China Says Its J-35 Sensors Rival F-35s

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

Available specs of China’s several J-31 (FC-31) prototypes say the aircraft can hit speeds of Mach 1.8, meaning it is faster than an F-35 which flies at Mach 1.6 but not quite as fast as the Mach 2.2 speeds of the US F-22.

The F-22 also has the most advanced thrust to weight ratio in the world, and is therefore able to maneuver, vector and out-run enemy air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles in ways that are likely to be unrivaled.

In discussing the arrival of its J-35, the Chinese Government backed Global Times says it is quite different from its preceding J-20. While able to carry large amounts of ordnance and operate at high altitudes up to 12 miles high, the J-20 is also listed at being capable of hitting speeds of Mach 2.0.

At the same time, the J-20 is larger than the J-35, capable of flying at high altitudes and carrying a large amount of ordnance. 

F-22 Raptor as depicted on a Tweet from Lockheed Martin.

While the J-20s speed might suggest it has an ability to vector and maneuver in the air, it does not seem clear how agile the J-20 might be, given its size and weight. Sure enough, the Chinese paper compares the J-20 to its J-35 and says its newer J-35 stealth fighter is lighter, faster, similar to an F-35 and engineered for “strong surface attack capabilities.”