China's latest military parade unveiled the J-35 carrier-based stealth fighter, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's naval aviation capabilities. The jet's public debut underscores the People's Liberation Army Navy's evolution from coastal defense to global blue-water operations, with analysts calling it a 'game-changer' for regional security dynamics.
Designed as the naval counterpart to the J-35A stealth fighter, the new aircraft features shared technologies that streamline maintenance and reduce development costs. Its dual compatibility with electromagnetic catapults and ski-jump launch systems makes it adaptable to China's growing carrier fleet, including the domestically built Fujian – the country's first carrier equipped with advanced electromagnetic launch technology.
Military analyst Wei Dongxu notes: 'The J-35's internal weapons bay and stealth profile give it first-strike superiority in beyond-visual-range combat. This represents a quantum leap from the J-15's maneuverability-focused design.'
Next-Gen Air Power Ecosystem
The parade revealed other advancements in China's aerial combat systems:
The two-seat J-20S fighter enables extended missions and drone coordination
J-15DT variant optimized for electromagnetic catapult operations
Y-20 transport jets now using fully domestic engines
These developments suggest a strategic push toward integrated, intelligent warfare systems. As regional militaries watch these advancements, the J-35's deployment timeline and operational range will likely influence defense planning across Asia's maritime theaters.
