Defence
China’s J-35 Stealth Fighter Marks First Flight of 2026 for Naval Operations
China’s J-35 stealth fighter makes its first 2026 flight, signaling rapid progress in fifth-generation naval aviation and carrier-based airpower.
As China continues to surge ahead in advanced technology and aerospace development, the country has entered 2026 with a major aviation milestone.
Chinese aircraft manufacturer AVIC has successfully hosted the first flight of the J-35 stealth fighter of the year, highlighting China’s fast-growing capabilities in fifth-generation combat aircraft and carrier-based aviation.
J-35 Fighter Takes to the Skies in Early Test Configuration
The J-35 fighter jet was observed flying in its green primer coating, a standard finish used during early flight-test phases.
This temporary coating indicates that the aircraft is still undergoing performance validation before receiving its final stealth paint and operational markings. Despite its early-stage appearance, the aircraft’s shaping and design clearly reflect a modern low-observable stealth platform.
Designed for Land and Carrier Operations
A key feature of the J-35 fighter program is its dual-role design philosophy. The main visual difference between the land-based and carrier-based versions of the J-35 lies in the nose landing gear. The naval variant features a strengthened and twin-wheel configuration, enabling it to endure the intense stresses of catapult launches and arrested landings at sea.
The J-35 stealth fighter is expected to reach speeds of around Mach 1.8, powered by twin WS-21 or improved WS-13 engines. It can carry an estimated 6–8 tons of payload, including internal weapons for stealth missions and external stores when stealth is not required.
Three Variants Under a Twin-Configuration Approach
According to official sources, the J-35 program includes three variants, developed under a “twin-configuration” approach. This strategy allows China to field both land-based and carrier-capable stealth fighters while sharing common systems, avionics, and airframe architecture—improving production efficiency and operational flexibility.
Carrier Trials Aboard China’s EMALS-Equipped Fujian
A significant milestone was achieved on September 22, 2025, when the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) announced that the carrier-based J-35 fighter had successfully completed initial catapult-assisted takeoffs and arrested landings aboard the Fujian.
The Fujian is China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), placing it on par with the most advanced carrier technologies globally.
Fujian Enters Service, Program Momentum Builds
The Fujian officially entered service with the PLA Navy on November 5, further strengthening the operational outlook of the J-35 fighter. While AVIC has not disclosed formal delivery timelines, the increasing pace of flight tests and public acknowledgments strongly suggests that the program is accelerating toward operational deployment.
J-35 Fighter and China’s Next-Generation Naval Fleet
As China prepares to deploy its next-generation carrier strike groups, the J-35 stealth fighter is expected to become a central element of the PLA Navy’s future air wings. Designed for survivability, air superiority, and precision strike missions, the J-35 represents a major step forward in China’s ambition to project power across contested maritime regions.
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