China expands fighter jet fleet with new J-35A stealth aircraft
The addition of the J-35A to the existing lineup creates a 'four swordsmen' formation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
China has expanded its frontline fighter aircraft concept from a 'three swordsmen' formation to a 'four swordsmen' model by adding the J-35A stealth fighter, according to a Times of India report. The new lineup includes the J-20, J-16 and J-10C aircraft.
The J-35A, a medium-sized stealth fighter, made its public debut at the Zhuhai Airshow on November 12, 2024. With this induction, China is the second country after the US to operate two fifth-generation stealth fighters.
Chinese military commentators and state broadcaster CCTV have presented these four aircraft as an integrated combat formation. The J-20 and J-35A provide stealth and sensing capabilities, while the J-16 and J-10C offer additional firepower and multirole flexibility.
In a November 2022 interview with CCTV, J-16 pilot Zhang Yang said the J-20's situational awareness guides the other two fighters while the J-16 and J-10C deliver firepower.
The J-16 can carry eight PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles and two PL-10 short-range missiles. The PL-15 has an estimated range of approximately 200km.
This shift reflects a move towards network-centric warfare where different platforms operate as an integrated system. The strategy comes as competition over sixth-generation technology continues between China and the US.
