What Is the J-35? China’s Carrier-Capable 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter
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The Shenyang J-35 is China’s second fifth-generation fighter. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
The J-35 is a twin-engine, fifth-generation, multirole stealth fighter developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). Derived from the FC-31 “Gyrfalcon” demonstrator, it comes in two forms: the land-based J-35A and the carrier-based J-35. This makes China the second nation, after the United States, to field two distinct stealth fighter types and a carrier-capable stealth jet. This page covers the J-35’s specs, variants, how it compares to the F-35 and J-20, and its export prospects.
On this page: what the J-35 is, specs, J-35 vs J-35A variants, comparison with F-35/J-20/Su-57/KAAN, export and Pakistan, manufacturer and assessment.
What is the J-35?
The J-35 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter built around low observability, sensor fusion and internal weapons carriage. Unlike the single-engine F-35, the J-35 is twin-engine and sits in the medium-weight class.
It evolved from Shenyang’s privately funded FC-31 / J-31 “Gyrfalcon” demonstrator. The matured design was adopted both by the PLA Air Force (J-35A) and the PLA Navy (J-35) for China’s new carriers.
The J-35’s closest counterpart as a carrier-based stealth fighter is the F-35C. It also forms a “high-low” pairing with China’s heavy J-20. The table below is a near-class comparison, not exact equivalence.
Criterion
J-35 (China)
F-35C (USA)
J-20 (China)
Su-57 (Russia)
KAAN (Türkiye)
Maker
Shenyang
Lockheed Martin
Chengdu
Sukhoi
TUSAŞ
Engines
2
1
2
2
2
First flight
2012 (FC-31)
2010
2011
2010
2024
Service
J-35A: 2025
2019
2017
~2020
target ~2028
Carrier-capable
Yes (J-35)
Yes
No
No
No
Role
Medium multirole
Naval multirole
Heavy superiority
Multirole
Multirole
Stealth
Full airframe
Full + sensor fusion
Front-sector focus
Partial
Target
Export
Pakistan (potential)
19+ nations
None
Beginning
Türkiye only
Assessment: the J-35 targets the same naval-stealth niche as the F-35C, sitting below the J-20 in the medium class with its twin-engine layout. Su-57 emphasizes maneuver and J-20 range/superiority, while the J-35 stands out for carrier compatibility and export flexibility.
Export and Pakistan
Since its FC-31 origins, Shenyang has marketed the jet for export. Press reports indicate Pakistan has signalled interest in acquiring the J-35A (reports around 40 aircraft). If realized, the J-35 would become the first exported carrier-compatible stealth class outside the U.S. and would shift the regional balance.
Manufacturer: Shenyang / AVIC
The J-35 is built by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), part of China’s state aviation giant AVIC. Engines were initially tested with Russian-derived RD-93/WS-13 units; series production targets the indigenous WS-19 “Huang Shan”.
Frequently asked questions
What is the J-35?
The J-35 is a twin-engine, fifth-generation, multirole stealth fighter developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Derived from the FC-31 demonstrator, it has land-based (J-35A) and carrier-based (J-35) variants.
What is the difference between the J-35 and F-35?
The clearest difference is engine count: the F-35 is single-engine, the J-35 twin-engine. The F-35 leads in sensor fusion and allied integration; the J-35 fills China’s carrier-based stealth need and is medium-weight.
Is the J-35 in service?
The land-based J-35A was publicly unveiled in 2024 and reportedly began entering PLAAF service around 2025. The carrier-based J-35 is being prepared for China’s newest aircraft carriers.
How does the J-35 differ from the J-20?
The J-20 is a heavy, long-range air-superiority fighter; the J-35 is smaller, medium-class and carrier-capable. Together they form China’s “high-low” fifth-generation pairing.
Which countries will operate the J-35?
The main operator is China (PLAAF and Navy). In exports, Pakistan has reportedly shown interest in the J-35A.
