China unveiled new stealth aircraft, including the fifth-generation J-35A. The J-35A was described as having stealth, informatization, and networking capabilities. China’s disclosures demonstrate its ambitions to modernize its military.
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China just debuted its latest fifth-generation stealth aircraft, which appears to be America’s answer to the F-35.
The J-35A took flight at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai on Tuesday. Developers say the new jet will function like a “point guard” for the Chinese air force, a similar term to the “quarterback” F-35 made by U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin.
The J-35A not only has a similar name to the American aircraft, but it also has a similar design, except it has twin engines instead of a single turbofan engine. However, even if they look similar, they do not necessarily have the same performance.
The air show marked the first official unveiling of the J-35A, a land-based fighter jet that has been in development in some form for more than a decade. It is based on an earlier design prototype that first flew in 2012. Its design has since been significantly reworked.
The developers of the J-35A called it a basketball point guard. People’s Liberation Army News Communication Center
Wang Yongqing, a senior expert at the Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute, part of the aviation industry group of China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, told state media that the company’s new J-35A will have advanced stealth and intelligence capabilities. He said he is prioritizing information warfare and cooperation with China. other planes.
Wang described China Airlines as a “basketball point guard” and said, “Not only does he have a unique and strong scoring ability, but he also needs to clearly evaluate the situation on the court.” He said he was beyond his fighting ability. ”You can also form a murder network and play a more important role on the battlefield. ”
According to state media reports, its missions include securing air superiority and air-to-air engagements against fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, interception of fighters and bombers, air defense against cruise missiles, ground attacks, and enemy suppression and destruction. It is said to be included. air defense. It is unclear at what level this aircraft will be able to perform these missions.
A carrier-based version of the J-35 also exists. According to Chinese media reports, testing is ongoing.
At the air show in Zhuhai, China also unveiled a new version of its PL-15 air-to-air missile, made for internal mounting by Chinese stealth fighters without sacrificing low observability characteristics. The Chinese fighter jet will be able to carry six air-to-air missiles in its arsenal, similar to the F-35A and C.
The U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II is described as a quarterback by the Pentagon and other military officials.
In September, Air Force leaders spoke at the Air Force Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference about how the F-35’s sensors, stealth capabilities and other technologies give it situational awareness that can be shared with other aircraft and systems. gave a lecture on It leverages its own combat capabilities as well as those of other platforms to wage war.
“He’s the quarterback of the entire battle,” Maj. Gen. Gina Subric, commander of the 10th Air Force, said at the time.
In addition to the J-35A, China also announced the J-20S. VCG/VCG (via Getty Images)
Stealth aircraft are specially designed with low observability capabilities that significantly reduce the size of their radar signature. Stealth aircraft have become a priority for many militaries, as this makes them difficult to detect and allows them to penetrate enemy air defenses.
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As for stealth fighters, the United States has the F-22 Raptor and F-35, the latter of which is used by allies around the world. China is developing a new two-seater J-20, which was unveiled at the air show, and a new J-35, while Russia is developing the Su-57. Russian jets also appeared in Zhuhai.
Among the stealth aircraft are stealth bombers such as the American B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider, as well as a number of stealth unmanned aerial vehicles. China unveiled the latest design of its stealthy CH-7 drone in Zhuhai.
The J-35A’s release shows how China continues to challenge U.S. military capabilities.
Just last month, two Republican senators, Roger Wicker and Eric Schmidt, warned that China’s military is “on the precipice of a world-changing aviation capability,” and that the U.S. Air Force is “taking air superiority for granted.” ” he said.
Stealth aircraft have the ability to reduce or obscure their signature on radar, making them difficult to detect. VCG/VCG (via Getty Images)
They argued that as China continues to make military advances, the United States could struggle in a possible future conflict. “If a conflict were to break out, China could corral the Western Pacific, attack our bases with salvos of missiles, and use state-of-the-art air defense batteries to interdict our aircraft,” they said. said.
China’s military ambitions have captured the attention of the US government for years, with the Pentagon calling China a “pacing challenge” and bracing for a possible conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan remains a potential flashpoint in the US-China conflict. The United States assesses that the Chinese military has been directed to prepare for potential military action against Taiwan by 2027. The date does not indicate when or if a conflict will occur, but it does prompt the United States to prioritize countering China’s developments.
