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6h ago

China Accelerates Fifth-Gen Fighter Buildout as J-35 Nears Mass Production

SAC signals 2026 mass manufacturing after releasing new J-35 flight footage.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson, F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs during FIDAE 2024, Santiago, Chile, April 4th, 2024. The F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration showcases the unmatched maneuverability of the airframe by executing a series of combat maneuvers to inspire Americans and their allies, and deter foreign adversaries. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Michael Bowman)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson, F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, April 14th, 2023. The F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration showcases the unmatched maneuverability of the airframe by executing a series of combat maneuvers to inspire Americans and their allies, and deter foreign adversaries. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Michael Bowman)

Overview

  • SAC released video of fresh J-35 flights and pledged to double overall warplane output within three to five years, with a new Shenyang assembly plant set to start mass production in 2026.
  • Official messaging casts the J-35 as the core of carrier air wings, with analysts outlining operations from the Fujian and integration with the Type 076 amphibious platform in a Taiwan contingency.
  • A RUSI assessment projects the PLAAF could field at least 1,000 J-20s by 2030, citing an estimated current output of about 125 aircraft per year at Chengdu.
  • Open-source estimates reported last year put China at roughly 300 J-20s and about 57 J-35s, underscoring rapid numerical growth alongside large fourth-generation fleets.
  • Experts note persistent limitations for Chinese fifth-generation jets, including engine maturity, manufacturing quality, stealth and sensor-fusion shortfalls, and the absence of a combat record, which also weigh on export prospects for the J-35.