New images indicate that the stealth fighter J-35, developed by Shenyang for carrier-based operations, has entered limited serial production and may be close to official integration into the Chinese Navy (PLAN).
The photos, released on social media, show two aircraft with serial numbers (0011 and 0012) and shark markings on the tails, a pattern already seen on the J-15s, the current fighters in the Chinese fleet. Experts believe these are initial production units, though the possibility of prototypes adapted to simulate large-scale production has not been ruled out.
The J-35, the naval version of the FC-31 land-based fighter, made its first flight in 2021 and has since undergone refinements, including a stealth paint scheme. Rumors suggest that tests on the Fujian aircraft carrier (Type 003) have already begun, but there is no visual confirmation yet. Meanwhile, China is also preparing the J-35A land-based variant, possibly equipped with the more advanced WS-19 engines, compared to the WS-21 engines used in the naval version. The propulsion difference between the models still sparks debates among analysts.
With the possible public debut of the J-35 in September, during the celebrations for the end of World War II, China is showcasing its progress in naval aviation. The aircraft, along with the KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft and future stealth drones, is expected to bolster the PLAN’s power projection capability, marking a new milestone in its military modernization strategy. However, experts emphasize that full operational capability still requires extensive testing, especially in real combat environments.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @RupprechtDeino | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Wow … as it seems, also the PLAN Naval Aviation has finally revealed its first two operational (?) J-35 fighters.
(Image via @沙丘里的回声 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/CQe9Hcs2FV
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) July 18, 2025
