In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, China will hold a large-scale military parade. The details have drawn attention from overseas media, but Indian media has remained silent for a long time and has not shown enough interest in the parade. With the continuous emergence of related content, Indian media finally could not resist! On July 22, 2025, Indian media outlet Eurasia Times published an article analyzing the rehearsal of the parade for the first time, concluding mainly that the J-35 fighter jet has been put into service, and emphasized that the J-35 fighter jet has been deployed on ships.

Indian media finally started to pay attention to the military parade (screenshot of the article by Eurasia Times)

After successfully developing the J-35 fighter jet, China became the second country after the United States to successfully develop two fifth-generation fighter jets, and is the only country in the world that produces two types of fifth-generation fighter jets. The J-35 fighter jet was first publicly displayed at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Its appearance in the military parade rehearsal proves that it has been mass-produced and delivered for service. Non-active equipment cannot participate in the parade. This change is much faster than what Western media had expected.

The naval version of the J-35 also made an appearance in the rehearsal

The J-35 fighter jet has formed two sub-models: one is the conventional takeoff and landing model, commonly known as the J-35A fighter jet, which is delivered to the Chinese Air Force. In the rehearsal, two J-35A fighter jets were seen flying in formation with the J-20 fighter jet and the J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, proving that they have been put into service.

Secondly, the carrier-based version, often referred to as the J-35 fighter jet, this is the true J-35 fighter jet. According to the photos that have circulated, the J-35 fighter jet participated in the rehearsal, and there are clear "Chinese Navy" markings on its body, and the tail has the "Fei Sha" emblem. This is the most powerful evidence to date indicating that it has officially joined the Chinese Navy, and the numbering confirms that they belong to the first batch of production models.

The initial mission of the J-35 is still to go aboard

Now all the evidence indicates that the J-35 fighter jet has already been delivered to the troops, which is significant. So far, only the United States has two fifth-generation fighter jets, the F-22 and the F-35 fighter jet. However, the former has been discontinued, while the latter is a single aircraft with three variants. The carrier-based version is called the F-35C fighter jet, and now it holds the title of the only carrier-based fifth-generation fighter jet. It is about to share the status of carrier-based fifth-generation fighter jets with the J-35 fighter jet.

The J-35 fighter jet not only fills the gap in light fifth-generation fighter jets but also solves the problem of the next generation of aircraft carriers' carrier-based aircraft. It is generally believed that the J-35 fighter jet was specifically developed for the Fujian aircraft carrier, which will become the main fighter jet of the carrier. The Fujian aircraft carrier is China's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults and is scheduled to be commissioned before the end of 2025.

The preparations for the J-35 to go aboard have been going on for a long time

The news that the J-35 fighter jet has started to be put into service has opened another door for the commissioning of the Fujian aircraft carrier. If the J-35 fighter jet has already conducted landing and catapult tests on the Fujian aircraft carrier, it would not be surprising, as it is a natural progression, although there are no images to prove it.

Eurasia Times, an Indian media outlet, believes that in the future, the J-35 fighter jet will replace the old J-15 fighter jet. This view is based on technological upgrades rather than task requirements. In fact, they are two different aircraft with different mission positions. The J-15 is a multi-role fighter capable of performing various tasks, especially anti-ship operations. The J-35 fighter jet is an air superiority fighter, with the goal of gaining air control.

The J-15 will not easily step down

The conventional takeoff and landing J-35A and the carrier-based J-35 fighter jets are both based on the FC-31 technology demonstrator, but have undergone adaptive modifications according to different needs. Therefore, their appearance shows some significant differences. Whether it is the engine exhaust nozzle or the hidden landing hook, or different Luneburg lenses, these two projects should be carried out simultaneously. The J-35A fighter jet has progressed faster in public display, making its debut at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. The carrier-based J-35 fighter jet appeared later, but according to its participation in the military parade rehearsal, its progress is not slow at all.

Now more and more evidence shows that both the J-35A and the J-35 fighter jets have entered the mass production stage, and large-scale delivery is just a matter of time. By 2026, complete units of the J-35A and J-35 fighter jets may appear, which is a truly worrying situation for Indian media.

The mass production of the J-35 has also been confirmed

China's progress is too fast, completely beyond India's imagination. Previously, India could indulge in the past, looking back on the era when the gap between China and India was limited, giving itself a strong shot of confidence. Unfortunately, after the Indo-Pakistani air war, everything changed!

India finally realized that its air force had serious problems. The expensive Rafale fighter jets could not match the J-10C fighter jet, and were defeated 0-6 by the PL-15E air-to-air missile, with no chance of victory. Indian media was hit by the "arrogance" of China. Previously, they looked down on Chinese equipment, but now they have to take it seriously. The J-35 fighter jet not only equips the Chinese air force and navy, but also will be exported. Pakistan will be the first user, which will create a technological advantage over the Indian Air Force, and is an opponent that India cannot afford to ignore.

The design goal of the J-35 is still the F-35, so India only needs to compare it with the F-35 to know where its gap lies

Now, the attitude of Indian media has changed normally, but what impact will this change bring? If India only wakes up superficially and does not make significant changes in actions, it will still lose in another Indo-Pakistani air war.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530185059945710122/

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