Footage aired by China’s state television shows at least four J-35 fighter jets in the final stages of assembly, including a naval version for the Fujian aircraft carrier
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China has started mass production of the fifth-generation stealth fighter Shenyang J-35, as revealed by images “accidentally” broadcast by state-owned CCTV.
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The footage was captured during a report on the carrier-based J-15T fighter, but drew attention by showing four J-35 units being completed in the background at the AVIC facility in Shenyang.
One of the aircraft shown in the footage features an extended arrestor hook, a clear indication that it is the naval version of the fighter, designed to operate from China’s new aircraft carrier Fujian — the most advanced vessel in its fleet.
The J-35 is a direct evolution of the FC-31 (or J-31) prototype and has undergone extensive redesign to meet the requirements of China’s naval aviation. In addition to the carrier-based version, the manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation is also developing a land-based version (J-35A) and a potential export variant, for which Pakistan has reportedly already expressed interest, according to industry sources.
Rumors about the start of mass production had been circulating since a J-35 was spotted flying in formation with a prototype. However, the recent footage removes any doubt and confirms that the fighter has officially entered large-scale manufacturing.
In the last released image, observers highlight the retractable landing hook mechanism, which helps reduce the aircraft’s radar signature — an essential feature in stealth operations.
Source and images: CCTV | Telegram @AviaCT. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
