China unveils J-35A stealth fighter jet for first time

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is going to publicly showcase its newest stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, for the first time at the 15th International Aerospace Exhibition, Airshow China 2024.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) unveiled its new J-35A stealth fighter jet on Tuesday, announcing that the aircraft will make its public debut at the upcoming 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition from November 12-17 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese media.

Colonel Niu Wenbo from the PLAAF's Equipment Department confirmed the news during a press conference in Beijing, noting that the J-35A is a mid-size stealth combat aircraft designed for multiple roles. While a photograph of the J-35A was displayed at the event, specific details regarding its commissioning status and how it will be showcased at the exhibition were not disclosed.

With the commissioning of the J-35A, China will join the United States as the only country with two types of stealth fighter jets in active service. Currently, the PLAAF operates a substantial fleet of J-20 heavy-duty stealth fighters, which began entering service in late 2016 and made their public debut at the Zhuhai Airshow that same year.

Observers have noted that the J-35 family may include several variants, such as those designed for the Air Force and deployment on aircraft carriers. All variants trace their origins to the FC-31, a technology-demonstration prototype developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China's Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, which was first unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2012.

The China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, commonly referred to as the Zhuhai Airshow, is the country's largest arms exhibition and one of the most prominent defence shows globally.

By Khagan Isayev