China's J-35A stealth fighter strengthens fifth-gen air power since debut two years ago

China

China's J-35A stealth fighter strengthens fifth-gen air power since debut two years ago

2026-11-12 16:00 Last Updated At：19:12

China's J-35A stealth fighter has boosted the country's fifth-generation air combat strength since its public debut two years ago.

Wednesday marks the second anniversary of the official public debut of the J-35A, China's domestically developed medium-sized stealth multirole fighter.

On Nov. 12, 2024, the jet roared across the sky at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, drawing spectators' attention with its striking shock diamonds.

Its debut, together with the J-20 stealth fighter, ushered in the era of dual stealth fighters for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force.

The J-35A, a single-seat, twin-engine jet with the official codename Yunlong (Cloud Dragon), features low observability and good flight performance. It is also a scalable component of China's stealth and anti-stealth combat system.

Primarily designed for air superiority missions, it is also capable of strike operations against surface targets, delivering outstanding overall combat effectiveness.

To enhance its stealth capability, the J-35A adopts an integrated low-observability design rather than relying solely on radar-absorbent coatings. Its canopy is coated with a conductive stealth film to suppress radar return signals, ensuring multi-aspect stealth performance.

In terms of avionics and situational awareness, the J-35A is fitted with a new-generation active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, offering longer detection range and a limited capability to detect stealth targets. An electro-optical sensor window under the nose provides electro-optical detection. The full suite supports sensor fusion and links with the helmet-mounted display system. It can network and coordinate with the J-20 and unmanned aerial vehicles via high-speed data links.

"In terms of weapon compatibility, the J-35A has an internal weapons bay. In stealth mode, it can carry medium-range air-to-air missiles and short-range dogfight missiles. The wings also have hardpoints for external ordnance, allowing it to carry air-to-ground and anti-ship munitions in non-stealth configuration," said military commentator Shao Yongling.

While the J-20 is a heavy, high-end stealth fighter with relatively high unit costs, the medium-sized J-35A features controllable costs and strong mass-production potential. Together, the two aircraft form a high-low mix stealth fighter system, enabling China's fifth-generation jet fleet to become a scalable air combat force.

Iran faces growing energy challenges as winter approaches

Years of gas shortages, compounded by infrastructure damage from the war with the United States and Israel, are deepening concerns over whether Iran can meet domestic demand this winter.

Despite its vast natural gas reserves, Iran has long struggled to keep pace with domestic consumption. Attacks on energy infrastructure during the fighting have since widened that shortfall, compounding a problem that predated the conflict, while tensions remain high and the prospect of renewed confrontation persists.

The government is now calling for energy-saving measures across public offices, businesses and households, while also looking beyond its borders for relief, with Iran discussing possible gas cooperation with Russia.

The wartime destruction of production capacity has pushed Iran's daily gas shortfall well beyond its pre-war level, according to Saeed Laylaz, an Iranian economist.

"As a result of the war, approximately 30 percent or more of Iran’s gas production capacity was destroyed, which amounts to roughly 230 million cubic meters per day. Out of this volume, we managed to recover 100 million cubic meters, bringing a significant portion back into production even amidst the wartime conditions. However, the reality is that even before the war, we faced a daily deficit of 150 to 200 million cubic meters. Now, our daily deficit stands between 350 and 500 million cubic meters," he said.

The strain is felt most keenly in Iranian households, where families are already struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living, and where any increase in energy prices would put further pressure on budgets.

For the government, the months ahead amount to a difficult balancing act, requiring enough gas to keep homes warm while keeping industries running and avoiding further disruptions to production.

As the cold sets in, many fear what lies ahead will be another stern test for Iran's economy.