Get ready for a major unveiling at Airshow China 2024, as China prepares to showcase its latest stealth fighter, the J-35A. Scheduled to take place from November 12-17 in Zhuhai, the airshow will be a platform for China to flaunt its military advancements, with the J-35A taking center stage. This new fighter is designed to complement the already operational J-20 stealth fighter, a move that elevates China’s air power capabilities and marks it as only the second country after the US to possess two distinct types of stealth jets. The J-35A, whose image was recently released during an air force press conference, is seen as a key element in China’s ambition to match the US’s technological prowess in the air. The development of this fighter jet is widely regarded as a direct response to the US’s dominance in the field of stealth technology. China’s state-run media outlet, Global Times, has described the J-35A as a medium-sized fighter featuring a tailplane wing configuration reminiscent of the US F-35, suggesting that it is equipped with strong surface attack capabilities. The J-35A’s design diverges from the J-20, China’s first stealth fighter. The J-20, with its canard wing configuration, is categorized as a heavy fighter jet, focusing on air superiority missions comparable to the US F-22. The timing of the airshow is significant, as it follows a report by defense analysts at Janes, which indicates China has been bolstering its forward theater commands with additional J-20 fighters, a move interpreted by many as a strategic escalation in response to regional tensions. Despite the buzz surrounding the J-35A in both Chinese and international media, concrete details about the fighter remain scarce, making direct comparisons with either the F-22 or F-35 challenging. Questions also linger about the J-35A’s deployment timeline and its intended role within the PLA Navy, particularly in light of China’s increasingly assertive stance in the South China Sea. CNN quoted Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center, as stating that the J-35A, whose development has spanned over a decade, was likely designed for the Chinese Navy. The unveiling of the J-35A at Airshow China 2024 is expected to generate considerable interest and speculation, with observers keen to analyze its features and capabilities. The event will provide a platform for China to showcase its commitment to technological advancement in the military domain, further solidifying its position as a leading force in the region. The world will be watching closely as China unveils its newest weapon and asserts its growing military influence on the global stage.
China’s New Stealth Fighter J-35A Takes Center Stage at Airshow China 2024
