China’s air force is preparing to officially unveil its new stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, providing observers with their first glimpse of a highly anticipated addition to the nation’s rapidly expanding military capabilities.

An image of the fighter was shared during a press conference held by the air force on Tuesday, and it is scheduled to be showcased at an air show in Zhuhai next week, according to officials.

The development of this jet is largely viewed as part of Beijing’s efforts to compete with the United States in terms of stealth fighter technology, as it seeks to modernize its military and assert its influence in Asia.

According to a report from a military-affiliated Chinese outlet, the J-35A is primarily designed for air combat operations but is also capable of conducting air-to-surface attacks.

If the aircraft enters operational service, it would position China as the second nation, following the United States, to possess two distinct types of stealth fighter jets, as noted by experts referenced in Chinese state media.

China’s J-20 stealth fighter was introduced into service in 2017, as reported at that time.

Stealth fighters are engineered to avoid detection by radar and other surveillance systems, allowing them to carry out missions without being noticed or intercepted.

According to Chinese military expert Li Li, speaking to state broadcaster CCTV, the J-35 is expected to be developed as a series and may eventually serve as carrier-based aircraft. This advancement would significantly enhance the overall capabilities of China’s maritime and aerial combat forces.

The introduction of this fighter comes on the heels of what analysts from Janes, a global open-source intelligence firm, have characterized as China’s reinforcement of its forward theater commands with additional J-20 aircraft.

Between July 2023 and June of this year, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has incorporated over 70 J-20s, raising its operational fleet to around 195, as reported by Janes earlier this year.

The timeline for the J-35A fighter’s entry into military service and its potential deployment locations remain uncertain.

The limited information available about the fighter thus far complicates comparisons with other stealth aircraft, such as the US F-22 and F-35.

Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center, indicated that the J-35A, which has been under development for over a decade, is likely designed for the PLA Navy.

“The J-35 had its first flight in 2021, but since it is based on an earlier prototype, it could enter production as early as next year,” Schuster noted, suggesting that the J-35A model has likely enhanced the previous design with more advanced engines.

China’s pursuit of stealth fighter technology has faced ongoing allegations of intellectual property theft from the US.

Beijing has firmly rejected these accusations, which gained attention following the 2015 release of documents by German magazine Der Spiegel, allegedly from NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.

According to a Chinese military-affiliated source, the J-35A is a “new type of stealth fighter jet independently developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).”

The J-35A is not the only new technology set to be unveiled at the upcoming airshow in Zhuhai, scheduled for November 12 to 17.

Col. Niu Wenbo from the air force’s equipment department announced that the H-19 surface-to-air missile system and new “reconnaissance and strike” UAVs will also make their public debut.

Additionally, CCTV has reported that Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter will participate in the airshow for the first time, alongside equipment from 49 different countries and regions.