Beijing, September 9(HS):
China has revealed new details of its next-generation J-35 carrier-borne stealth fighter, confirming through state broadcaster CCTV that the aircraft can carry up to six air-to-air missiles in its internal weapons bays. The disclosure comes days after the J-35 featured prominently in last week’s military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Designers from the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute highlighted the fighter’s advanced features, including folding wings, a tailhook, and enlarged wing surfaces tailored for aircraft carrier operations. The missile capacity, achieved through a compact launcher system with foldable fins, aligns the J-35 with the United States’ F-22 in terms of internal payload.
Analysts believe the J-35 is configured to fire the PL-15 long-range beyond-visual-range missile, estimated to have a range of 200–300 km, though China has not released official specifications. The PL-15 was among several advanced weapons displayed during the parade, with its export variant reportedly used by Pakistan in recent combat against Indian Rafale fighters.
Zhang Zhonghao, a researcher involved in the programme, said the J-35 combines very low observability with readiness for long-range engagements while retaining close-combat ability. The fighter, he added, is compatible with China’s latest catapult-equipped carrier Fujian as well as earlier flat-top vessels Shandong and Liaoning.
Alongside Zhang, aircraft designer Ai Zhiqiang described the J-35 and its land-based counterpart, the J-35A, as part of a unified twin-variant concept with shared avionics, data links, and weapons systems. The marine model employs a central stick and carrier-oriented cockpit design, while the lighter J-35A uses a side-stick controller for manoeuvrability and air superiority.
Chinese defence experts say the aircraft reflects the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s transition from coastal defence to expanding blue-water operations, with the integrated design approach expected to shorten the time needed to field combat-ready fleets across services.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
