Paris, June 18 - At the 55th Paris Air Show, held from June 16 to 22, 2025, China made a bold statement in the global aerospace arena by showcasing a scale model of its latest fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-35A, marking its international debut. This event, one of the largest and most prestigious air shows in the world, provided a platform for the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) to display the J-35A, a land-based variant of the J-35 stealth fighter developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). The unveiling underscores China's ambition to expand its influence in the international arms market, particularly among developing nations in regions like the Middle East and South Asia, where Chinese fighter aircraft sales have seen a recent upsurge.
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The J-35A, derived from the earlier FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype, represents a significant evolution in China's military aviation capabilities. Initially conceived as an export-oriented project, the J-35 series has been adapted for both the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the PLA Navy, with the J-35A tailored for land-based operations and a naval variant designed for carrier-based missions. The aircraft, powered by twin WS-21 turbofan engines, features advanced stealth characteristics, including a sleek airframe with canted vertical stabilizers and internal weapons bays to minimize radar detection. Its design draws inevitable comparisons to the U.S. Lockheed Martin F-35, though the J-35A’s twin-engine configuration sets it apart, reflecting China's current limitations in producing a single engine as powerful as the F-35’s Pratt & Whitney F135. The J-35A is positioned as a lighter, more cost-effective complement to China’s heavier J-20 stealth fighter, which was also displayed at the Paris Air Show but remains prohibited from export.
China’s decision to showcase the J-35A at Paris signals a strategic push to attract foreign buyers seeking affordable fifth-generation fighters. The aircraft’s export potential is enhanced by its multirole capabilities, designed for air superiority and precision strike missions, and its relatively lower cost compared to Western alternatives. Reports indicate that Pakistan is a likely early customer, with the Pakistan Air Force having approved the acquisition of 40 J-35A aircraft, following years of collaboration with Chinese defense contractors. Egypt has also expressed interest, with discussions highlighted during recent military engagements, though no formal agreements have been confirmed. The J-35A’s appearance at the Paris Air Show, alongside other Chinese aviation products like the J-10CE and Y-20 transport aircraft, reflects China’s broader aim to demonstrate its technological prowess and compete with Western and Russian suppliers in a market increasingly open to Chinese arms due to shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The Paris Air Show display also highlighted the J-35A’s role in China’s military modernization. Its development, spanning over a decade, has benefited from iterative prototypes, with the land-based J-35A achieving its maiden flight in September 2023 and the naval variant tested on Chinese aircraft carriers like the Liaoning and Fujian. The aircraft’s “air-sea twin configuration” and “one aircraft, multiple variants” design philosophy, as articulated by SAC’s chief designer Wang Yongqing, allows for cost-efficient production and maintenance, positioning the J-35 series for large-scale deployment. While technical details, such as its powerplant and sensor suite, remain closely guarded, the J-35A’s sleek design and reported integration with advanced systems like the PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile suggest a formidable platform. China’s showcase at the Paris Air Show not only highlights the J-35A’s capabilities but also signals its intent to reshape the global aerospace market. By offering a fifth-generation fighter at a competitive price point, China aims to challenge the dominance of Western manufacturers, particularly in regions where cost and geopolitical alignment drive procurement decisions. The J-35A’s international debut marks a milestone in China’s aviation industry, reinforcing its status as the only nation besides the United States to develop and deploy two distinct fifth-generation stealth fighters, a feat that enhances its strategic and commercial prospects on the world stage.