Harshvardhan Mishra
Introduction
The fifth-generation fighter jet arena is dominated by a few technologically advanced aircraft, among which the F-35 Lightning II from the United States and China’s J-35 (J-31/FC-31) have drawn significant global attention. While the F-35 is battle-tested and in widespread use by U.S. allies, the J-35 represents China’s strategic ambition to rival American airpower dominance.
Overview of the F-35 Lightning II
| Specification | F-35 Lightning II |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Role | Stealth multirole fighter |
| First Flight | December 2006 |
| Operational Since | 2015 (F-35A) |
| Variants | F-35A (CTOL), F-35B (STOVL), F-35C (Carrier-based) |
| Users | USA, UK, Israel, Japan, Australia, more |
The F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-engine, stealth multirole fighters developed by Lockheed Martin under the Joint Strike Fighter program. Designed with a focus on low observability, sensor fusion, and multirole versatility, the F-35 is now the cornerstone of air superiority for many NATO and allied countries.
Overview of the J-35 Gyrfalcon (FC-31 / J-31)
| Specification | J-35 Gyrfalcon |
|---|---|
| Origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Shenyang Aircraft Corporation |
| Role | Stealth multirole fighter |
| First Flight | October 2012 (as FC-31 prototype) |
| Status | In development (expected carrier-based variant for PLANAF) |
| Variants | J-35 (carrier-based), FC-31 (export) |
| Users | Chinese Navy (future), Export market (potentially) |
The J-35, also known by its development name FC-31 or J-31, is China’s answer to the F-35. Built by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the J-35 aims to fill a carrier-based role within the People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF) and potentially attract buyers on the global stage.
Design & Stealth Capabilities
✈️ F-35 Lightning II
- Stealth: Advanced low-observable coatings, internal weapons bays, and aligned body panels.
- Shape: Angular fuselage, serrated engine nozzle, single-engine design.
- Radar Cross Section (RCS): Extremely low (estimated <0.005 m²).
- Signature Management: Includes infrared suppression, radar-absorbent materials, and precise electromagnetic emissions control.
✈️ J-35 Gyrfalcon
- Stealth: Stealth shaping is evident, though less refined than the F-35.
- Shape: Twin-engine, forward-swept canted tailfins, similar to the F-22/F-35 hybrid look.
- Radar Cross Section (RCS): Believed to be low, but likely not as low as the F-35.
- Signature Management: China’s radar-absorbent material tech may lag behind the U.S.
✅ Verdict: The F-35 has a proven, highly advanced stealth profile; the J-35 is improving but is still considered to be a step behind.
Avionics and Situational Awareness
F-35 Avionics Suite
- AN/APG-81 AESA radar
- Distributed Aperture System (DAS)
- Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
- Advanced sensor fusion
- Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) with 360-degree vision
J-35 Avionics (Assumed)
- AESA radar (domestically developed)
- Electro-optical/infrared sensor pods
- Helmet-mounted targeting system (HMTD)
- Limited details due to secrecy
✅ Verdict: The F-35 is regarded as having the most integrated avionics suite in the world. The J-35’s capabilities remain largely speculative but are believed to be behind in terms of data fusion and network-centric warfare.
Engines and Performance
F-35 Engine
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney F135
- Thrust: 43,000 lbf (191 kN) with afterburner
- Top Speed: Mach 1.6
- Combat Radius: ~1,000 km (620 mi)
- Features: Reliable, efficient, supercruise-capable (limited), STOVL (F-35B)
J-35 Engine
- Engine: Originally RD-93 (Russian); now using WS-13E or new WS-19 (under development)
- Thrust: Estimated 25,000–30,000 lbf each
- Top Speed: Estimated Mach 1.8
- Combat Radius: Estimated ~1,250 km
- Features: Twin-engine design provides redundancy; stealth nozzle tech is evolving.
✅ Verdict: The J-35’s twin-engine setup offers better redundancy, but the F-35’s engine is more mature and proven. Chinese engines still suffer from performance and reliability issues.
Weapons and Payload
F-35
- Internal Armament: 2-4 air-to-air missiles or precision bombs
- External Hardpoints: 6 external for additional ordnance (non-stealth mode)
- Missiles: AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X, JDAM, SDBs, etc.
- Gun: 25mm GAU-22/A (F-35A only)
J-35
- Internal Weapons Bay: Believed to support 4–6 missiles or bombs
- External Hardpoints: 4–6 for additional weapons
- Missiles: PL-10, PL-15 (AAM), possibly YJ-series (anti-ship)
- Gun: Unknown
✅ Verdict: The F-35 is better integrated with Western and NATO weapon systems, while the J-35 will support indigenous Chinese weapons. The Chinese missile tech (e.g., PL-15) is improving rapidly.
Electronic Warfare and Cyber Resilience
- F-35: Advanced EW suite including radar jamming, deception, and cyber-secure architecture.
- J-35: Some EW capabilities are expected, but the level of sophistication is unclear.
✅ Verdict: F-35 leads in EW and cyber resilience based on integration and field experience.
Operational Status and Global Impact
| Feature | F-35 | J-35 |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Status | Fully operational | In development |
| Exported To | >15 countries | None (yet) |
| Carrier Compatibility | F-35B & C (Yes) | J-35 (Future) |
| Combat Experience | Syria, Iraq, Israel, etc. | None |
✅ Verdict: The F-35 is already reshaping global air power, while the J-35’s potential lies in the future and its success is yet to be proven.
Strategic Implications
- The F-35 has become a symbol of Western air dominance, solidifying U.S. military alliances.
- The J-35 aims to offer a lower-cost stealth option for nations outside Western influence, including those aligned with China.
- If mass-produced and exported, the J-35 could alter regional power balances—especially in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Conclusion: F-35 vs J-35 — Who Wins?
The F-35 Lightning II currently stands as the most capable fifth-generation fighter in terms of stealth, avionics, network integration, and battlefield experience. The J-35 Gyrfalcon, while promising, is still maturing and lacks combat validation.
However, China’s rapid advancements in aerospace tech suggest that the J-35 should not be underestimated. As development continues, the J-35 may become a formidable opponent, especially if exported widely.
