As showed on CCTV footage, China launched its 5th Generation J-35AE jet in the stealth fighter jets market. The new variant of the Chinese aircraft J-35 CLOUD DRAGON, developed by AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China), is designed for export to non-Western countries. Pakistan is one of the potential customers targeted by the new development, given its interest in acquiring up to 40 of these aircraft, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).Combined with Chinese ISR, J-35AEs could be used to penetrate gaps in India’s air defenses to strike deep, including against nuclear-linked targets.

The J-35 platform, which Beijing presented in 2021 and began flying in September 2023, is advertised as equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, high maneuverability, and the ability to operate in highly contested environments. Like the F-35, which it resembles in appearance except for the fact it is equipped with 2 engines, the J-35AE is designed and built to enhance stealthiness. It includes the integration of sensors and weapons internally, thus eliminating the need for external hardpoints that would compromise its radar signature. The J-35AE joins the 2 other existing variants of the J-35: the CLOUD DRAGON, the conventional one of the model, already in service in China with the PLAAF, and the J-35 BLUE SHARK, which is the Navy variant developed for carrier operations, equipped with a reinforced landing gear, including 2 front wheels, an arresting hook, and folding wings. According to the American media, more than 57 aircraft of the various J-35 variants have been built.

At the present, footage shown on CCTV highlighted design features such as an internally integrated electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), suggesting that the new Chinese aircraft is a mature, combat-ready platform suitable for export.

Follow us on Telegram, Facebook and X.