China Prepares J-35/FC-31 Stealth Fighter for Aircraft Carrier Operations

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – China has quietly begun testing its latest stealth fighter jet, the J-35/FC-31, on its aircraft carrier Liaoning, in a move to further enhance its maritime capabilities.

A recent documentary produced by China’s state broadcaster CCTV revealed that an unidentified fighter jet had been tested for operations on the country’s aircraft carrier.

The aircraft was later identified as the J-35/FC-31, although its development remains largely under wraps.

Reports indicate that China is preparing the J-35/FC-31 for carrier operations, similar to the United States’ F-35B and F-35C models developed by Lockheed Martin.

The stealth fighter, also known as the FC-31 “Gyrfalcon,” reportedly underwent operational tests earlier this year, though the location of these tests was not disclosed.

Currently, China’s aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong operate the J-15 fighter jets, which are based on the Sukhoi Su-33 aircraft that China acquired from Ukraine in the 1990s.

 Chinese defense experts told the nationalist newspaper Global Times that the military is indeed equipping its aircraft carriers with the new stealth fighter jets.

They further added that the new stealth fighters would not only be deployed on the Liaoning and Shandong but also potentially on China’s latest carrier, Fujian, which is still undergoing sea trials.

In February, images of the J-35/FC-31 on the flight deck of the Liaoning alongside J-15 fighters circulated, suggesting that China is preparing its newest stealth fighter for carrier-based operations.

This could indicate that the aircraft is undergoing critical phases before being integrated into the naval air service.

The J-35/FC-31, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is China’s second stealth fighter after the J-20 “Mighty Dragon.”

It is a single-seat, twin-engine, medium-sized fifth-generation fighter jet known for its robust stealth capabilities and competitive costs.

Although its technical specifications remain largely undisclosed, the J-35/FC-31’s maximum take-off weight (MTOW) has reportedly increased to 28,000 kg from 25,000 kg and is equipped with WS-19 engines providing 12 tons of thrust.

The aircraft features two internal bays capable of carrying two medium-range air-to-air missiles each. Additionally, it has hardpoints that can be fitted with various bombs and missiles.

Unlike the J-20, which is not intended for export and is exclusively used by the Chinese Air Force, Beijing plans to offer the J-35/FC-31 to international buyers.

Pakistan has already shown interest in acquiring the fighter jet. Earlier this year, the Pakistan Air Force hinted at the procurement of the fifth-generation stealth fighter J-35/FC-31, developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.

Pakistan Air Force Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu reportedly stated that the domestically produced J-35/FC-31 would enter service with the country’s air force “soon.”

“Negotiations have been conducted to facilitate the acquisition of the FC-31, which will become part of the Pakistan Air Force in the near future,” he said.

Recent reports from Pakistani media suggest that the Pakistan Air Force has already dispatched a team of its pilots to undergo training to fly the second-generation Chinese-made fighter jet, the FC-31. –DSA