In the camera of CCTV, the belly of the J-35 model shows six missiles neatly arranged in the weapons bay. This image not only demonstrates a significant improvement in the firepower of China's stealth fighter jets, but also seems to quietly tell us that a major transformation in missile technology has quietly begun.

Previously, people thought that medium-sized stealth fighters, limited by the size of their weapons bays, could carry at most four medium-range missiles. However, the CCTV footage clearly shows that the J-35 fighter jet has a weapons bay under its belly, which is divided into two smaller bays by a partition. Each smaller bay can hold three missiles, so in total, it can carry six long-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles.

This design completely changes the old perception about the weapon-carrying capacity of medium-sized stealth fighters. Previously, many military enthusiasts believed that the weapons bay under the belly of the J-35 was not large enough to carry more than four PL-15 air-to-air missiles.

However, this breakthrough may have two technological approaches. Either Chinese researchers have made new developments in the miniaturization of solid-fuel air-to-air missile engines, or they are using the PL-15E missile with foldable wings, or a new type of PL-16 missile.

The J-35 can be equipped with PL-15, PL-16, or PL-17 missiles. Among them, the PL-17 has been previously reported to have a range exceeding 400 kilometers and can only be mounted under the wings.

The design concept of the J-35 focusing on beyond-visual-range combat capability is closely related to China's understanding of future air warfare. In the India-Pakistan air battle in May 2025, the Pakistani Air Force used the Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets and PL-15E missiles, achieving an impressive 6:0 victory, all completed in beyond-visual-range conditions.

This air battle clearly shows the direction of modern air warfare: now, beyond-visual-range combat is becoming increasingly popular and gradually becoming the mainstream tactic. When designing the J-35, the focus was on enhancing beyond-visual-range combat capabilities, while simplifying the close-combat configuration. This is actually following the trend of modern air warfare.

The design of the J-35 carrier-based aircraft aims to meet the equipment needs of the Chinese Navy's carrier-based aviation forces for stealth fighter jets. It mainly takes charge of air defense missions, firmly controlling air superiority in the sea area around the aircraft carrier fleet.

To successfully complete this most critical task, it is necessary to plan the weapon configuration carefully. Just like how the Chinese Navy's aircraft carrier fleet carries out anti-sea attacks, the weapon configuration must revolve around the mission requirements. The main task is assigned to the J-15 and the catapult version J-15T carrier-based fighter jets, which can carry the "Yingji" series of anti-ship missiles and anti-radiation missiles on their wings.

The value of the J-35 lies in its role as a "pathfinder" in system operations. It can penetrate the enemy's air defense zone by relying on low probability of intercept radar and advanced electronic warfare compatibility design, obtaining target data and transmitting it back to the aircraft carrier fleet.

Another point to note is that China's new long-range missiles may also be equipped with infrared guidance heads. The technology for launching infrared-guided missiles from the J-35 has undergone a fundamental change. Instead of the missile's infrared guidance head needing to first acquire the target, the missile can be launched first and then guided through a data link, allowing the missile to finally acquire the target.

This change in launch mode greatly improves tactical flexibility and kill probability. Even if the opponent implements electronic jamming, infrared-guided missiles can still effectively track the target's thermal signature.

China has already verified advanced infrared imaging guidance technology on near-range combat missiles such as the PL-10. Applying these technologies to long-range missiles is not a huge technological leap. From the 9.3 parade, we know that China is also developing unmanned "weapons bays" companions, each fighter jet can carry 2 to 4 stealth companions, each companion carrying at least 4 to 6 missiles. These domestically produced drone fighters are larger than the J-10, also equipped with the WS-10 engine, all have internal weapons bays, use tailless designs, have excellent stealth capabilities, and are all equipped with phased array radars, capable of carrying the PL series air-to-air missiles.

This manned-unmanned cooperative combat mode will completely change the form of future air warfare. The J-20 and J-35 will lead these air superiority drones to perform missions, and different tactics can be adopted against opponents of different levels.

In summary, with the integration of unmanned companion technology, artificial intelligence, and new missile technology, the Chinese Air Force is building a new operational system centered on beyond-visual-range strikes. In this system, the position of traditional close-range combat is declining, replaced by a new era of beyond-visual-range attacks and intelligent warfare.

The PL-15 once gave the Chinese Air Force an advantage in beyond-visual-range combat, and now, its possible successor will allow China to maintain its leading position in this aerial warfare technology revolution.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7556904158054400562/

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