China’s New J-35 Navy Stealth Fighter Arrives – What It Means for Naval Air Power

China’s J-35 stealth fighter for carriers is now real. With catapult launches from the Type 003 Fujian carrier, internal weapons bays, stealth shaping and networked sensors, the J-35 closes a major capability gap. While it may still lag the U.S. F-35C in maturity, the game is shifting from one on one duels to stealthy, integrated, long reach air power and the region’s balance begins to tilt subtly as a result.

When a stealth fighter gets catapult launched from China’s new carrier, the significance lies less in the spectacle than in the shift: from training decks to operational flattops, from visible power projection to stealthy denial. China’s earlier carriers (Liaoning, Shandong) used ski jump ramps and older jets; Fujian’s CATOBAR (catapult assisted take-off barrier arrestor recovery) deck allows heavier loads, internal weapons bays, better stealth effectiveness. Bulgarian Military Industry Review+1

This means that when a J-35 launches, it isn’t just another jet it’s part of a layered, integrated network: early warning, stealthy strikes, anti access/area denial (A2/AD) tactics. The big change is the qualitative jump from “big but obvious carrier air wing” to “silent, hidden threat.”

• Key Points & Summary:
• The Shenyang J‑35 stealth fighter is no longer just a prototype. After catapult launches from the Type 003 Fujian carrier, China now fields a carrier-borne stealth strike fighter that marks a major upgrade from its older ski-jump capable jets. National Security Journal+1
• Compared to legacy jets like the Shenyang J‑15, the J-35 promises lower detectability, better sensors, internal weapons carriage, and the ability to operate under a proper airborne early-warning umbrella. Army Recognition+1
• Against America’s Lockheed Martin F‑35C carrier variant, the J-35 likely trails in software maturity, sustainment infrastructure and global logistics, but China brings numbers and reach to the Western Pacific theater. National Security Journal
• For the U.S., the takeaway isn’t panic it’s adaptation: longer range weapons, unmanned teaming, and faster kill chains are needed to preserve carrier dominance.

What Changes When the J-35 Shows Up

• Reduced Detectability: With internal weapons bays and smooth surfaces, the J-35’s radar cross-section is lower than older Chinese jets. Given its twin engine layout, its infrared/thermal signature may be higher, but Chinese materials and design steps aim to offset that. Army Recognition
• Expanded Reach & Surprise: A catapult-launched stealth jet means heavier fuel loads, longer range, better weapons loads. It can roam further and stay stealthy longer.
• Networked Strike Capability: Operating under an airborne early warning “umbrella” means the J-35 isn’t alone it’s part of a system. That complicates adversaries’ targeting decisions.
• Strategic Disruption: Even if not invincible, the J-35 forces rivals to slow down, rethink orbits, tanker operations, patrols—all of which raise costs and risks before shots are fired.

The J-35 vs. F-35C: A Reality Check

The comparison is inevitable, but nuanced:

• Stealth & Sensors: The F-35C benefits from decades of software development, a huge logistics network, allied support. The J-35 is fresher and less proven. National Security Journal
• Operational Maturity: The U.S. carrier air wing ecosystem is mature: tankers, AEW aircraft (E-2D), supply chains. China is building up fast, but operational experience is still limited. Asia Times
• Numbers & Strategy: While the F-35C may outperform in a one-on-one, the J-35 doesn’t need to match it everywhere it needs to raise uncertainty, force caution, and exploit regional advantages.

Growing Pains & Open Questions

• Engine & Maintenance: As with many Chinese stealth projects, the engine remains a key question mark. Reliability, sustainment in salt air conditions, carrier deck stress all will reveal true capability.
• Integration & Software: High-end stealth isn’t just shape it’s sensors, fusion, data links and maintenance. These are complex to field and prove under stress.
• Export & Allies: China may offer J-35 to partners, but allies care about sustainment, interoperability, training. Gains in export markets may lag behind hype. The Times of India

Strategic Implications for the Region

• For China: The J-35 completes the carrier air wing puzzle not just big ship + old fighter, but big ship + stealth fighter + AEW + logistics. This incrementally boosts China’s blue water sea power.
• For the U.S. & allies: Presence alone won’t guarantee dominance. The game shifts to stealth, reach, unmanned systems, networked kill chains. The onus is on adversary deterrence and force posture, not just more ships.
• For regional rivals: The barrier to entry is rising. Air-defence, surveillance, tanker support will matter more and predictable tactics will be more vulnerable.

The Bottom Line

The J-35’s appearance is a milestone not the end of carrier aviation, but the start of a new phase. China has cleared a threshold: CATOBAR + stealth fighter + integrated networks. It doesn’t instantly dethrone the U.S., but it raises stakes, complicates planning, and forces adaptation. The smart response is not a louder carrier parade it is longer range, quieter operation, smarter networking, and unmanned teaming.