J-35A makes its debut in Paris. Will China find global buyers for its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet?

China's fifth-generation single-seat, twin-engine stealth multi-role combat aircraft J-35A made its first overseas appearance at the 55th Paris Air Show recently.

 

A miniature version of the land-based variant of J-35, developed by China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), was reportedly displayed prominently at the air show. The fighter jet had made its public debut at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai in November. 

 

Developed with an "air-sea twin configuration" approach and a "one aircraft, multiple variants" concept, as per Wang Yongqing, an aviation and defence expert, China is "steadily advancing this (J-35) project in strict accordance with the planned roadmap."

 

The fighter's role in combat has been described as “systems coordination,”  or multi-domain coordination, according to Wang Yongqing, chief researcher at the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute. This means that the fighter jet is intended to empower and coordinate other assets, including surface-to-air missile systems, other aircraft, and command centres, by sharing targeting data, relaying positions, and guiding weapon systems in real time.

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Zhu Qian, a senior executive at Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), noted that the aircraft has better situational awareness and joint combat capability.

 

China's decision to take the aircraft to an international to showcase the innovation and technological advancement of the country's defence industry suggests the intention to find international buyers. Media reports suggest that Pakistan is all set to procure 40 J-35A fighters. 

 

"Through legitimate arms trade cooperation, we assist friendly countries in establishing self-reliant defence systems. With a client-oriented philosophy, we are committed to providing advanced and reliable aviation hardware to friendly countries around the world, playing a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability," Chinese Daily quoted Zhu as saying.

 

Wang Yanan, chief editor of China's Aerospace Knowledge magazine, noted that J-35A is a "realistic option" for those looking for a fifth-generation fighter aircraft on the international market.

 

China may be looking at countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar that are unable to acquire F-35 because of the conditions or restrictions attached to the sale of this fifth-generation aircraft. The US is offering the Lockheed Martin-made fighter jet to countries that traditionally share close ties with the country or those that are considered important for its national security interests.  

 

However, it may not be easy for China to find European buyers, as NATO members prefer systems that are fully interoperable with the US and European command-and-control networks, Bence Nemeth, a senior lecturer in defence studies education at King’s College London, pointed out to South China Morning Post.

 

“The EU has (also) maintained an arms embargo on China, which forbids EU members to export weapons to China and politically also complicates importing weapons from Beijing,” Nemeth was quoted as saying.

Defence