USAF General Proposes That China’s New J-35A Fighter May Be a Copy of the F-35

In a frank evaluation of China’s latest fifth-generation stealth fighter, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David W. Allvin provided a critical analysis of the newly introduced J-35A, which was showcased at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai last November.

In an open interview with a prominent American defense magazine, General Allvin highlighted the notable similarities between the Chinese aircraft and the U.S. F-35, implying a significant design influence.

“It’s still relatively new,” General Allvin noted.

“However, it’s evident; if you place the J-35A alongside the F-35, you can clearly identify where we believe they (China) derived their design, so to speak,” he added openly.

The public debut of the J-35A at the Zhuhai airshow attracted considerable attention, with many analysts observing that its aerodynamic design closely resembles that of Lockheed Martin’s F-35, though a significant distinction is that the Chinese fighter features a twin-engine configuration, unlike the single-engine design of its American equivalent.

China’s ongoing reputation for reverse-engineering Western military technologies has once again come under scrutiny, although experts warn that visual similarities do not necessarily indicate equivalent performance, avionics capabilities, or combat effectiveness.

Concerns regarding Chinese cyber espionage were reignited following the release of classified documents by Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor, in 2015, which suggested Beijing’s involvement in the unauthorized acquisition of sensitive F-35 information.

According to the reports, Chinese cyber operatives are said to have infiltrated secure networks, gaining access to vital information regarding the design and systems of the F-35. Additional breaches are believed to have occurred as early as 2007, targeting subcontractors of Lockheed Martin.

The Chinese government has consistently denied allegations of intellectual property theft, labeling them as politically motivated efforts by the United States to escalate tensions.

The official unveiling of the J-35A at Airshow China 2024 represents a significant advancement in Chinese military aviation, providing a comprehensive view of a fighter that had previously been seen only in low-quality, unofficial photographs.

The strategic ramifications of the J-35A’s introduction are considerable, as this platform is anticipated to greatly enhance the combat airpower of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and extend Chinese influence in contested airspaces.

The arrival of the J-35A signifies Beijing’s broader ambition to compete with the United States in the development of fifth-generation fighters, as part of an extensive military modernization initiative aimed at closing the qualitative gap with Western air forces.

Chinese state defense media characterizes the J-35A as a multirole aircraft, capable of performing both air superiority and precision ground strike missions in all weather conditions.

With this advancement, China has joined the United States as the only country to operate two distinct fifth-generation stealth fighters, introducing the J-35A alongside its existing J-20 “Mighty Dragons.” In contrast, the U.S. fleet features the F-22 Raptor and the internationally utilized F-35 Lightning II, both regarded as standards in stealth fighter capabilities.

Recent high-resolution images of the J-35A reveal an Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), similar to that of the F-35, as well as a Radar Reflective Luneburg Lens located beneath the fuselage—elements commonly employed for calibration and enhancing stealth.

China has officially classified the J-35A as its land-based variant, while a naval version designed for aircraft carrier operations will keep the J-35 name, and the export model will be known as the FC-31.

Notable Chinese military analyst Wang Mingzhi describes the J-20 as a heavyweight stealth platform, whereas he places the J-35A in the medium-class stealth fighter category, likely tailored for more agile multirole missions.

A senior expert from the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, part of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has confirmed that the J-35 is designed to develop into a modular fighter family, featuring various configurations for both air force and naval applications.

The emergence of China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter is seen as a strategic shift, raising concerns within U.S. and allied defense circles. The United States has historically maintained unmatched superiority in fifth-generation stealth fighter technology, primarily through its F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II initiatives. The J-35A, with its sophisticated stealth architecture, twin-engine setup, and expanding multirole capabilities, marks China’s most significant effort to contest that supremacy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Should the J-35A demonstrate itself as a formidable competitor to the F-35, it may jeopardize the United States’ qualitative advantage in aerial combat, prompting the Pentagon to hasten the development and rollout of sixth-generation fighters as part of the NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) initiative.

With China deploying both the robust J-20 and the newly introduced medium-weight J-35A, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF) are poised to establish a dual-capable fifth-generation stealth force, enhancing their ability to project power both on land and at sea.

This development could shift the power dynamics in contested regions such as the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, increasing the risks faced by U.S. forward-deployed forces in locations like Japan and Guam, while complicating the contingency strategies of allied nations.

The J-35A, especially its carrier-capable versions, may empower China to extend fifth-generation air capabilities over Taiwan and adjacent waters from its expanding fleet of aircraft carriers, including the Fujian. This situation significantly narrows the strategic decision-making timeframe for Taiwan and its allies, compelling U.S. and Japanese military planners to prepare for stealth-enabled saturation assaults from various directions, particularly in scenarios involving a potential cross-strait invasion or blockade.

While detailed technical specifications are not fully available, several key performance metrics have surfaced through open-source intelligence and expert evaluations:

Design and Role:

The J-35A is a twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter crafted for both air superiority and ground-attack operations, marking China’s second fifth-generation aircraft after the J-20.

Speed:

It is reported that the J-35A can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.0, surpassing the F-35’s maximum speed of Mach 1.6, thus providing improved performance in high-speed interception tasks.

Engines:

Fitted with two high-thrust engines, the J-35A offers enhanced acceleration, redundancy, and superior maneuverability compared to its single-engine counterparts.

Stealth Features:

The fighter jet is equipped with cutting-edge low-observable technologies, such as a minimized radar cross-section design and internal weapon compartments, aimed at reducing the likelihood of detection and tracking by enemy radar systems.

Avionics and Sensors:

This aircraft boasts a sophisticated integrated avionics system along with an extensive array of sensors, all engineered to enhance the pilot’s situational awareness, improve threat detection, and facilitate target acquisition in contested airspace.

Variants:

Currently, there are three reported configurations: a land-based variant for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), a carrier-capable model for the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) designed for catapult-assisted launches, and a potential export version known as the FC-31.

The introduction of the J-35A marks a significant advancement in China’s stealth aviation capabilities, highlighting Beijing’s ambition to position itself as a formidable competitor to the United States in the evolving landscape of aerial combat.