systems (DAS) that allow for real-time 360-degree situational awareness
• Advanced data links, enabling seamless communication with other aircraft and ground systems
• Compact internal weapons bays, designed to preserve stealth during missions
• Compatibility with unmanned aerial systems, enhancing its future utility

Though smaller than the J-20, the J-35A is believed to have a range exceeding that of the U.S. F-35, which makes it capable of medium- to long-range missions within the Indo-Pacific region. Its weapon load is lower than that of the J-20, but it still packs sufficient firepower for precision strikes and air-to-air engagements.

Its conventional aerodynamic design also makes it easier and cheaper to build in larger quantities—something that’s becoming increasingly important as China shifts toward high-tempo, distributed aerial operations.

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Strategic Significance: Why the J-35A Matters

The J-35A’s induction is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a statement of strategic maturity. With this move, China becomes the only country actively producing two separate fifth-generation stealth fighter lines, giving it unmatched flexibility in building its aerial order of battle.

The J-20, built by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, is a large, canard-configured stealth fighter designed for long-range air superiority and precision strikes. It’s loaded with high-powered radar, large payload capacity, and unique control surfaces that make it one of the most maneuverable stealth jets in service.

In contrast, the J-35A is smaller, lighter, and optimized for volume production. It can be deployed in greater numbers, rotated between forward operating bases more easily, and used for a broader variety of missions—from patrolling contested airspace to escorting drones and even future loyal wingman systems.

This dual-platform approach mirrors, to some extent, the U.S. strategy of pairing the F-22 Raptor (elite air superiority) with the F-35 Lightning II (multirole and export-friendly). However, China’s implementation appears more aggressive and efficient—moving straight into dual stealth production without significant delays or cancellations.

Additionally, the J-35A allows China to extend stealth coverage across a larger geographic area, including:

• Coastal defense zones
• Strategic locations in the East and South China Seas
• High-alert zones near Taiwan and the First Island Chain
• Domestic training and patrol missions

This flexibility makes the J-35A a critical asset for force multiplication—delivering stealth coverage to more squadrons without exhausting high-end assets like the J-20.

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Export Potential and Global Impact

While the J-35A was initially assumed to be an export-only model, its adoption into the PLAAF doesn’t eliminate that potential—it enhances it. By proving its capability domestically, China boosts the aircraft’s credibility as a reliable, combat-proven stealth solution for international markets.

Several factors give the J-35A strong potential for future foreign sales:

• Lower price point compared to Western fifth-gen options
• Potential for a two-seat version, which is not available in the U.S. F-35 program
• Fewer political restrictions compared to U.S. arms exports
• Growing demand for fifth-gen capability among countries that are not part of U.S.-led alliances

Markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America could be key targets if China opens the aircraft for export. Nations seeking a high-tech upgrade without the cost or restrictions of Western jets may find the J-35A appealing, particularly if it proves reliable in PLAAF operations.

However, beyond just aircraft sales, China’s broader goal appears to be the standardization of stealth operations across its air force. By introducing more pilots, squadrons, and bases to stealth-era tactics, China is accelerating the modernization of its military infrastructure, doctrine, and logistics.

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Laying the Groundwork for the Sixth Generation

The J-35A’s rollout comes as China continues to advance its sixth-generation fighter program. In December 2024, both Chengdu and Shenyang publicly revealed flying prototypes of next-gen platforms—each with unique roles, capabilities, and technological frameworks.

While full details remain classified, expectations for sixth-generation fighters include:

• AI-assisted targeting and maneuvering systems
• Multi-spectral stealth capabilities
• Optional manned/unmanned control
• Integration with drone swarms and satellite networks
• Highly modular architecture for rapid upgrades

These next-gen jets are expected to enter service in the early 2030s, but their development already influences the current generation. The J-35A serves as a stepping stone, helping ground crews and pilots transition into a more digitally integrated, network-centric style of air combat.

Operational experience gained from flying and maintaining the J-35A will feed directly into the sixth-gen ecosystem—whether in terms of stealth material handling, real-time data networking, or AI-assisted mission systems.

In this sense, the J-35A is not just a new aircraft—it’s a bridge between generations, preparing China’s military for a more intelligent, connected, and automated future in aerospace.

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Conclusion: A New Chapter in Aerial Power

With the official induction of the J-35A, China has entered a new phase of airpower development—one that combines technological sophistication with production scalability. The jet’s lighter frame, lower costs, and modern stealth systems make it an ideal companion to the J-20 and a practical tool for future air combat roles.

As sixth-generation technologies edge closer to deployment, the J-35A offers a glimpse into how China is preparing its air force—not just for current regional responsibilities, but for a future defined by autonomous systems, digital warfare, and global reach.

This aircraft is more than just an addition to China’s fleet—it’s a message: modern airpower is no longer reserved for a few elite platforms. It’s becoming smarter, more efficient, and more adaptable—and the J-35A is leading that shift.

References:

https://militarywatchmagazine.com/

https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/china-officially-launches-serial-production-of-j-35-stealth-fighter-to-challenge-us-air-superiority