How many J-35 China has?
The Chinese just celebrated the Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Dragon” historic milestone with over 300 stealth fighters now in PLAAF service, marking the largest fifth-generation fleet outside the United States and redefining the airpower balance across the Indo-Pacific. China has produced 57+ J-35s thus far. The J-35 is a fifth-generation, carrier-based stealth fighter and while its exact radar cross-section remains classified, the report suggests that it is in the 10-100cm² range, making it comparable to that of the US’ F-35 fighter.Chinese media released the footage of the launch and recovery of the Shenyang J-35 via electromagnetic catapults onboard the Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian. This makes J-35 the first stealth fighter to accomplish electromagnetic catapult-assisted launch and recovery at sea.China is providing J-35 jets to Pakistan, with a reported 40 jets expected to be delivered within the next two years. This significant development is part of Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its air force and gain an edge over its neighboring countries, particularly India.New Delhi: China will reportedly supply 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Pakistan. With the J-35 induction, Pakistan joins a small group of countries operating stealth technology.Pakistan will be the first buyer of the Chinese fifth-generation jet, which China publicly unveiled only last year. Islamabad will receive the first batch consisting of 30 aircraft possibly by August, six months earlier than the scheduled delivery time of late 2026.
Did Pakistan buy J-35?
Pakistan’s reported acquisition of China’s fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighters could reshape the South Asian aerial balance, marking Islamabad’s entry into the elite circle of nations operating next-generation low-observable combat aircraft. Both countries have their advanced aircraft list but in terms of technology and surveillance, India has a strong side with HAL Tejas, AMCA, Prachand, and Akash missiles. While Pakistan aircraft have a dependency on China and Turkey for their technology and surveillance systems.
Can India detect J-35?
The J-35 reportedly has a radar cross-section of 0. F-35, and which will make Pak’s new fighter jet very difficult to detect in combat scenarios with India. This means India will take longer to detect the jets as it approaches the border. Despite the fervour online, official channels in Pakistan have consistently downplayed the reports. In June 2025, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed the J-35 speculation as “media chatter,” stressing that “no formal procurement agreement exists” between Islamabad and Beijing regarding the aircraft.
Is the J-35A copy of the F-35?
To understand the J-35A, you must first understand that it is not a direct clone of the F-35. While it clearly benefits from a massive trove of stolen F-35 design data, it represents a different strategic choice. The F-35 is a true multi-role aircraft, but its design prioritizes the air-to-ground strike mission. A. The F-35 is the world’s most advanced and lethal fighter jet. The 5th Generation F-35 combines advanced stealth, sensors and information fusion in a supersonic, highly maneuverable fighter.The F-35 is a single-engine, true multi-role fighter with superior all-aspect stealth and unmatched sensor fusion capabilities, making it a cornerstone of allied air power. The twin-engine J-35, while likely less stealthy, boasts a higher top speed (Mach 2.The F-35 is the world’s most advanced and lethal fighter jet. The 5th Generation F-35 combines advanced stealth, sensors and information fusion in a supersonic, highly maneuverable fighter. All three F-35 variants have conducted combat operations and the F-35 is one of the most reliable aircraft in operation today.When comparing armaments, the F-35 offers more versatility. The F-22 is a pure fighter, best at winning air battles. The F-35 can do that too, but it’s also built for air-to-ground missions, surveillance, and more. That means it plays a larger role in day-to-day military operations.