Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Peter Suciu
China’s stealth J-35 fighter is nearing deployment on carriers like the Fujian, signaling rapid PLA Navy modernization and raising questions about espionage, propaganda, and parity with the US F-35.
Photos have been circulating on China’s social media platforms of the Shenyang J-35 with People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) markings and “Flying Shark” insignia. That suggests the fifth-generation stealth fighter could be deployed soon aboard the Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier.
The second domestically built flattop is the first PLAN carrier to be outfitted with electromagnetic catapults, which can enable the launch of heavier aircraft with higher payloads. The warship has been undergoing sea trials and is expected to enter service later this year.
The presence of shark markings, which also appear on the J-15, indicates that the J-35s are already in service with the PLAN.
The Shenyang J-35 Was Posted on Social Media
The recent viral photos, which circulated on the Weibo platform last weekend, showed two PLAN F-35s flying in close formation, with the official serial numbers “0011” and “0012.” Chinese military aviation researcher Rupprecht Deino reposted one of the images on X.
Yet, it remains unclear when or where the photos were taken.
This is not the first time that Beijing has offered teasers of its military hardware, notably its advanced aircraft. Just a week before last November’s 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, the Ministry of National Defense shared an image of the twin-engine, all-weather J-35, likely to build hype for the air show.
The Chinese military often created high-quality content that is shared on platforms including Xiaohongshu (REDBOOK), Douyin (TikTok), and Weibo. Posting to those platforms allows Beijing to control the narrative and closely monitor any negative commentary.
In addition, the People’s Republic of China has been quick to shoot down the military hardware of other nations. In the run-up to the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, Chinese social media users responded negatively to the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name: Felon). The criticism went viral, which helped cast the spotlight on the J-35 just as it made its official debut at the air show. The posts further put greater attention on the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon.
More recently, Beijing unleashed a propaganda “disinformation” campaignagainst the Dassault Rafale, claiming the French-made omni-role aircraft significantly underperformed during the recent flare-up between India and Pakistan. Paris has accused China of trying to “hammer the reputation and sales of France’s flagship fighter.”
Has Production on the J-35 Already Started?
The recent photos suggest the J-35 has reached initial low-rate production (ILRP).
“The Flying Shark insignia confirms the J-35 has joined the navy’s carrier aviation force,” former People’s Liberation Army (PLA) instructor Song Zhongping told The South China Morning Post on Tuesday. “It indicates the aircraft may have been in active service and is building combat and logistical support capabilities.”
Details on the capabilities of the J-35 remain sparse, despite some Chinese news sources citing experts who claim the aircraft is at least as capable as the US military’s Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. There has also been speculation that the J-35, the carrier-based variant of the FC-31 fifth-generation multi-role fighter, may have some F-35 DNA, acquired by hackers working at the behest of Beijing.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes
