China has taken a significant leap in military aviation technology with the commencement of trials for the J-35, the nation’s latest stealth-capable, carrier-borne fighter jet. As reported by Chinese state media, the J-35 has started its testing phase aboard the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) aircraft carrier, CNS Liaoning.
The news was revealed through a video clip released on September 13, featuring Zhang Naigang, a senior non-commissioned officer on the Liaoning, expressing his pride at witnessing the J-35’s first landing and takeoff. According to Naigang, the event marked a pivotal moment in his service career, as it occurred on a clear day, drawing parallels to the initial takeoff of the Navy’s current carrier-borne fighter jet, the J-15.
Although specific details about the J-35’s capabilities and trial outcomes remain undisclosed, Naigang’s comments have effectively confirmed the aircraft’s deployment on the carrier for test purposes. This marks a crucial development for the PLAN, which has been anticipating a new fighter jet since the J-15 became operational over a decade ago.
Earlier hints about the J-35 appeared in February 2023, when a recruitment video from the PLAN showcased a young pilot approaching what seemed to be a stealth fighter with folding wings, indicating that the aircraft was designed for carrier operations. Military analysts believe this aircraft is indeed the J-35, a next-generation, stealth, carrier-borne combat plane.
Despite the confidentiality surrounding the aircraft’s specifications, images of a mid-sized stealth fighter posted on Chinese weapons websites have fueled speculation that the J-35 is nearing readiness for service. Both of China’s carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, currently employ ski jump ramps for launching aircraft, principally operating the J-15 fighter.
The J-35 had its maiden flight on October 29, 2021, featuring a catapult launch bar and a wing-fold mechanism tailored for carrier operations. Initially designed for the Type 003 Fujian carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, the J-35 promises enhanced radar capabilities, a lower radar signature, and a significant payload capacity.
The development of the J-35 caters to the requirements of both the People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF) and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). First reports of the J-35 surfaced in June 2020, describing it as a more production-ready version of its predecessors, with refined design elements aimed at reducing radar detectability.
As the J-35 undergoes further testing, its operational deployment on carriers such as the Fujian will likely enhance China’s naval combat capabilities, potentially aligning with the American Gerald R. Ford-class EMALS launch system. This new addition underscores China’s burgeoning advancements in military aviation technology and its strategic emphasis on modernizing its naval air power.