China Shows Production of F-35 Competitor – 5th Generation Carrier-Based J-35 Fighter

Chinese state television has released footage showing the production of J-35, the latest carrier-based fighter for the PLA Navy’s aviation branch.

The video, published by CCTV, shows a J-35 aircraft in a primer coating without a radar-absorbing layer. The airplane is being built at the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) and is expected to enter service in 2025.

Some of the new aircraft have already begun flight tests from the deck of China’s new aircraft carrier Fujian. An unknown number of additional jets are in production at various stages of completion.

Aircraft tested from the Fujian’s deck carry a shark emblem on the keel, the standard marking of China’s carrier-based aviation.
To date, four aircraft of this type are known, with tail numbers 61820–80, 61821–81, 61822–82, and 61823–83.

J-35 evolved from earlier FC-31 (Project 310), an export stealth fighter with a conventional design featuring two engines and twin canted tail stabilizers, resembling American F-35.

Development of the aircraft was first reported in 2018, alongside initial sketches. The first flight prototype, tail number 350001/3501, flew on October 29th, 2021, powered by Chinese WS-21(H) engines.

Initially, the aircraft was intended for the China’s Type 003 aircraft carrier. However, satellite images from 2021–2024 show J-35 being prepared for testing on both the Fujian and Liaoning carriers.

The aircraft is produced at SAC and officially entered service in 2025.

J-35 is the second new-generation carrier-based fighter in the world, after American F-35, highlighting the rapid development of China’s aviation industry despite its traditional reluctance to engage in international aircraft programs.

China portrays the aircraft as a modern combat platform, featuring an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an optoelectronic targeting system near the nose landing gear (similar to F-35), and internal weapon bays. This layout preserves stealth but limits the number of internally carried missiles.

The total planned production of J-35 is not officially disclosed. Given that the fighter is intended for both Fujian and a newly announced carrier, total production could reach around 100 units or more, including potential export orders.

Previously, Militarnyi reported that China had begun building its fourth aircraft carrier, Type 004. It will be China’s first nuclear-powered carrier, capable of long-range operations without refueling. The ship’s displacement is expected to reach 110,000–120,000 tons, making it the largest warship ever built in Asia.