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China's new stealth jets highlight advances in air superiority

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China's new stealth jets highlight advances in air superiority

2025-10-05 15:25 Last Updated At:18:27

China's next-generation stealth fighter jets, the carrier-based J-35 and land-based J-35A, highlight advances in air superiority, marking the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's shift toward far-sea combat readiness, according to their designers.

At a hangar in northeast China's Liaoning Province, engineers at the AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute were seen assembling the jets, which remain in active development.

The J-35 is a multi-role carrier-based fighter jet designed primarily for air superiority while retaining ground-attack capabilities.

Sun Cong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said the J-35 represents a landmark advancement in naval aviation, enabling extended-range operations and enhancing offensive reach for the PLA Navy.

"The greatest feature of the J-35 is its stealth capability. When designing the stealth fighter J-35, our primary focus was on pursuing low observability, meaning we aimed to make it as stealthy as possible to avoid detection by adversaries, enabling us to detect and strike them first," said Sun.

Compared to the J-15, the J-35 adopts a highly integrated design. Although smaller in size, it has a higher level of informatization, said Sun.

"Its equipment density is very high, and its level of integration is also quite advanced. After all, it is an aircraft designed for the information age. In terms of usage, the J-35 emphasizes on offensive air superiority," he said.

The land-based J-35A is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth multi-role fighter with a conventional aerodynamic configuration.

According to its designers from AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, the J-35A is capable of both air superiority and strike missions against ground and maritime targets.

Specifically, the jet can be used to engage with hostile aircraft including fighters and bombers, shoot down enemy cruise missiles, and eliminate adversaries' land- and ship-based air defense hardware.

The J-35A's design seamlessly integrates stealth performance with combat effectiveness, said the designers.

"From a purely stealth perspective, having no protrusions on the aircraft's exterior would theoretically provide the best stealth effect. However, from the perspective the developers, an aircraft is an integrated system. In addition to its stealth capabilities, we must also consider other factors such as its combat capabilities, flight performance, structural strength, and various other attributes. Therefore, the J-35A aircraft becomes what it is today," said Ai Zhiqiang, engineer at the AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute.

China's new stealth jets highlight advances in air superiority

China's new stealth jets highlight advances in air superiority

China's new stealth jets highlight advances in air superiority

China's new stealth jets highlight advances in air superiority

After the devastating fire at the housing complex Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the central government, Hong Kong authorities, and people from across China have joined forces in a massive outpouring of relief and support.

The blaze, the deadliest Hong Kong had witnessed for decades, broke out at around 14:50 on Nov 26 at the eight-towered residential estate Wang Fuk Court, which was under renovation, in Tai Po district. The fire quickly engulfed seven of the towers, leaving at least 159 dead, 79 injured and thousands of families homeless.

According to the latest official update, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, established by the HKSAR government, has received 3 billion Hong Kong dollars in external donations. Together with the HKSAR government's start-up capital of 300 million Hong Kong dollars, the fund stands at around 3.3 billion Hong Kong dollars in total. It will be used to help residents rebuild their homes and provide long-term support.

Following the fire, the HKSAR government has made comprehensive, multi-tiered rescue and resettlement efforts.

On the night of the blaze, the government promptly established temporary shelters at multiple locations across Tai Po district, coordinating accommodations in youth hostels, hotels, and transitional housing for affected residents. Emergency subsidies and living allowances were distributed to those impacted, while support was also provided through a "one household, one social worker" mechanism.

People from across Hong Kong have joined volunteer efforts, hoping to bring warmth to the wounded community, with donated supplies such as clothing, food, drinking water continuously arriving at temporary shelters.

Many taxi drivers have also volunteered to provide free rides.

"We work here from 08:00 in the morning to past 22:00 at night. We only leave when there are no passengers. That's how it is. It does affect earnings a bit. It definitely has an impact. But that's not important. The most important thing is to help others first," said Wong Chi-chuen, a taxi driver .

At the request of the HKSAR government, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has coordinated the Ministry of Emergency Management to provide batches of supplies for the Tai Po fire relief effort, including portable outdoor charging stations, heavy-duty conveyors, blowers, respirators, goggles, protective suits, headlamps, and waterproof boots.

Mainland companies and residents, and various sectors in Macao also provided support following the devastating fire in Hong Kong, donating funds and supplies for emergency relief and post-disaster recovery.

"A large amount of supplies was collected and delivered to our disaster-stricken areas in a very short time. It made me realize what it means to be bound by blood. Because this kind of bond runs deep. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone," said Peter Lam, chairman of Tai Po Rural Committee.

Support from across China pours in after devastating fire in Hong Kong

Support from across China pours in after devastating fire in Hong Kong

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