Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-35 vs F-35 Lightning II
A Comprehensive Comparison of Fifth-Generation Fighters
In the ever-evolving world of modern air warfare, fifth-generation fighter jets are redefining the rules of engagement. At the forefront of this technological race are the United States’ Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, China’s Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, and the emerging Shenyang J-35 (also called FC-31). As global powers like the USA and China seek air superiority in contested regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific, comparing these aircraft is crucial for understanding future military balances.
Overview of the Contenders
F-35 Lightning II: America’s Stealth Powerhouse
The F-35 is a multirole stealth fighter developed under the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program by Lockheed Martin. It comes in three variants:
- F-35A (Conventional takeoff and landing – CTOL)
- F-35B (Short takeoff/vertical landing – STOVL)
- F-35C (Carrier-based variant for the U.S. Navy)
First flight: 2006 | In service: 2015
Primary operators: USAF, USN, USMC, UK, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and more
Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon: China’s Stealth Interceptor
The J-20 is China’s first operational stealth fighter jet designed for air superiority and strike roles. It is developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
First flight: 2011 | In service: 2017
Role: Long-range interception, stealth penetration, anti-access area denial (A2/AD)
Shenyang J-35 / FC-31: China’s Stealth Carrier Fighter
The J-35, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is a twin-engine stealth fighter intended for carrier operations and export. It is unofficially called FC-31 Gyrfalcon, and is seen as China’s response to the F-35C.
First flight (prototype): 2012 | Naval version revealed: 2021
Status: In testing, expected deployment in late 2020s
Design and Stealth Capabilities
Stealth Comparison
| Feature | F-35 | J-20 | J-35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radar Cross Section (RCS) | Very low (0.001 m² or lower) | Low to moderate | Low (estimated 0.05 m²) |
| Internal Weapon Bays | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Radar-absorbent Materials | Advanced (multi-layered RAM) | Present | Present |
| IR Signature Management | Advanced | Moderate | Moderate |
🔍 Note: The F-35 uses advanced DAS (Distributed Aperture System) and EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System) for enhanced passive sensing, contributing to its stealth.
Avionics and Sensor Fusion
F-35: The Benchmark
- AN/APG-81 AESA radar
- DAS (360° IR tracking)
- EOTS (targeting and surveillance)
- CNI system (communications, navigation, identification)
- High sensor fusion with helmet-mounted displays (HMD)
J-20 Avionics (Public Info)
- Type 1475 AESA radar (claimed)
- Electro-optical targeting pod
- Passive sensors with data links
- Some level of sensor fusion, though not fully networked like the F-35
J-35 (Expected)
- AESA radar (likely less powerful than F-35)
- Basic sensor fusion with carrier ops support
- Capable data link (likely less advanced than NATO Link 16)
Engines and Performance
F-35 (All Variants)
- F135 afterburning turbofan engine (195 kN thrust)
- Supercruise: No
- Speed: Mach 1.6
- Range: ~2,200 km (F-35A)
J-20
- Early models: Russian AL-31F
- Latest models: WS-10C; future upgrades include WS-15 (supercruise-capable)
- Speed: Mach 2.0+
- Range: ~5,500 km with drop tanks
J-35
- Powered by WS-13 or WS-19 (expected)
- Speed: ~Mach 1.8 (estimated)
- Range: ~2,000–3,000 km (carrier-based range limited)
Weapons Loadout
F-35 (Internal)
- 2x AIM-120 AMRAAMs
- 2x GBU-31/GBU-39 JDAMs
- Optional: 25mm cannon (F-35A)
J-20
- 4x PL-15 long-range AAMs
- 2x PL-10 short-range AAMs
- Ground-attack munitions in later variants
J-35
- PL-10, PL-15 missiles
- Possibly YJ-91 anti-ship missiles (export variant)
- Limited air-to-ground capability (early versions)
Operational Doctrine and Strategy
F-35: Stealth Multirole Workhorse
The F-35 is central to NATO and allied joint operations, serving as a stealth multirole platform with emphasis on network-centric warfare, deep strike missions, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), and SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses).
J-20: Long-Range Interceptor with Strategic Reach
The J-20 appears optimized for anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) missions, intended to counter AWACS, refueling tankers, and assert dominance over South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
J-35: Carrier Stealth Fighter for PLAN
Designed to operate from Type 003 aircraft carriers, the J-35 gives China its first credible carrier-capable stealth fighter, mirroring the F-35C’s naval role. This suggests China’s ambition to project power beyond the first island chain.
International Reach and Alliances
F-35: A Global Fighter
Over 17 countries are current or future operators, including:
- NATO allies
- Israel (custom F-35I Adir)
- Japan and South Korea (Indo-Pacific pivot)
J-20 and J-35: Limited Export and Secrecy
China has not exported either fighter. The J-35 may be offered to close allies (e.g., Pakistan), but no confirmed orders exist. China’s tight control reflects a strategy of retaining fifth-gen exclusivity.
Industrial Ecosystem and Software Edge
F-35
- Developed with Modular Mission Systems
- Regular software upgrades (Block 4 etc.)
- Integrated with allied ISR assets and space-based platforms
Chinese Jets
- Development is state-controlled
- Lacks proven software modularity
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drone integration remain speculative
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | F-35 Lightning II | Chengdu J-20 | Shenyang J-35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Multirole Stealth | Long-range Interceptor | Carrier Stealth Fighter |
| Status | Fully operational | Operational | In development |
| Export | Widely exported | Not exported | Not exported |
| Network warfare | Advanced | Developing | Unknown |
| Engines | Proven (F135) | Developing (WS-15) | Prototype stage |
Strategic Implications
- The F-35’s interoperability makes it the core of future joint-force airpower for the West.
- The J-20 offers China a platform to contest air dominance over sensitive areas.
- The J-35 represents China’s ambition to create a blue-water navy backed by stealth air power.
🛰️ If China fully develops loyal wingman drones and hypersonic integration, the J-20 and J-35 could become more formidable in the next decade.
Conclusion
While China’s J-20 and J-35 represent remarkable achievements in aviation technology, they still lag behind the F-35 in terms of sensor fusion, stealth depth, and battlefield networking. However, the rapid pace of Chinese aerospace development means that the gap is narrowing.
In the near future, the real test will not be in direct dogfights but in multi-domain warfare, where satellites, cyber systems, and AI-enabled drones interact with fighter jets. The F-35 currently leads this ecosystem—but China is racing to catch up.
