China completes first electromagnetic catapult launch of J-35 stealth fighter to challenge US carrier strike groups.
According to Aviatsanta (Loongfire) on April 24, 2025, the Chinese Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter completed its first electromagnetic catapult (EMALS) launch aboard the aircraft carrier Fujian in late March 2025. If later officially confirmed by Chinese authorities, this event could mark a turning point in China’s naval aviation capabilities by significantly enhancing the operational reach of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). This development follows months of sightings of the J-35 at land-based carrier simulation facilities and static display aboard Fujian, representing a crucial step toward the full operational integration of stealth aircraft into China’s carrier strike groups.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Reports suggest that following the J-35’s integration on the Fujian, China could deploy carrier strike groups equipped with stealth fighters in quantities comparable to or exceeding those found on American aircraft carriers. (Picture source: Weibo/@御风卸甲)
The Fujian is China’s largest and most technically advanced aircraft carrier to date, representing a significant technological leap over the earlier Liaoning and Shandong carriers. Displacing an estimated 80,000 to 85,000 tons, it is equipped with three electromagnetic catapults powered by a medium-voltage direct current integrated electric propulsion system, offering launch efficiency reportedly 30% higher than that of the U.S. Navy’s Ford-class carriers. Although the Fujian has yet to achieve full operational status, its catapults allow for the launch of heavier and more sophisticated aircraft than ski-jump carriers, such as the J-35, the KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft, and the GJ-11 unmanned combat air vehicle. Supported by modern Type 055 destroyers equipped with vertical launch systems compatible with hypersonic missiles like the YJ-21, this carrier forms the core of China’s ambition to create an aviation-centric battle group comparable to those operated by the United States.
The J-35’s deployment aboard the Fujian would be a critical step in integrating a fifth-generation fighter into the Chinese carrier air wing. While earlier Chinese carriers primarily operated the J-15, a derivative of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, the J-35 promises much greater survivability, stealth, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Early images and leaked information suggest that prototypes of the naval J-35 variant have been tested on simulated carrier decks, indicating a close coordination between the fighter’s development and the Fujian's readiness. If flight trials aboard the Fujian proceed as expected, China could soon field a carrier-based stealth fighter force roughly comparable, at least conceptually, to the U.S. Navy’s F-35C Lightning II squadrons. The synergy between the J-35 and Fujian would also symbolize the transition of China’s carrier aviation from a largely regional force to a more ambitious, globally capable component of its military.
The United States’ F-35C is reportedly viewed by China as the benchmark for carrier-based stealth fighters, and the appearance of a Chinese equivalent—while not necessarily equal in all metrics—significantly narrows the qualitative gap. This would complicate U.S. and allied planning, requiring new assessments of China’s ability to project power, conduct sea denial, and contest control over key maritime zones such as the South China Sea, East China Sea, and potentially farther into the Indian Ocean and beyond. Moreover, it would reinforce China’s broader Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategies by extending stealth fighter coverage over greater distances from the mainland, offering new offensive and defensive options in a future high-end conflict.
Reports suggest that following the J-35’s integration on the Fujian, China could deploy carrier strike groups equipped with stealth fighters in quantities comparable to or exceeding those found on American aircraft carriers. It is estimated that the Fujian alone could accommodate up to 48 J-35 aircraft, while refitted Liaoning and Shandong carriers could each host around 24 J-35s alongside electronic warfare variants of the J-15. Collectively, this could enable the Chinese Navy to deploy close to 100 carrier-based stealth fighters by 2030, representing a substantial evolution in naval aviation capabilities and regional military balance. However, challenges remain for China in areas such as joint operations integration, pilot training for stealth carrier aviation, and the maintenance of sophisticated stealth materials and avionics.
The Fujian is China’s largest and most technically advanced aircraft carrier to date, representing a significant technological leap over the earlier Liaoning and Shandong carriers. (Picture source: Weibo/@韩路)
Beyond the Fujian, other existing and future vessels could potentially operate the J-35 under specific conditions. The ski-jump-equipped Liaoning and Shandong are less suited for launching heavier aircraft designed for catapult operations, but modified J-35 variants adapted for ski-jump takeoffs could theoretically be deployed in limited roles. Future Chinese carriers, such as the expected nuclear-powered Type 004 class, are projected to feature catapult launch systems suitable for full operational use of the J-35. Additionally, the expansion of land-based carrier aviation training facilities suggests that shore-based units of the J-35 could complement shipborne operations, broadening the scope of deployment. China’s amphibious assault ship Sichuan (Type 076) has also integrated electromagnetic launch capabilities, enabling it to launch large UAVs and potentially fifth-generation fighters like the J-35. While the Sichuan’s capabilities in high-end naval battles are lower than those of a full aircraft carrier, its power-projection capacity in regions like the South China Sea is significantly enhanced. Notably, its hull number, 51, inaugurates a new “5X” numbering series, highlighting its distinctive role compared to the traditional “3X” series of other amphibious assault ships.
The Shenyang J-35 itself has a relatively long development lineage, beginning with the Shenyang FC-31 program revealed around 2012. Initially marketed as an export-oriented project, the FC-31 later attracted military interest, particularly from the PLAN, to complement the conventional J-15. Over time, a navalized variant tailored for carrier operations emerged, featuring adaptations such as structural reinforcements, folding wings, a catapult launch bar, and a recovery tailhook. Several prototypes were observed undergoing flight testing through the 2010s and early 2020s, culminating in the unveiling of a more refined J-35 prototype in 2021, often referred to as the “new generation” naval stealth fighter for the PLAN. The J-35A variant, meanwhile, serves the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as a land-based medium stealth fighter and was first publicly displayed during the 2024 Zhuhai Air Show.
While definitive technical specifications remain elusive, the J-35 is widely believed to be slightly smaller than the J-20, with an estimated length of about 16.8 meters and a wingspan of around 12 meters with wings extended. Folding mechanisms were installed for carrier deck compatibility. Weight estimates suggest an empty weight between 17 and 18 tons, with a maximum takeoff weight potentially approaching 25 tons when fully loaded for carrier operations. Early prototypes were powered by RD-93 derivatives, while production versions may incorporate indigenous WS-13E or WS-19 engines to provide the necessary thrust for catapult launches and carrier recoveries. Its payload capacity is reported to be around 8 tons—comparable to its U.S. counterpart, the F-35C—but with a slightly larger combat radius and higher maximum speed capabilities.
Stealth remains a fundamental design consideration, with internal weapons bays to minimize radar cross-section, serrated inlets, edge-aligned surfaces, and radar-absorbent coatings. The onboard systems likely include an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and a helmet-mounted display and cueing system. Possible weapon loadouts include PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, PL-10 short-range air-to-air missiles, and precision-guided air-to-ground munitions. However, given the lack of publicly verified technical data, projections regarding the exact performance characteristics of this new twin-engine, single-seat, medium-sized stealth multirole fighter should be treated with caution until further official information or operational evidence becomes available.
