China is testing its next-generation carrier-borne stealth fighter jet, called J-35, to be deployed on its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult. J-35 is being touted as the Chinese equivalent of Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35.
A new type of warplane was tested a few months ago on the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, Global Times quoted official broadcaster CCTV as saying.
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China currently has two aircraft carriers, Liaoning, a refit of the Soviet-era ship, and Shandong, an indigenously built 2nd aircraft carrier commissioned in 2019. Its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, which is currently undergoing trials, is larger than the two carriers. It has a displacement capacity of 80,000 tonnes.
Fujian is the "first fully domestically developed and constructed" aircraft carrier with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) similar to that of the American aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, according to media reports.
While Liaoning and Shandong are equipped with ski-jump take-off ramps, Fujian features a flat-top flight deck.
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The new warplane is operational not only on China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is equipped with electromagnetic catapults but also on the previous two carriers, the ramp-equipped Liaoning and Shandong, experts said, and added that this will significantly boost the capabilities of Chinese aircraft carriers.
The J-35 is being developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation as China's second fifth-generation fighter jet, following the J-20. It is designed for use on aircraft carriers and is still in the development and prototype phase.
