[Military & Weapons Subsection] Author: Golden Bomber

Recently, according to relevant reports from foreign media, China seems to have started equipping the J-35 fighter jets, and it is reported that two models are being equipped simultaneously. The "Bulgarian Military Network" claims that the J-35A model will be equipped by the Chinese Air Force, while the J-35 naval version (currently without an official designation) will be equipped by the Chinese Navy. The latter is a carrier-based aircraft specially designed for aircraft carriers, which can directly enable the People's Liberation Army Navy's carrier strike group to enter the era of fifth-generation carrier-based aircraft, significantly narrowing the gap with the United States.

▲Imaginary illustration of J-35 on the carrier

Regarding these specific claims from foreign media, such as whether it has already "started equipping," the authenticity cannot be confirmed. However, their overall analysis direction is undoubtedly correct — the J-35 indeed has multiple versions and they are developing synchronously. As we all know, the J-35 made its first public appearance at the Zhuhai Airshow on November 12, 2024, designated as the J-35A, which will officially equip the Chinese Air Force and is the second fifth-generation fighter jet after the J-20 for the Chinese Air Force. The positioning of the J-35A is as a medium-sized stealth multi-role fighter, primarily focusing on air superiority operations but also capable of performing ground and sea attack missions, possessing the general advantage of fifth-generation fighters over fourth-generation fighters in terms of "earlier detection and earlier engagement."

▲Foreign media reports delivery of J-35

Compared to the heavy twin-engine fifth-generation stealth fighter J-20, there are obvious differences in positioning and function between the J-35A and the J-20: the J-20 has stronger long-range air superiority combat capabilities, a longer range, and more prominent strategic strike capabilities. Its powerful stealth performance, weapons payload capability, and information advantage make it more oriented towards "breaking through defenses." While forming an aerial information and command node, it can effectively execute tasks such as suppressing enemy air defense missile systems, striking high-value targets, and serving as an airborne command center. As a medium-sized aircraft, the J-35A has better maneuverability, lower cost, and can be produced in larger numbers. Its range and payload are smaller than those of the J-20, making it clearly more suitable for close-range air combat and precise strikes against ground and sea targets, and better suited for frequent sorties. In future missions, the two will assist each other in a "high-low pairing" manner.

▲J-35

The navy version of the J-35 currently does not have an official designation, but both domestic and international media confirm its existence. Unlike the air force version, the carrier-based J-35 needs adjustments in terms of carrier adaptability. For example, the landing gear structure must be strengthened to withstand the high-intensity impact during takeoff and arrested landings. The wings must be foldable to save space on the carrier deck and in the hangar. A tailhook must be installed for carrier landings. Better coatings should be used to adapt to the characteristics of high humidity, high salinity, and high corrosiveness at sea, etc.

The J-35, as the world's second fifth-generation carrier-based aircraft, is often compared to the US F-35C carrier-based aircraft. In fact, the task positioning of the two is quite different, naturally affecting specific performance. The US Navy has been dominating globally for many years, so for a long time, it has not considered securing regional maritime air superiority as its top priority. In the main operational scenarios of US aircraft carriers, their mission is to sail to others' coasts and deliver large amounts of bombs through carrier-based aircraft for "ground strikes." To ensure this strategy is executed smoothly, the F-35C carrier-based aircraft has average stealth capability, a bulky body, and a large bomb bay, capable of carrying a large amount of ground-strike weapons. Even its main operating speed is concentrated in subsonic speeds, with supersonic speeds being quite extreme.

▲F-35C

The task of China's carrier strike group is obviously more inclined towards traditional regional maritime air superiority. The ratio of air combat and ground strike missions may even be 7:3. This leads to a significant feature: the design principle of the J-35 naval version emphasizes air combat. Features such as strong supersonic cruise capability, strong stealth performance, and a slimmer, flatter body are sufficient proof of this. Once deployed on carriers, the J-35 naval variant will significantly enhance the regional air combat capability of the carrier strike group. The J-35 carrier-based aircraft can effectively avoid enemy shipborne radar detection with its low radar cross-section. Relying on system advantages, it can launch air-to-air missiles beyond ultra-long ranges, even outside the opponent's strike chain, to eliminate high-value fighter jets, early warning aircraft, tankers, and drone targets.

Of course, in necessary situations, it can also carry high-power anti-ship missiles like the YJ-83K. Under conditions of air superiority, sacrificing some stealth capability can pose a great threat to enemy vessels and shore targets.

▲"Rafale M"

Clearly, the deployment of the J-35 carrier-based aircraft on our carriers is an important step in building a distant-water major naval power. Although it may not represent the fact that it can be quickly equipped as claimed by foreign media, the basic direction is undoubtedly correct — it's just a matter of time. Interestingly, regarding the significant combat capability enhancement brought by the J-35 carrier-based version to the Chinese Navy, India has shown a very clear attitude of disdain.

Some Indian media even go so far as to claim that the J-35 carrier-based aircraft offers no advantage over India's "Rafale M." Of course, India's claims are unreliable because the "Rafale M" has at least three major problems for India. First, insufficient stealth performance. The "Rafale M" is still a fourth-generation aircraft and has no chance against fifth-generation aircraft in terms of RCS. Second, insufficient payload capacity. The combat radius of the "Rafale M" is about 1,000 kilometers, but on a ski-jump takeoff carrier, its takeoff weight is restricted. By contrast, the J-35 can guarantee full load takeoff on electromagnetic catapult carriers, with an operational radius exceeding that of the "Rafale M." Third, too few in number and too expensive. The "Rafale M" is purchased, costing about $288 million per unit, which is very expensive. Due to cost constraints, India can only purchase more than 20 units, which is far from enough to meet the demands of two aircraft carriers. In summary, the J-35 carrier-based aircraft will elevate the combat capability of China's carrier strike group to a higher level. When it comes to "bluffing," India certainly stands out, but this is clearly of little practical use in reality.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7512793435787493940/

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