J-35 Flies Aircraft Carrier Fujian
A Milestone: J-35 Launches from Chinese Carrier
In September 2025, China
successfully carried out the launch and recovery of its J-35 stealth fighter
from the country’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian.
The jet was launched using an electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS),
making China the first nation to conduct such a test with a stealth fighter.
This achievement marks a major
leap for Chinese naval aviation. Earlier carriers relied on ski-jump ramps,
which restricted aircraft payloads and fuel capacity. With catapult technology,
the Fujian can now launch heavier and more advanced aircraft with extended
range and better flexibility, moving closer to the standards of U.S.
supercarriers.
The tests also involved a
carrier-based version of the J-15 and an early warning aircraft (KJ-600),
demonstrating that the Fujian is preparing for complex deck operations with
multiple aircraft types. This milestone confirms that China is accelerating its
path toward building a modern blue-water navy capable of projecting air power
far from its shores.
J-35 Design and Role
The J-35 is a
fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by China, often compared in concept
to the American F-35. Designed for both land and carrier use, the J-35
is smaller and lighter than the heavy J-20 stealth fighter but still packs
significant capabilities.
 |
| F-35C |
It features stealth shaping to reduce radar detection, internal weapons bays, advanced radar and sensor fusion, and the ability to act as a node in a larger network of aircraft, drones, and ships. The carrier-borne variant seen on the Fujian is expected to perform both air superiority and strike missions, making it versatile in contested environments.
Strengths and Limitations
The J-35’s greatest strength
lies in its balance of stealth, modern avionics, and potential affordability.
If produced in large numbers, it could provide the Chinese Navy with a powerful
fleet of stealth fighters able to conduct long-range missions, strike ships,
and support surveillance networks.
However, several uncertainties
remain. Its actual stealth performance in real-world combat is untested. Engine
reliability, pilot training, maintenance, and electronic warfare resilience
could all affect performance. Against the U.S. F-35 or F-22, the J-35
may not match every metric. But as part of a wider Chinese military network, it
is still a formidable threat.
Challenge to U.S. Naval Supremacy
For decades, the United States
has maintained overwhelming naval dominance through its carrier strike groups.
With the J-35 now successfully operating from the Fujian, China is signaling
its intent to compete in this domain. Stealth fighters launched by catapult can
carry heavier payloads and fly farther, making Chinese carriers more capable in
the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and beyond.
These fighters could threaten
U.S. carriers by providing stealthy targeting data to long-range missiles or
even conducting strikes directly against key assets.
Pressure on Allied Defenses
U.S. allies such as Japan,
South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and the Philippines may face increased pressure
as stealth aircraft enter contested zones. The J-35 could bypass older radar
systems, exploit detection gaps, and make it harder for allied forces to secure
airspace. This might force allies to invest heavily in advanced radars,
electronic warfare, and their own stealth aircraft.
Potential for Export and Influence
Beyond its domestic role, the
J-35 could become an export product for nations unable to access U.S. or
Western fighters. Countries in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East may view the
J-35 as a cost-effective stealth option. If this happens, China’s influence
would grow not only militarily but also diplomatically, as buyers become more
reliant on Chinese defense systems.
Networked Warfare
Even if the J-35 is not the
most advanced stealth jet, its integration into China’s wider anti-access/area-denial
(A2/AD) strategy makes it dangerous. Acting as a sensor node, it can feed
data to drones, satellites, and missile systems, multiplying the effectiveness
of China’s strike capabilities.
Caveats and Uncertainties
While the J-35’s successful
test flight is a breakthrough, several factors remain uncertain. One of the
biggest questions is its actual stealth effectiveness against modern U.S. and
allied radars, since advanced detection systems are constantly being improved.
Another issue is the reliability of its engines and onboard systems, which
often take years of refinement before reaching full operational maturity.
The scale of production also
matters. Even a powerful aircraft cannot change the balance of power if only a
small number can be built and deployed. Equally important is pilot training and
experience in operating the jet under the demanding conditions of carrier
takeoffs, landings, and sustained missions at sea.
Finally, the U.S. and its
allies are not standing still. They continue to develop countermeasures such as
enhanced radars, electronic warfare systems, and networked defenses that may
reduce the J-35’s effectiveness. For all these reasons, the J-35, while a
serious advancement for China, should be viewed as part of a longer competition
rather than a definitive game-changer.
Conclusion
The J-35’s carrier test
flight represents a turning point in China’s naval aviation program. By
combining stealth aircraft with advanced carrier technology, China is
demonstrating that it can challenge U.S. naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific
region.
Although the jet’s full
capabilities remain uncertain, the symbolism and potential power of this
achievement are undeniable. For the U.S. and its allies, the rise of the J-35
is both a warning and a call to continue investing in advanced technologies, stronger
alliances, and smarter defense strategies.
0 Comments