China unveils its new fifth-generation fighter, the J-35A: Can it match the power of the US F-35?

China It presented its latest model of stealth fighter aircraft on Tuesday. This is the J-35A fighter, which represents a significant advance in the expansion of the Asian giant’s military capabilities. In design, it resembles Lockheed Martin’s F-35, the most modern fighter jet in the world. USA. Not only that, its development is seen as part of Beijing’s attempt to match the power of the most advanced American warplanes.

He J-35A fifth-generation fighter had its maiden flight in the 15th International Aviation Fair Zhuhaiin the southern province of Canton.

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According to the American newspaper The Washington Post, the aircraft is capable of evade radar detection and attack enemy targets at supersonic speeds.

The J-35A represents a significant addition to the arsenal of Chinawhich already operate the J-20 fighter since 2017 and which is larger and heavier than the new model.

Now China and the United States are the only countries capable of using multiple modern stealth aircraftChinese military experts stated in their country’s state media.

The Washington Post reported that the J-35A was developed for a decade by the state China Aviation Industry Corporation and shares multiple characteristics with F-35.

Military analysts describe it as a combat aircraft adaptable to numerous roles in a conflict, the American newspaper noted.

The name by which it is designated, J-35Areflects how the model is “focused on” the F-35 and it will be “a piece of cake” surpass the American model in one-on-one combat, said Song Xinzhi, a Chinese military commentator in an interview with local media.

Not all the characteristics of the J-35A. But it is known that It is designed to operate from the Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrierwhich uses an electromagnetic catapult system, an advanced technology that will allow it to take off with greater loads of weapons.

Its payload capacity is estimated at more than 8,100 kilos. Its weapons would include short and medium range missiles such as the PL-10 and PL-12.

According to experts, its development focused on naval and export use, something that could expand China’s influence in the international military arena.

How does it compare to the American F-35?

The scant details revealed so far also make it difficult to compare with other stealth fighters, including the US F-22 and F-35.

According to the Spanish portal The reason, While the F-35 has a single engine, the J-35A has two, which could provide greater thrust capacity in combat situations.

Besides, The design of the J-35A is slimmer and more streamlined, while the F-35 has a more robust structure.

However, La Razón notes, the images of the Chinese plane do not reveal much about its actual performance in terms of propulsion, electronic systems and stealth properties.

Add that The J-35A is expected to reach a top speed of Mach 2.0which is faster than that of the F-35, at Mach 1.6.

This speed advantage gives the J-35A a superiority in certain types of combat scenarios, particularly in intercepting targets at high speeds, says La Razón.

The F-35 excels in areas such as range and versatility. It can fly at a distance of up to 2,220 kilometers, compared to 1,200 kilometers for the J-35A. Thus, the American fighter is ideal for long range operations and deep strike missions. Both aircraft can be refueled in flight.

A world class fighting force

As the Washington Post notes, the International Aviation Fair Zhuhai is a milestone for President Xi Jinping’s ambitious planswho aims to form a world-class fighting force by 2050.

To achieve this, Xi has pushed the defense industry to invest decisively in cutting-edge technologies.

Chinese manufacturers have produced large quantities of ships, fighter planes, missiles and drones to support Beijing’s extensive territorial claims and send a warning to the United States and its allies, the Washington Post maintained.

Between July 2023 and June of this year, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force inducted more than 70 J-20 fighters, bringing the force’s operational fleet to 195, according to a report published earlier this year. .

It has not been confirmed when the new J-35A fighter will enter into operation and where it will be deployed.

“Zhuhai certainly exhibits China’s growing technological capabilities to potential adversaries, and, of course, the US is at the top of that list.”he told the American newspaper Collin Kohan advocacy expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.