China last week unveiled its second domestically developed fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-35, at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai. This twin-engine stealth fighter is designed for multirole missions and is available in both runway and carrier-capable variants, marking a significant step in China's military aviation capabilities. The J-35 aims to complement China's existing fleet of J-20 stealth fighters and challenge the United States' dominance in the global stealth aircraft market.

The J-35, a Chinese stealth fighter jet, draws inspiration from the F-35 but exhibits notable deficiencies in several critical areas, particularly in engine performance, avionics, and stealth technologies.

Engine Performance

The J-35 is currently powered by the WS-13 engine, with plans to transition to the more advanced WS-19 engine, which is expected to enhance its thrust capabilities. However, the F-35's Pratt & Whitney F135 engine outperforms the J-35's engines significantly, providing superior thrust and a longer operational range of approximately 2,220 kilometers compared to the J-35's estimated 1,200 kilometers. This disparity affects the J-35’s effectiveness in long-range missions and overall combat capability.

Avionics

In terms of avionics, the J-35 is equipped with a Chinese-developed AESA radar and infrared tracking systems. However, these systems have not yet demonstrated the same level of integration and effectiveness as the F-35’s AN/APG-81 AESA radar and Distributed Aperture System (DAS), which offer unmatched situational awareness and target acquisition capabilities. The F-35's advanced electronic warfare systems further enhance its operational effectiveness in contested environments.

Stealth Technologies

Stealth is a critical factor for modern fighter jets, and here too, the J-35 lags behind the F-35. While both aircraft utilize radar-absorbing materials and internal weapon bays to minimize their radar cross-section (RCS), the F-35 employs advanced materials and coatings that provide a significant edge in stealth performance. The J-35's stealth capabilities remain largely unproven and speculative, as it has yet to undergo extensive operational testing.

What Are The Main Challenges China Faces In Replicating The F-35's Stealth Technology

China faces several significant challenges in replicating the F-35's advanced stealth technology. These challenges are primarily rooted in material science, integration complexity, and operational experience.

Material Science Challenges

One of the most critical obstacles is the development of Radar Absorbent Materials (RAM). While it may be feasible for China to mimic the F-35's stealthy design, creating effective RAM that can absorb or scatter up to 80% of incoming radar waves remains elusive. Experts compare this challenge to reverse-engineering a high-quality Damascus steel blade without understanding the underlying processes involved in its creation. This gap in material science leaves Chinese stealth fighters less effective at evading radar detection compared to the F-35, which utilizes advanced materials and coatings that enhance its stealth profile significantly.

Integration Complexity

Achieving F-35-level stealth requires not only advanced materials but also extensive integration of various technologies, including aerodynamics and internal structure configurations. The F-35's design incorporates intricate features that contribute to its low radar cross-section (RCS), which are difficult to replicate without a deep understanding of these technologies. The complexity of integrating these systems effectively is a significant hurdle for China's aviation industry.

Operational Experience

Another challenge is the lack of real-world operational experience. The F-35 has been in service for over a decade, benefiting from extensive testing and feedback across multiple operational environments. This experience has allowed for continuous improvements in avionics and software, areas where China’s fighters still lag behind. The J-35, while showcasing advancements, does not yet have a proven track record in combat scenarios, making it difficult to assess its true capabilities against established benchmarks like the F-35.

While the J-35 represents a significant advancement in China's military aviation capabilities, it still faces substantial challenges in matching the F-35’s comprehensive performance across engine efficiency, avionics sophistication, and stealth technology. These gaps highlight ongoing developmental hurdles as China seeks to enhance its fifth-generation fighter capabilities.

In conclusion, China's efforts to replicate the F-35's stealth technology are hindered by significant challenges in material science, integration complexity, and operational experience. Until these issues are addressed, Chinese stealth fighters are likely to remain outmatched by their American counterparts.