China’s Stealth Fighter Program: A Look at the J-20 and J-35’s Rise to Dominance

The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) ambitious military modernization program has seen its most striking achievements in the realm of aerospace, particularly with the development of its next-generation stealth fighters. This endeavor has resulted in the J-20 “Mighty Dragon” and the J-35 “Gyrfalcon”, two technologically advanced aircraft that have fundamentally shifted the air power balance in East Asia and the western Pacific region. This article examines the evolution, capabilities, and strategic implications of these potent platforms, diving deep into their development and deployment.

The J-20 “Mighty Dragon”: China’s 4th Generation Fighter

The J-20 program, initiated in the late 1990s, represents China’s determination to achieve strategic parity with its main adversaries, particularly the United States. Initially designed as a twin-engine, heavy air superiority fighter, the J-20 was intended to counter the technological advantage held by the US F-22 Raptor.

Early development involved design competition between the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), resulting in CAC’s design, a canard-delta wing configuration with advanced stealth features, being chosen for production.

The J-20’s development saw a remarkably rapid trajectory, surpassing Western expectations. The first prototype took to the skies in January 2011, and by 2016, it entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This marked a pivotal milestone for China’s aerospace industry and signalled its technological advancement to the world.

The J-20’s Design and Capabilities:

The J-20 is a formidable fighter characterized by:

• Stealth Technology: Extensive use of radar-absorbing materials and advanced design features, including a low-observable fuselage, canards, and engine inlets with DSI (diverterless supersonic inlets), reduce the aircraft’s radar signature.
• Advanced Avionics: The J-20 is equipped with a wide-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an EODAS (electro-optical distributed aperture system), an IRST (infrared search and track) sensor, and an integrated fire control system for enhanced situational awareness.
• Supercruise Capability: The aircraft’s initial iterations were powered by Russian AL-31F turbofan engines, limiting their capability to supercruise. However, the incorporation of the domestically developed WS-10C engine provided a boost in thrust and reduced dependence on Russian technology.
• Future WS-15 Engine: The long-awaited WS-15 turbofan engine, currently under development, is projected to enable the J-20 to attain full supercruise capability, enhancing its sustained supersonic performance.

Deployment and Operational Role:

The J-20 has been deployed across various airbases in China, including those strategically located along the first island chain, near the Taiwan Strait, and along the border with India, underscoring its strategic importance for deterring potential adversaries and projecting power.

Variants of the J-20:

In addition to the initial production J-20 (J-20A), variants are in various stages of development, including:

• J-20B: A two-seat version with expanded avionics and a potential EW role.
• J-20C: A more advanced version potentially featuring enhanced stealth and integration of more advanced weapons systems.

J-35 “Gyrfalcon”: China’s Carrier-Based Stealth Fighter

While the J-20 solidified China’s position as a major air power in the region, the J-35 marks a significant step forward in its naval aviation capabilities. The J-35 is being developed as the primary combat aircraft for China’s burgeoning aircraft carrier fleet.

J-35’s Lineage and Development:

The J-35’s roots can be traced back to the FC-31, an export stealth fighter developed by SAC. However, the J-35 program represents a more ambitious development aimed at equipping China with a cutting-edge carrier-borne fighter that can operate effectively in complex maritime environments.

Design Features and Key Innovations:

The J-35, a significantly redesigned derivative of the FC-31, incorporates:

• Folding Wings and an Arresting Hook: Necessary for operations on aircraft carriers.
• Enhanced Stealth Features: Incorporating elements of the J-20’s design for greater radar signature reduction.
• Improved Engine Performance: Powered by the more powerful WS-19 turbofan engine, enabling better carrier takeoff performance.

Future Deployment and Impact:

The J-35 is slated to be deployed on China’s Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier, a CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) carrier with electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS). The J-35, once operational, will represent a potent force multiplier for China’s PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy), expanding its reach and control in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Strategic Implications of the J-20 and J-35 Programs

The emergence of the J-20 and J-35 has had a profound impact on the regional security dynamics.

Shifting Regional Power Balance:

These aircraft have significantly narrowed the technological gap between China and its rivals, particularly the United States. Their introduction has prompted regional countries like Japan and South Korea to accelerate their own fighter development programs.

New Deterrence Mechanisms:

The J-20 and J-35 have enhanced China’s ability to project power beyond its territorial boundaries, influencing regional security architecture and adding to tensions with its neighbours.

China’s Air and Naval Power Growth:

These advancements highlight China’s unwavering commitment to modernizing its military, and the strategic consequences are becoming increasingly evident. The PRC is progressively achieving its long-term ambition of establishing a more powerful military capable of operating across air, land, and sea domains.

Conclusion

China’s J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters are not just weapons systems; they are symbolic embodiments of the nation’s growing technological prowess and ambitious geopolitical aspirations. The success of these programs has challenged established regional security norms and signalled a shift in the regional balance of power. The future development and deployment of these aircraft will likely further shape regional security dynamics, demanding careful consideration and proactive responses from China’s regional partners.

FAQs:

What are the primary differences between the J-20 and the J-35?

The J-20 is designed as a land-based air superiority fighter for the PLAAF, while the J-35 is designed as a carrier-based fighter for the PLAN. The J-35 incorporates features specifically for carrier operations, including foldable wings, a robust landing gear for arresting, and a larger wingspan for better low-speed handling.

How do the J-20 and J-35 compare to their Western counterparts (e.g., F-22 and F-35)?

While the J-20 and J-35 have achieved considerable advancements in stealth and avionics, their current capabilities are arguably still slightly behind those of the F-22 and F-35, particularly in terms of sustained supercruise performance and some aspects of sensor integration. However, China’s continued development and refinement of its fighters suggest that these gaps may narrow over time.

What is the significance of China’s reliance on indigenous technology for its fighters?

China’s increasing reliance on domestically developed engines and technologies signifies its desire to achieve self-sufficiency in the aerospace sector and reduce its dependence on foreign partners, particularly Russia. This shift demonstrates China’s determination to become a global aerospace power.

How do the J-20 and J-35 influence regional security dynamics in East Asia?

The presence of these advanced fighters raises concerns about potential military tensions in the region. Countries like Japan and South Korea feel compelled to modernize their air forces in response. The development of these fighters also complicates China’s relations with Taiwan and its broader territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

What is the potential for further advancements and development in China’s stealth fighter programs?

The J-20 and J-35 programs are expected to continue evolving, incorporating further upgrades and innovations, including advancements in stealth, engine technology, avionics, and weapons systems. This continuous development will undoubtedly keep pace with the rapidly changing technological landscape and pose significant challenges for other regional military powers.