China will officially debut the Shenyang J-35A, its latest stealth fighter aircraft, at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, which is set to take place from 12 to 17 November.
The J-35A is expected to be the land-based variant of the J-35, a new carrier fighter the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) is developing for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
However, it now appears that the SAC J-35A will be marketed to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as well as key overseas buyers, such as Pakistan, which committed to buying the fighter (then called the J-31) at the start of 2024.
The J-35 and J-35A are further developments of the FC-31/J-31, which SAC had originally developed for the export market as an alternative to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
Know Where Your Defence Market is Heading
Gain market share in South Asian defence markets
with factual insights, verified data, and objective forecasting.
Click Here
Origins in the FC-31 Program
The first prototype flew in October 2012 and, at the time, was powered by a pair of Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines. In December 2012, SAC revealed and flew a second prototype with numerous design changes, notably revised vertical stabilizers and single-piece canopy. Moreover, there were rumours that SAC fitted the new prototypes with the locally built Guizhou WS-13 turbofan engine in place of the Russian RD-33s.
In October 2018, there were rumours that the PLAN selected the J-31 or FC-31 design as the basis for its next-generation carrier-based jet. By 2021, a full-scale mock-up of this new fighter appeared, boasting a wider wingspan, revised front fuselage and cockpit area, and generally larger airframe. This unit was dubbed the J-35.
Don't Stop Here. Unlock the Rest of this Analysis Immediately
To read the rest of this deep dive -- including the honest assessments and comparative analyses that Quwa Plus members rely on -- you need access.
