The Zhuhai Airshow, recognized as China’s foremost aerospace trade expo, is set to commence on November 12. This year’s edition is anticipated to feature the official debut of the Shenyang J-35A, a state-of-the-art carrier-based variant of the FC-31, which will highlight China’s expanding capabilities in fifth-generation aircraft technology.
Expected to take to the skies from the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier, the J-35A exemplifies modern military innovation, although it lacks the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities that characterize the U.S. F-35. Nonetheless, it is poised to leverage the Fujian’s advanced electromagnetic catapult system to launch operations. The J-35 is engineered to carry an impressive 18,000-pound payload, and its arsenal includes advanced armaments such as the PL-10 and PL-12 missiles, enhancing its combat effectiveness.
In a noteworthy display of international military cooperation and prowess, Russia’s advanced Su-57 fighter jet will also be present at the airshow, further underscoring the significant advancements China has made in the realm of stealth aviation.
The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, commonly referred to as the Zhuhai Airshow, will take place in the scenic prefecture-level city of Zhuhai, located in Guangdong province, commencing on November 12. Since its inception in 1996, this biennial event has evolved into the largest airshow and aerospace trade expo in China, attracting industry leaders and military officials from around the world.
The speculation surrounding the event suggests it could serve as the platform for the official introduction of the highly anticipated Shenyang J-35A, a carrier-capable variant of the Shenyang FC-31. Recently, Chinese military aviation researcher Rupprecht Denio shared a remarkable photograph on X.com displaying the tail section of a J-35A adorned with the number “75,” commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
The Russian Su-57 will not only be present but is expected to participate in a flight demonstration, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first appearance of this multirole stealth fighter at a Chinese airshow. The inclusion of the Su-57 adds a layer of international cooperation as well as competition in the aerospace sector.
The J-35 Fighter – What We Know
While Beijing has maintained a level of secrecy regarding specific details about the J-35, it is widely believed that the fighter will operate from the Type 003 Fujian carrier, which has been undergoing rigorous sea trials throughout this year. This development signifies China’s commitment to expanding its naval air power.
Brandon J. Weichert for The National Interest notes, “The J-35 is considered to be China’s answer to America’s F-35 Lightning II warplane. The J-35 represents China’s secondary fifth-generation warplane, following the more renowned Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon,’ which is more analogous to the Air Force’s F-22A Raptor.” Weichert thoughtfully pointed out that unlike the American counterpart, the J-35 lacks the crucial vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, a feature that significantly aids F-35 operations aboard aircraft carriers.
The prototypes of the FC-31 and J-35 are believed to utilize the RD-93 engines, although there are reports indicating that China is actively developing an enhanced engine, the WS-13E. This new engine is projected to provide 22,000 pounds of thrust, potentially replacing the RD-93 on the FC-31 platform.
The J-35 is designed to effectively manage an 18,000-pound payload. Internally, it can accommodate four munitions totaling 4,400 pounds, while its external configuration consists of six hardpoints capable of carrying a combined weight of 13,000 pounds. Its primary armaments include the formidable PL-10 short-range missile and the advanced PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missile, which are vital for achieving aerial superiority.
It is hoped that further revelations regarding the fighter’s capabilities and specifications will emerge during the highly anticipated airshow.
Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu
Image Credit: Creative Commons and/or Shutterstock.
**Interview with Dr. Emily Zhang, Aerospace Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Zhang. Thank you for joining us today. As we approach the Zhuhai Airshow, there’s a lot of excitement about the debut of the Shenyang J-35A. Can you share what makes this aircraft significant in terms of China’s military aviation advancements?
**Dr. Zhang:** Good afternoon! The Shenyang J-35A is indeed a game-changer for China’s military aviation. This aircraft is a carrier-based variant of the FC-31, marking the country’s commitment to enhancing its fifth-generation capabilities. What stands out is its potential operational capacity from the Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier, utilizing advanced electromagnetic catapult technology—a significant leap from traditional ski-jump methods.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! How does the J-35A compare to its American counterpart, the F-35, especially regarding its operational capabilities?
**Dr. Zhang:** While the J-35A shares some design philosophies with the F-35, such as stealth features, it notably lacks VTOL capabilities. However, it compensates with a substantial payload capacity, capable of carrying up to 18,000 pounds, and armed with advanced missiles like the PL-10 and PL-12. This positions it as a formidable asset in naval operations.
**Interviewer:** And alongside the J-35A, we are seeing the debut of Russia’s Su-57 at the Zhuhai Airshow. What does this signify in terms of international military cooperation?
**Dr. Zhang:** The presence of the Su-57 at the Zhuhai Airshow highlights a growing partnership between China and Russia in the defense sector. This fighter jet’s attendance—especially its first flight demonstration at a Chinese airshow—underscores shared interests in stealth technology and military innovation. It also reflects a strategic alignment amidst global geopolitical shifts.
**Interviewer:** As an aerospace analyst, what are your predictions for the reception of these aircraft at the airshow?
**Dr. Zhang:** I anticipate significant attention on both the J-35A and the Su-57. The airshow will provide a vital platform for showcasing technological advancements, and I expect military officials from various countries to closely observe these aircraft. The J-35A, in particular, could reaffirm China’s growing influence in aviation technology, while the Su-57 will bolster its standing as a cutting-edge international player.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Zhang, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how these developments unfold at the Zhuhai Airshow starting November 12.
**Dr. Zhang:** Thank you for having me! It’ll be an exciting event indeed!
