China's new J-35

China’s J-35 Stealth Fighter: A New F-35 Rival?

In this detailed analysis, we explore the development and debut of China's new fifth-generation fighter—the J-35. Once dismissed as a dead-end project, the FC-31 has re-emerged in a more advanced form as the J-35A, making its first public appearance at the 2024 Zhuhai Air Show. This video breaks down everything currently known about the aircraft, including its design evolution, capabilities, and strategic role in China's military modernization.

Key topics include:
• Evolution from the J-31 to the J-35A
• Variants: J-35A (land-based), J-31B (carrier-based), possible J-31C and J-35S (twin-seat)
• Radar, avionics, and stealth technology
• Comparison with the F-35 and global export ambitions
• Powerplant performance and limitations of the WS-19 engine
• Role within the PLA’s high-low mix strategy alongside the J-20
• Assessment of current sensor fusion, EOTS, and networked warfare capability

While the J-35 may not yet rival the F-35 in terms of advanced sensor systems and global support infrastructure, it represents a serious effort by China to field a stealth multirole fighter that balances cost, stealth, and operational versatility.

CONTENT
00:00 Intro
01:33 Background to the J-35
03:17 FC-31
03:48 J35A
04:21 J31B
05:45 J-31C
06:48 J-35S
07:35 Armament
08:46 Performance
13:55 Competing with western designs
21:34 The future

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Original footage and recreated scenes (using DCS, War Thunder, etc) may not be 100% accurate to the event being described but has been used for dramatic effect. This is because there may not have been original footage of a particular event available, or copyright prevents us from showing it. Our aim is to be as historically true as we can be given the materials available.

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