ISLAMABAD: Fresh footage from early 2026 has unveiled a significantlyupgraded Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter prototype equipped with agroundbreaking flying boom aerial refueling interface marked by a prominentyellow dorsal marking. This development represents China’s firstintegration of the high-efficiency boom system on a fifth-generationplatform traditionally monopolized by the United States Air Force. ForPakistan which has long pursued advanced stealth capabilities the imminentinduction of this upgraded J-35 version could dramatically extend missionendurance and strategic reach in regional contested airspace creatingsuspense around how this technological leap will reshape South Asianairpower dynamics.
The flying boom system distinguished by its rigid telescoping tube enablesfuel transfer rates approximately double those of conventionalprobe-and-drogue methods employed across most global air forces includingChina’s current inventory. The yellow interface on the J-35’s upperfuselage facilitates precise alignment during refueling reducingvulnerability exposure time for the stealth aircraft. Analysts highlightthat this upgrade addresses critical limitations in extending the combatradius of low-observable fighters without relying on external fuel tanksthat compromise radar cross-section signatures. Recent CGTN analysis of thegreen-primed test aircraft confirms this as a deliberate evolution forenhanced mission flexibility.
Complementing the refueling breakthrough the upgraded J-35 incorporatesnext-generation WS-21 turbofan engines featuring serrated nozzles forreduced infrared detectability improved thrust-to-weight ratios andsuperior fuel efficiency. These powerplants mark a substantial advancementover earlier WS-13 interim solutions allowing potential supercruisecapability while preserving stealth characteristics. Combined with boomcompatibility this propulsion upgrade could increase the aircraft’soperational radius beyond 2000 kilometers on internal fuel alone enablingsustained operations over vast maritime or border theatres without frequenttanker support.
The J-35 family evolved from the FC-31 Gyrfalcon demonstrator which firstflew in 2012 as a privately funded export-oriented project by ShenyangAircraft Corporation. Serial production of both land-based J-35A andcarrier-capable variants has accelerated with coordinated flights ofproduction-standard aircraft observed in January 2026 near Shenyangfacilities. The platform’s dual variants position China as the only nationbesides the United States to field two distinct fifth-generation fightersalongside the heavier J-20. Electromagnetic catapult compatibilitydemonstrated on the Fujian carrier further underscores its maturity forhigh-intensity naval aviation roles.
Pakistan’s strategic interest in the upgraded J-35 stems from ongoingefforts to modernize its air force amid regional security challenges.Reports indicate Islamabad has pursued acquisition of up to 40 units withcustomized export variants potentially designated J-35E. Initial deliveriesspeculated for 2026-2027 would introduce true fifth-generation stealthsensor fusion and network-centric capabilities complementing existing J-10Cand JF-17 fleets. The boom refueling feature would allow seamlessintegration with future Chinese-supplied tankers enhancing endurance fordeep-penetration missions and deterrence posture.
Mastering boom refueling demands specialized tanker modifications crewtraining and doctrinal shifts areas where China invests through Y-20Uplatforms and expanding aerial logistics infrastructure. While the People’sLiberation Army Air Force and Navy have historically favoredprobe-and-drogue systems this transition signals intent to project airsuperiority across expanded domains. The J-35’s spine-mounted interfacerepresents a pioneering step for Chinese designs promising greaterefficiency in high-volume fuel transfers critical for long-range strikepackages.
Read Top Stories
The implications for Pakistan extend beyond immediate fleet enhancementpotentially narrowing qualitative gaps with neighboring air forces equippedwith advanced fourth-generation platforms. With pilot training reportedlyunderway and hardened infrastructure preparations the acquisition couldprovide a temporary edge until rival indigenous programs mature. Thisdevelopment underscores deepening Sino-Pakistani defence cooperation amidevolving global arms dynamics.
As production ramps up with Shenyang pledging doubled output over the nextfive years questions remain regarding precise performance parameterstimelines for full operational capability and integration challenges.Nevertheless the visible upgrades in engines and refueling technologyaffirm rapid progress in closing capability gaps with established aerospacepowers. The upgraded J-35 variant poised for Pakistan induction not onlybolsters individual platform survivability but also signals intent toreshape regional strategic calculations through superior reach andpersistence.
Source:https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-01-09/Unpacking-secrets-of-green-J-35-China-s-latest-stealth-fighter-1JNDH1S8WAw/p.html
Tags: China, J-35, Pakistan Air Force, Flying Boom, Stealth Fighterogimageimage-name
