China’s Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter is transitioning into mass production, with estimates projecting up to 300 units by 2030.
-Designed as a carrier-borne strike platform for the Fujian (CV-18), the J-35 provides the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) with a fifth-generation, twin-engine capability to challenge the U.S. F-35 Lightning II.
-Featuring a 12-missile "beast mode" and long-range PL-15 missiles, the J-35 serves as a multi-domain command node capable of guiding surface-to-air weapons.
-While the U.S. and allies maintain a quantitative edge with over 1,200 F-35s, the J-35’s $55 million unit cost allows Beijing to rapidly saturate the Indo-Pacific battlespace.
