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| Foto:Shenyang J-35 |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,BEIJING – Production of China's fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Shenyang J-35, is reportedly accelerating significantly. According to Chinese military sources, the 11th unit of the J-35 has been completed in the "00" batch, marking a faster production rate compared to the J-20 in its early development.
This accelerated J-35 production is notable, especially since the J-20, the primary stealth fighter of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), took longer to reach mass production. Nevertheless, the J-20 has now reached an impressive operational count of over 300 units in its basic production line.
The J-35 and J-20 appear to have different roles and production strategies. The J-20, known as the "Mighty Dragon," is designed as an air superiority fighter to dominate long-range aerial combat. With its larger size and proven operational capabilities, the J-20 serves as the spearhead of China's air power. New variants like the J-20S (a two-seater version) and J-20A are also in the testing phase, showing China's commitment to continuously developing this platform.
On the other hand, the J-35 (often called the FC-31) seems to be positioned for high-volume deployment. Its smaller size and more compact design allow for faster and more efficient production. Many analysts believe the J-35 will become the backbone of China's future carrier-based fighter fleet, replacing the role of the J-15 "Flying Shark." The high production rate indicates that China plans to quickly equip its aircraft carriers with stealth fighters.
The increased production of the J-35 has significant implications for the balance of military power in Asia and globally. As China produces stealth fighters at a faster rate, it will be able to expand its operational range and capabilities, especially in disputed regions like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
This development shows that China's defense industry has achieved remarkable maturity in producing advanced fighter jets. The swift success of J-35 production is concrete evidence of China's ability not only to develop military technology but also to deploy it on a large scale, which will change the global air power landscape in the near future.