On July 6, 2025, the Internet first released images of the Chinese Air Force's J-35A stealth fighter being equipped, which means that the Chinese Air Force has now formed a unit with both J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, forming a dual fifth-generation mixed force. This is the only military force in the world that simultaneously operates two types of fifth-generation fighters, the J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters. Previously, the U.S. Air Force's F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters were not equipped this way, because the combat capability, informatization level, etc., of the F-22 stealth fighter differ greatly from that of the F-35 fighter, making it impossible to mix them. In contrast, the J-20 and J-35 fighters have relatively small differences, both being information-based fifth-generation fighters, system fighters, and the J-20 and its predecessor, the FC-31, had their first flight just one year apart, so there is no technical gap between them.

Screen capture of the report by the U.S. media "Military Observer" on July 6, 2025

The deployment of the J-35A stealth fighter in the Chinese Air Force immediately attracted attention from the United States. The U.S. media, "Military Observer," reported on July 6, 2025, stating: "The J-35A has entered service in the Chinese Air Force. The J-35 and J-20 were developed simultaneously to provide a high-low configuration of aircraft. The J-20 joined the air force in 2017, becoming the world's first fifth-generation combat fighter developed outside the United States. Since then, its performance has been significantly improved, with annual production increasing to over 100 units. The J-35 made its first flight in 2012, only one year after the J-20, but its future development prospects are not as certain. Initially, it was expected to be produced exclusively for export and as a carrier-based model for the Chinese Navy."

J-20A and J-35A stealth fighters start mixed deployment

"The J-35 is believed to use many of the same technologies as the J-20, including distributed aperture systems, advanced data links and sensors, providing a very high level of situational awareness, as well as advanced radar-absorbing coatings to complement the low radar cross-section of its body. However, this fighter is limited by its much smaller size, which limits the J-35 to operating at shorter distances and carrying smaller radars and lower weapon loads." "The more traditional layout also contrasts sharply with the J-20's unique canard design, which gives this large aircraft very high maneuverability at all speeds." "The main advantage of the J-35 is that its procurement and operational costs may be far lower than those of the J-20, and its maintenance requirements are almost certainly far less than those of heavy fighters, allowing for the deployment of more units at a lower cost."

The J-35A fighter has officially entered service in the Chinese Air Force

The U.S. "Military Observer" website stated: "The mass production of the J-35 makes China the first country in the world to produce two fifth-generation fighters simultaneously. Two complementary sixth-generation fighters are being developed in parallel at Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, and they made their debut in the flight prototype stage in December 2024. This means that the next generation of fighters will also replicate this development model, as these fighters are planned to be put into service in the early 2030s. The future of the J-35 in the Chinese Air Force still has many uncertainties, and the procurement speed and production scale are unclear, but it may be far less than that of the J-20." "It is expected that the range of the J-35 can match the longest-range fighter in the Western world, the F-15, and far exceed the only currently produced fifth-generation fighter in the West, the F-35."

U.S. media gave no face to the F-35 fighter, believing that the J-35 fighter surpasses the F-35 fighter

Now, it is almost certain that the number of J-20 stealth fighters exceeds 300. Now, with the explosive development of the J-35 fighter, within no more than two years, the number of stealth fighters in China will definitely exceed 500. It is certain that the J-35A stealth fighter is relatively inexpensive. Assuming the J-35A is a reduced version of the J-20, its maintenance cost is also certainly lower. Originally, it was thought that the J-35A stealth fighter is a standard fifth-generation fighter, but some features are highly advanced. The J-20A and J-20S are considered fifth-generation half, also serving as a high-low configuration.

The J-35A fighter will achieve three models (air force, navy, foreign trade)

From our perspective, with the explosive development of fifth-generation fighters, the time frame for unifying Taiwan Province is not important. First, the "military unification" time frame of 2027 is set by Americans, with the premise that the U.S. military and American strength can rebound by 2027. Now, this major premise has disappeared. A large number of new weapons and equipment projects of the U.S. military have been delayed or canceled, while China has a large number of new equipment entering service or being exposed ahead of schedule. Now, the disparity in strength between the two sides is irreversible. Any time is our window period for unification, and the window is getting larger!

The Chinese Air Force simultaneously possesses five types of stealth fighters: J-20 basic type, J-20A, J-20S, J-35, and J-35A

In the future, the Chinese Air Force is likely to have a batch of operational units based in specific locations, becoming synthetic units capable of operating and supporting multiple advanced aircraft. It's really surreal. We already have fifth-generation half fighters in service. Yet, even second-generation fighters like the J-7 and J-8 haven't been retired yet. However, these J-7 and J-8 fighters of the Chinese Air Force are about to be retired. The J-35 and J-20A stealth fighters of the Chinese Air Force are both fifth-generation half, and there is a reason to prioritize their deployment to elite units, making the sharp edge even sharper. The Chinese Air Force simultaneously possesses five types of stealth fighters: J-20 basic type, J-20A, J-20S, J-35, and J-35A, which are the most outstanding tactical aircraft in terms of stealth performance in human history. This brings strong confidence, a confidence that looks down on all aerial forces around the world!

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7523921708860834323/

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