The US F-35 Lightning II and China's J-35 (also known as J-35A for land-based and J-35 for carrier-based variants) are both fifth-generation stealth fighter jets designed for multi-role operations, but they differ significantly in design philosophy, technology, and intended roles. Below is a detailed comparison based on available information:
1. Design and Role
- F-35 Lightning II (United States):
- Developer: Lockheed Martin
- Variants: F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), F-35C (carrier-based).
- Role: Primarily an air-to-ground strike fighter with strong air-to-air capabilities, emphasizing versatility, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare. It acts as a "quarterback" for joint operations, integrating with other platforms.
- Key Features:
- Designed for global interoperability with U.S. allies.
- Optimized for stealth, with a focus on low radar cross-section (RCS) through sharp angular design and advanced materials.
- Single-engine configuration (Pratt & Whitney F135), prioritizing reliability and efficiency.
- J-35 (China):
- Developer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC)
- Variants: J-35A (land-based) and J-35 (carrier-based, developed from the FC-31 program).
- Role: Primarily an air superiority fighter with multi-role capabilities, designed to complement the heavier J-20. It’s described as a "point guard" for China’s air force, focusing on air-to-air engagements, air defense suppression, and anti-ship missions.
- Key Features:
- Tailored for regional operations, particularly in the South and East China Seas, with carrier-based operations in mind.
- Twin-engine configuration (WS-13E or WS-21 engines), potentially offering better survivability for carrier operations but less advanced than the F-35’s engine.
2. Stealth Capabilities
- F-35:
- Industry benchmark for stealth, with a highly optimized low-observable design, including sharply angled stabilizers, smooth surfaces, and advanced radar-absorbent materials.
- Features like the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) and internal weapons bays minimize radar signature.
- Superior stealth due to decades of U.S. experience in low-observable technology (e.g., F-117, B-2, F-22).
- J-35:
- Incorporates stealth features like smooth, curved surfaces and internal weapons bays, but its stealth profile is considered less refined than the F-35’s.
- Slightly more rounded edges and less pronounced angular design may result in a higher radar cross-section compared to the F-35.
- Likely benefits from Chinese advancements in stealth but lags behind due to the U.S.’s longer experience in the field.
3. Sensor and Avionics
- F-35:
- World-leading sensor fusion, integrating data from the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, infrared sensors, and electronic warfare systems into a cohesive display for unparalleled situational awareness.
- Designed to share data with other platforms, enhancing joint operations.
- The next-generation AN/APG-85 radar is in development, further widening its technological edge.
- J-35:
- Expected to feature an AESA radar, infrared search and track (IRST), and electronic warfare systems, with advancements in sensor fusion.
- Chinese media claims it has strong electronic countermeasures and jamming capabilities, but its sensor suite is likely less mature than the F-35’s.
- May approach F-35 levels of situational awareness but lacks the proven integration and interoperability of the F-35.
4. Propulsion
- F-35:
- Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan, delivering approximately 43,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner. Highly reliable and efficient, with a focus on safety for single-engine operations.
- Single-engine design reduces maintenance complexity but lacks redundancy.
- J-35:
- Uses twin WS-13E or WS-21 engines (derived from the Russian RD-93), each providing around 22,000 pounds of thrust.
- Twin engines offer redundancy for carrier operations but are less advanced than the F135, potentially limiting performance.
- China is developing the WS-19 engine for improved performance, but it’s not yet operational.
5. Armament
- F-35:
- Internal weapons bays for stealth missions, carrying up to six air-to-air missiles (e.g., AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder) or air-to-ground munitions.
- External hardpoints for non-stealth missions, increasing payload to 18,000 pounds.
- Highly flexible loadout for multi-role missions.
- J-35:
- Internal weapons bays designed to carry up to six air-to-air missiles (e.g., PL-15, PL-10) or air-to-ground munitions, similar to the F-35.
- External payload capacity estimated at 13,000 pounds, with six hardpoints.
- Likely tailored for anti-ship roles, potentially carrying long-range anti-ship missiles to support China’s A2/AD strategy.
6. Size and Dimensions
- F-35:
- Length: ~51 feet (F-35A), Wingspan: ~35 feet, Weight: ~29,000 pounds empty.
- Slightly larger and heavier, optimized for versatility and range.
- J-35:
- Length: ~55 feet, Wingspan: slightly smaller than F-35, Weight: ~25,000 pounds empty.
- More compact and lighter, potentially offering better agility but reduced range and payload compared to the F-35.
7. Operational Status and Deployment
- F-35:
- Fully operational with the U.S. and multiple allies (e.g., Japan, South Korea, NATO countries).
- Over 1,000 units produced, with extensive combat experience and global interoperability.
- Deployed on U.S. aircraft carriers and forward bases, with proven effectiveness in contested environments.
- J-35:
- Still in development, with the J-35A unveiled in November 2024 at the Zhuhai Air Show. Not yet fully operational but expected to enter service soon.
- Carrier-based variant undergoing testing on China’s Type 001 Liaoning and Type 003 Fujian carriers.
- Potential export to Pakistan, with 30–40 aircraft planned for delivery by 2027, though this is unconfirmed.
8. Strategic Implications
- F-35:
- Central to U.S. and allied air strategies, with unmatched interoperability and data-sharing capabilities.
- Designed to counter advanced threats like China’s A2/AD systems, with a focus on penetrating contested airspace and coordinating with other assets.
- Benefits from a mature industrial base and decades of stealth technology expertise.
- J-35:
- Enhances China’s air and naval power projection, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, supporting its A2/AD strategy in the South and East China Seas.
- Complements the J-20, creating a high-low mix similar to the U.S.’s F-22/F-35 pairing.
- Allegations of design espionage (e.g., 2009 cyber theft of F-35 data) suggest China may have drawn inspiration from the F-35, but direct copying is unlikely due to the complexity of replication.
9. Key Differences
- Mission Focus: The F-35 prioritizes air-to-ground and network-centric warfare, while the J-35 emphasizes air superiority and regional operations.
- Technology Maturity: The F-35 benefits from advanced U.S. avionics and stealth technology, while the J-35, though promising, is less mature and likely trails in sensor fusion and stealth.
- Engines: F-35’s single-engine design contrasts with J-35’s twin engines, reflecting different priorities for reliability and survivability.
- Global Reach: The F-35 is widely exported and integrated into allied forces, while the J-35 is primarily for Chinese use, with potential exports to allies like Pakistan.
10. Hypothetical Clash
In a direct engagement, the F-35’s superior sensor fusion, stealth, and radar (AN/APG-81) would likely allow it to detect and engage the J-35 first, giving it a significant advantage in beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat. The J-35’s twin engines and potential agility could offer advantages in close-range dogfights, but its less refined stealth and avionics would make it vulnerable against the F-35’s first-strike capability. Additionally, the F-35’s interoperability with other U.S. and allied assets (e.g., AWACS, F-22) would amplify its effectiveness in a broader conflict.
Conclusion
The F-35 remains the more advanced and versatile platform, leveraging decades of U.S. expertise in stealth, avionics, and global operations. The J-35 is a formidable contender, particularly for China’s regional ambitions, but it lags in technological maturity and global reach. While the J-35’s development signals China’s growing aerospace capabilities, it is not yet a match for the F-35 in most critical areas. However, its lower cost and focus on air superiority could make it a significant threat in specific scenarios, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
Note: Information on the J-35 is limited and partly speculative, as China has not fully disclosed its capabilities. Some data comes from unverified sources or Chinese state media, which may exaggerate performance. Always approach such comparisons with caution, as real-world performance depends on training, tactics, and integration with other systems
