China accelerates stealth jets, carrier buildup, eyes global fighter exports

China’s military aerospace sector is experiencing a notable period of growth and innovation, driven by the development of new combat aircraft, both crewed and uncrewed, for domestic deployment and export. The unclassified portion of the Pentagon’s annual report to Congress on China’s military, highlighted in the TWZ newsletter, points to several key trends and developments.

The report notes the introduction of “two stealth aircraft with novel tailless design features,” informally referred to as the J-36 and J-XDS, alongside the land-based J-35A fifth-generation fighter and the carrier-borne J-15D electronic warfare aircraft.

Additionally, a new airborne early warning and control aircraft based on the Y-20B transport is designed “to identify and track advanced stealth aircraft.” These developments underscore China’s expanding capabilities in advanced combat aviation.

A strategic milestone is China’s aim to field six aircraft carriers by 2035, including the Fujian, which began sea trials in May, and a fourth carrier expected to feature nuclear propulsion. Reports suggest further development of at least one additional conventional carrier, indicating China is narrowing the gap with the US Navy’s 11 active nuclear-powered super carriers.

On the export front, the Pentagon report identifies three key fighters: the fifth-generation Shenyang FC-31 (export variant of the J-35), the fourth-generation Chengdu J-10C, and the JF-17 (a China-Pakistan co-production, labelled as a light combat aircraft). As of May 2025, the FC-31 has recorded no confirmed sales but has generated interest from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

 The FC-31’s development began with a 2012 prototype and evolved into a refined version in 2016, with current focus on the J-35 carrier variant and the land-based J-35A. Despite prior reports linking Pakistan to an FC-31 acquisition, the Pentagon does not confirm such a sale.

Regional demand for modern fighters is significant. Egypt, which previously aimed to acquire 24 Russian Su-35s but faced U.S. sanctions under CAATSA, now appears to be considering alternatives. Saudi Arabia is evaluating multiple options, including Eurofighter Typhoons, Dassault Rafales, Boeing F-15EX Eagle IIs, and potentially up to 48 F-35As. Beijing’s offer of the FC-31 provides a stealth-capable alternative, potentially challenging US policy limitations regarding advanced aircraft exports to Arab states. Similarly, the UAE’s previously approved $23.37 billion arms package included 50 F-35As, though concerns over system safeguards have prompted reconsideration.

For the J-10C, only Pakistan has received exports—20 jets out of two orders totaling 36 since 2020. The J-10C made its combat debut in recent India-Pakistan clashes, reportedly demonstrating the effectiveness of China’s PL-15 air-to-air missiles, which Beijing has actively promoted.

Overall, China’s aerospace developments indicate an aggressive push in both domestic capability and international arms markets, reflecting broader strategic ambitions in Asia and beyond.

By Jeyhun Aghazada