China has recently unveiled its latest fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-35A. This advanced aircraft is seen as a direct competitor to the American F-35, designed to operate as a “point guard” for Chinese airpower. Sharing a similar appearance with the F-35, including twin engines and stealth features, the J-35A is based on a prototype that first flew in 2012 and has undergone significant upgrades.
The J-35A is designed for a wide range of missions, including air superiority, air-to-air combat, interception, ground attack, and electronic warfare. A carrier-based variant of the J-35 is also under development. To complement the J-35A’s capabilities, China has also unveiled a new version of the PL-15 air-to-air missile, designed for internal carriage on stealth fighters. This allows Chinese stealth fighters to carry six air-to-air missiles without compromising their stealth capabilities.
The unveiling of the J-35A underscores China’s growing military capabilities and its ambition to challenge US military dominance. US officials have expressed concerns about China’s rapid military modernization and the potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly over Taiwan. This development further intensifies the strategic competition between the two superpowers and has significant implications for regional security dynamics.
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