This article is written by Major (r) Haroon Rasheed.
China’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter program continues to evolve with the development of the Shenyang J-35, a cutting-edge stealth aircraft aimed at rivaling Western designs such as the American F-35. With its twin-engine configuration, low-observable features, and carrier compatibility, the J-35 is set to become a core component of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) air wing. An export-oriented variant, referred to as the J-35A, has also attracted international interest — notably from Pakistan.
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Development and Design
The J-35, also known in earlier design stages as the FC-31 or J-31, is a fifth-generation, twin-engine, single-seat multirole stealth fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), a subsidiary of AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China). Unlike the Chengdu J-20, which serves primarily with the PLA Air Force, the J-35 is being developed for carrier-based operations, likely destined for China’s latest aircraft carrier, the Type 003 Fujian.
Key Features
Stealth Design: Low radar cross-section with internal weapons bays
Engines: New-generation WS-21 engines, a derivative of WS-13, replacing Russian RD-93
Multirole Capability
Designed for both air superiority and strike missions
Carrier Adaptation
Reinforced landing gear and tail hook for catapult launches
Flight testing has been ongoing since 2021, and a new prototype featuring a redesigned canopy and airframe was spotted in 2022, indicating the aircraft is nearing pre-production or low-rate initial production (LIRP) phases.
Export Variant: The J-35A
The J-35A is the designation commonly associated with the potential export version of the aircraft. While China has not officially named or offered the fighter to global markets under this name, it is widely speculated in defense circles to be a toned-down version of the J-35 tailored for foreign customers. As with most Chinese defense exports, the export variant may have downgraded sensors, data links, and electronic warfare systems to comply with arms control agreements and protect domestic military advantages.
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Speculations About Pakistan’s Acquisition
Media Reports and Reality Check
Several defense media outlets have reported that Pakistan may receive the J-35A by the end of the year as part of its strategic partnership with China. However, these claims are largely speculative and not backed by official confirmations from Chinese or Pakistani defense authorities.
Factors to Consider
No Mass Production Yet: As of mid-2025, serial production of the J-35 has not started. The fighter remains in advanced prototype and testing stages.
Carrier Deployment Prioritized
China is focused on integrating the J-35 with its Fujian-class aircraft carrier, suggesting that domestic needs will take precedence over exports.
PLAAF Not Yet an Operator
The aircraft has not yet been inducted even into China’s own air or naval forces, further casting doubt on near-term export prospects.
Strategic Context
Despite the logistical and developmental hurdles, Pakistan’s interest in acquiring fifth-generation capabilities is genuine and long-term. If delivered in the future, the J-35A would complement Pakistan’s existing fleet of JF-17 fighters and J-10CE jets, further enhancing its aerial capabilities in the face of evolving regional threats.
Pakistan has no fifth-generation fighter programs of its own, and China remains its primary defense partner, making a potential J-35A acquisition feasible in the medium to long term — possibly in the early 2030s.
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Conclusion
While the J-35 represents a significant milestone in China’s aerospace ambitions, its export version — the J-35A — is still a distant prospect for nations like Pakistan. Although strong defense cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad continues, a 2025 delivery appears unlikely due to the ongoing developmental status and domestic priorities surrounding the aircraft.
However, the J-35’s eventual export could reshape regional air power dynamics, especially if acquired by countries with close defense ties to China. For now, Pakistan’s path toward a fifth-generation air force remains aspirational — but not out of reach.
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This article is written by Major (r) Haroon Rasheed.
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