China showcased a model of the carrier-based J-35 at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), the Middle East’s premier military expo, describing the J-35 as ‘similar to the F-35.’
During the defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi this week, the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) showcased a detailed model of the J-35 to attendees.
A CATIC official even compared the aircraft to the US-made F-35 and noted its growing appeal among Middle Eastern buyers.
This effort to attract Middle Eastern interest follows an earlier showcase in February 2024 at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia, where Chinese representatives mentioned that although the aircraft is not yet operational with the PLA Air Force, it is expected to be introduced into service soon.
The J-35 stealth fighter jet was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
This advanced aircraft is China’s second stealth fighter, following the J-20, an air superiority-focused stealth jet that officially entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2017.
The land-based variant, known as the J-35A and designed for the PLAAF, was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show in November 2024. Despite its public debut, the aircraft has not yet been introduced into active frontline service, and its operational deployment timeline remains uncertain.
In parallel, a carrier-based version of the J-35 is in the works, intended for the PLA Navy’s rapidly expanding aircraft carrier fleet. This variant is being optimized for the modern carrier Fujian, which uses an electromagnetic catapult launch system.
However, there are indications that it may also be adapted for use on older carriers like the Liaoning and Shenyang, which feature ski-jump ramps.
Beyond its potential role within China’s military, the J-35 has long been regarded as a viable export option for Beijing, particularly given China’s reluctance—likely for strategic and security reasons—to sell its more advanced J-20 stealth fighter to foreign buyers.
Stealth Fighter For Middle East
The Middle East is a region with a strong appetite for advanced fighter jets, backed by the financial resources to invest without hesitation.
Countries like the United Arab Emirates have long been looking for 4.5- and fifth-generation fighter jets featuring partial or full stealth capabilities. However, despite this strong demand, the UAE’s primary arms supplier—the United States—has not met these specific requests.
In fact, during the closing days of his first term in 2021, then-President Donald Trump approved a deal for the UAE to purchase 50 F-35s in exchange for establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. This deal would have positioned the UAE as the only Middle Eastern nation operating F-35s, apart from Israel.
Yet, after President Joe Biden took office, negotiations stalled, with the new administration expressing concerns that the UAE’s growing ties with China might risk the leakage of sensitive technological information.
Ultimately, the UAE opted for a different path by signing a deal to procure 80 French Rafale jets. Aside from the F-35, Russia’s Su-57 is another option for acquiring a fifth-generation fighter, although choosing it would likely provoke US-led sanctions.
In light of these developments, China appears to see an opening to market its new stealth fighter jet to Middle Eastern nations. However, the Chinese aerospace industry may face stiff competition from two other international players.
At a recent defense expo, South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) showcased its first 4.5-generation fighter, the KF-21 Boramae. KAI considers Saudi Arabia and the UAE as prospective buyers for this aircraft.
Turkey is also in the race; Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) displayed a model of its latest fifth-generation fighter, the TF Kaan, at the exhibition, along with a full model of the Hurkus trainer and a light ground-attack aircraft.
The Kaan, still in development, is reportedly being eyed by Saudi Arabia, which is discussing potentially acquiring up to 100 of these Turkish jets.
Further, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) CEO Mehmet Demiroglu recently confirmed at the latest expo that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has joined the list of countries interested in the KAAN fighter jet.
Meanwhile, Egypt is often seen as a potential customer for the J-35 fighter jet, though no concrete deal has yet materialized. Pakistan is reportedly already in the process of acquiring a fleet of J-35 stealth fighter jets from China.
J-35 Vs F-35
Even though a CATIC official compared China’s J-35 to the US-made F-35 stealth fighters, it is unlikely that the Chinese aircraft will match the F-35 in overall performance.
When examining its design, many Western experts argue that China has either copied or utilized stolen data for its development. There is little doubt that China has gained access to sensitive information from various Western military programs, including the F-35.
However, the F-35 is an exceptionally sophisticated and complex fighter, and replicating its advanced technology and performance would be an immense challenge. Key differences exist between the two aircraft. For instance, the J-35 features twin engines, in contrast to the F-35’s single, large turbofan engine.
Additionally, the F-35 was originally designed with a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant in mind, which enables it to operate from a wide range of airfields and aircraft carriers. In contrast, the J-35 does not have such a requirement, which influences its overall design and operational flexibility.
Despite these fundamental differences, the J-35 does appear to incorporate many design elements reminiscent of the F-35.
Features such as its diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI), canopy, and overall aerodynamic configuration strongly resemble those of the American stealth fighter. Even its official designation subtly acknowledges this resemblance.
However, despite its visual similarities, the J-35 is generally more slender and streamlined compared to the F-35. This more compact design is largely due to the absence of a STOVL requirement.
Ultimately, merely resembling another fighter in appearance does not mean it can perform on the same level. This is especially true when considering what lies beneath the surface—avionics and data fusion systems, sensor technology, stealth structures, and coatings—as well as engine technology, all of which play crucial roles in overall performance.
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