Advanced Feature
ISLAMABAD: Newly released footage from China has drawn global defenceattention by showing two J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters flyingtogether for the first time, a development widely assessed as a transitionfrom prototype testing to early production flight trials. The imagery,released by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, immediately signals progressbeyond experimental stages and suggests that China’s long-anticipatedcarrier-capable stealth fighter is edging closer to operational induction,particularly for the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s next-generationaircraft carriers.
The significance of the footage lies not merely in the flight itself but inwhat the pairing represents. Defence analysts note that simultaneous flightby two newly manufactured aircraft usually indicates confidence in airframematurity, avionics stability, and production consistency. Unlike earliersingle-aircraft test sorties, formation flying is typically introduced oncemanufacturers believe the platform has achieved a stable baselineconfiguration. This step often precedes expanded trials involving weaponsintegration, carrier suitability assessments, and operational scenariosimulations.
Visual analysis of the footage reveals several changes compared to earlierJ-35 or FC-31 prototypes that appeared during development phases. The newaircraft appear fully painted with low-visibility coatings, lack prominenttest probes, and show refined panel alignment consistent with productionstandards. Observers also point to subtle reshaping around the engineinlets and fuselage seams, suggesting further optimisation of radarcross-section reduction, a critical requirement for fifth-generationsurvivability in contested airspace.
Another notable change is the apparent standardisation of the canopy andforward fuselage design. The one-piece bubble canopy seen in the latestaircraft improves pilot visibility while also reducing radar reflectionscompared to framed alternatives. Beneath the nose, the aircraft is believedto incorporate an advanced electro-optical targeting system, enhancingsituational awareness and precision strike capability. These features alignthe J-35 more closely with contemporary stealth fighters designed fornetwork-centric warfare rather than standalone interception roles.
Engine configuration remains a subject of close scrutiny. While Chineseauthorities have not officially confirmed the powerplant, analysts assessthat the aircraft likely uses an improved indigenous turbofan variantoptimised for reliability and reduced infrared signature. Compared toearlier prototypes that relied on interim engine solutions, the latestexhaust geometry appears more refined, indicating progress toward aproduction-standard propulsion system. Engine maturity is considered one ofthe final hurdles before sustained serial manufacturing can begin.
The naval dimension of the J-35 programme adds further strategic weight tothe footage. The aircraft is widely expected to operate from China’sFujian-class aircraft carrier, which employs electromagnetic catapultlaunch systems. To meet these demands, the J-35 incorporates reinforcedlanding gear, strengthened airframe sections, and folding wings forefficient carrier deck operations. The recent imagery reinforcesassessments that carrier compatibility is no longer theoretical butactively being validated through flight testing.
Beyond hardware changes, the footage also signals a shift in programmemomentum. Flying two aircraft together implies a growing productionpipeline rather than isolated hand-built prototypes. Defence industryobservers interpret this as evidence of low-rate initial production, aphase that allows manufacturers to refine assembly processes while militaryoperators begin familiarisation. Historically, this stage precedes limitedservice entry, often with select frontline units tasked to support furtheroperational evaluation.
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Regionally, the J-35’s progress is being closely monitored as part ofbroader changes in Asia-Pacific airpower balances. A stealthy,carrier-capable fighter would significantly extend China’s naval aviationreach and complicate adversary planning in contested maritime zones. Whilequestions remain regarding sensor fusion, combat networking, and long-termsustainment, the latest developments suggest that China is steadilynarrowing the gap with established fifth-generation naval aviationoperators.
In strategic terms, the footage serves both technical and signallingpurposes. Domestically, it demonstrates industrial progress and aerospaceself-reliance, while internationally it projects confidence in China’sability to field advanced combat aircraft at scale. Although fulloperational capability may still be years away, the first joint flight ofnewly manufactured J-35s marks a clear inflection point, transforming theaircraft from an ambitious project into an emerging component of China’sfuture air and naval power.
Source:https://www.scmp.com
Tags: China, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, J-35 Fighter, People’sLiberation Army Navy
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