CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — The highly anticipated Zhuhai Airshow has kicked off this week, showcasing China's cutting-edge military advancements, particularly the J-35A fifth-generation fighter jet and the J-15T, a new fighter crafted for catapult operations aboard aircraft carriers.

As the flagship defense exhibition in China, the Zhuhai Airshow serves as a platform for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to reveal significant upgrades to its military arsenal. The J-35A, which has been adorned with the insignia of the PLA Air Force (PLAAF), marks a significant milestone for China's military aviation capabilities.

With the introduction of the J-35A into service alongside the J-20, China now joins the ranks of the United States as one of the few nations operating two distinct fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. The U.S. currently fields both the F-22A Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II, setting a high bar for aerial superiority.

Rick Joe, a prominent commentator on Chinese military developments, noted that the confirmation of the J-35A's induction was somewhat expected, stating, 'There has been chatter over the past year regarding its procurement.' However, he remains skeptical about its current operational status, suggesting that while the PLAAF may have received several units, these are likely still earmarked for testing and evaluation. Presently, the J-35A is powered by WS21 turbojet engines, though plans are in place to equip future variants with the more advanced WS19 engines.

The J-35A is a derivative of the J-35 developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, designed specifically to operate from China's expanding fleet of aircraft carriers.

Production Surge and Technological Innovations

In an impressive display of military might, the J-20 stealth fighter, produced by Chengdu, has likely exceeded 300 aircraft in total production. The J-20 is also stealing the show with its remarkable aerobatics at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024.

A highlight of the event is the first public showing of the twin-seat J-20S, a significant step as it indicates a move beyond mere technology demonstration. This twin-seat configuration is set to revolutionize aerial combat, as the rear-seat operator can control drones for enhanced manned-unmanned teaming capabilities. According to AVIC spokesperson Wu Jiwei, the J-20S is engineered for long-range missions, equipped with versatile functions such as air superiority, precision strikes, battlefield situational awareness, and electronic warfare.

To date, four prototypes of the J-20S have been visually identified.

Game-Changing Armament and Carrier Capabilities

The internal weapons bay of the J-35A is believed to mirror the capacity of the J-20’s bay, and both models are anticipated to integrate the new PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile. Featured at the airshow, the PL-15E’s innovative folding tail design promises to maximize missile storage efficiency, potentially increasing the weapon loadout for each aircraft.

Making waves at the Zhuhai Airshow alongside the J-35A is the J-15T, which has been specifically developed for operation on China's latest aircraft carriers. This model is configured with a catapult towbar, enhancing its launch capabilities.

Also at the forefront of this show was the J-15D, an electronic warfare variant that parallels the capabilities of the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler, showcasing China's commitment to advancing its aerial warfare tactics.

In a bold move to capture public imagination, AVIC also presented a full-scale mock-up of a conceptual sixth-generation fighter. While this design leans into the realm of science fiction, it remains unclear what breakthroughs Chinese engineers are truly pursuing for their next-generation military aircraft.

As the airshow continues, enthusiasts and defense analysts alike are eager to see how these innovations will impact the global military landscape in the near future. Keep an eye on these flying marvels—China's ambitions in aerial combat are soaring, and the world is watching!