Chinese aircraft carriers will be equipped with both the next-gen J-15 and J-35 fighter jets, a senior designer said Tuesday at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Zhuhai Airshow.
Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Sun Cong, chief designer of the J-15 fighter jets, highlighted the complementary roles of the two aircraft in a carrier's mission system.
Sun stressed its long development journey dating back to 2004, as part of the air force's move towards "information-centric" warfare.
"When it comes to the development of 'one platform, multiple variants', it's a matter of design philosophy. From the perspective of fighter jets, we've evolved from earlier generations that prioritized altitude and speed to third-generation fighters focused on energy maneuverability. Now, we've entered an era centered on information integration. In other words, a fighter is no longer merely a weapons platform; it's a critical information node. With the nation investing heavily in these projects, we've naturally adapted the design for multi-service use, adopting a systematic, series-based approach. The J-35's development, which started as far back as 2004, is a testament to this long-term effort, and unveiled to the public now," he said.
Furthermore, Sun told the media that non-stealth aircraft like the J-15 are suitable for missions after securing air superiority, while stealth fighters such as the J-35 are pivotal in achieving air dominance.
"The purpose of showcasing these aircraft is to highlight their coordinated roles on carriers. The J-15 and J-35 are designed to complement each other's capabilities. Typically, once air superiority is achieved, non-stealth aircraft can be widely deployed. However, during the initial phase of securing air superiority, high-performance stealth jets such as the J-35 are essential. This reflects a systematic approach to the development of carrier-based aviation," Sun said.
This year's event is running from Tuesday to Sunday.
Chinese aircraft carrier to be equipped with J-15, J-35: designer
Chinese aircraft carrier to be equipped with J-15, J-35: designer
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he estimates a deal with Iran will be signed "in the next day or two."
Trump said in an interview with Israel's Channel 12 News that the United States and Iran will probably meet over the weekend to finalize a deal to end the war. "The Iranians want to meet and make a deal," he said.
He said "the naval blockade on Iran is helping to make a deal. I will not lift it until we make a deal," adding that "the biggest part of this deal is that it will make Israel safer. This deal is good for Israel."
According to the channel, one component of the deal under discussion is that the United States will release 20 billion U.S. dollars in frozen Iranian funds.
In exchange, Iran would give up its stockpile of enriched uranium, and would be only allowed to have nuclear research reactors to produce medical isotopes, all above ground.
Trump also stressed that Israel must stop the strikes on Lebanon, saying, "They can't keep blowing up buildings. I'm not going to allow that."
Also on Friday, Trump said in a phone interview with Bloomberg that a deal to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is mostly complete as talks over a lasting peace deal will "probably" be held this weekend in Pakistan.
Trump said in the phone interview that Iran agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely, and will not receive any frozen funds from the United States.
"Most of the main points are finalized. It'll go pretty quickly," Trump said.
Asked if he would travel to Pakistan to sign the potential deal, Trump said: "I may."
Trump again denied that the moratorium on Iran's nuclear program would expire after 20 years. "No years, unlimited," Trump said.
The United States will get all of Iran's nuclear "dust" with no money having exchanged hands "in any way, shape, or form," Trump wrote on social media earlier on Friday. Multiple Western media outlets have interpreted Trump's reference to nuclear "dust" as meaning Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium.
Iran has yet to comment on any deal beyond the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, nor on claims made by Trump that Tehran had offered concessions, including over the key issue of its nuclear program.
If the United States continues its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will consider it a violation of the ceasefire between the two countries and will close the waterway, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Friday, citing an informed source close to the Supreme National Security Council.
The Iranian side has yet to respond to the media report on the enriched uranium issue.
The United States and Iran had their first round of negotiations in Pakistan's Islamabad last weekend to ease tension in the Middle East. The talks, which failed to produce an agreement, took place after a ceasefire was announced on April 8 between Iran, the United States, and Israel, following 40 days of fighting.
Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz after the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on the country on Feb. 28. The United States also imposed a naval blockade on the strait following the failed negotiations in Islamabad.
Earlier on Friday, both Washington and Tehran confirmed that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels. However, Trump said on Truth Social that the U.S. naval blockade would "remain in full force." In response, Iran warned of closing the waterway again if the U.S. blockade continues.
Trump says may sign deal with Iran "in the next day or two": Israeli media
Trump claims peace deal with Iran mostly complete: report
