A Chinese government-backed newspaper is announcing that now, with the arrival of the J-35, China is the second country to have “two” 5th-generation aircraft and, perhaps of greatest concern to the Pentagon, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) plans to “mass produce” its new J-35. Well known for its massive military production capacity, enabled to a large degree by its civil-military fusion, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may indeed be well positioned to fast-track large quantities of the J-35. China has been building J-20s at a fast pace and has hit staggering and unprecedented production capacity building warships, in part by opening additional shipyards throughout the country.
China’s Global Times newspaper says the PRC can quickly “mass” produce its J-35.
“The heavy J-20 and the medium-sized J-35A could perform complementary roles in joint missions…..the medium-sized J-35A is likely to be less costly than the heavy J-20, so it can be produced in large numbers in a short period of time,” the Global Times states.
Should China truly have the ability to mass produce J-35s quickly, that would likely be something of concern to the Pentagon. At the moment, the US and its allies enjoy a significant air-power advantage over China in the Pacific, given that US Navy amphibious can travel with up to 20 F-35Bs, US Navy carriers can travel with up to 90 F-35Cs, and Japan is fast adding F-35s through its own multi-billion F-35 buy. However, should China be able to close this substantial 5th-generation fighter “numbers gap” with the West, US and Allied air superiority in the Pacific could very much be threatened.
The US Air Force, for instance, already operates more than 300 F-35A, and the Navy and Marine Corps, respectively, have sizeable operational F-35 fleets as well. China is already experienced with mass producing its J-20 and has made many adjustments to the aircraft itself, such as adding a domestically-build WS-15 engine. For years now, the PLA has been working to surge production of its J-20, so it seems conceivable that Chinese engineers have the experience and expertise to do something similar or greater for the J-35.
A Chinese government-backed newspaper is announcing that now, with the arrival of the J-35, China is the second country to have “two” 5th-generation aircraft and, perhaps of greatest concern to the Pentagon, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) plans to “mass produce” its new J-35. Well known for its massive military production capacity, enabled to a large degree by its civil-military fusion, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may indeed be well positioned to fast-track large quantities of the J-35. China has been building J-20s at a fast pace and has hit staggering and unprecedented production capacity building warships, in part by opening additional shipyards throughout the country.
China’s Global Times newspaper says the PRC can quickly “mass” produce its J-35.
“The heavy J-20 and the medium-sized J-35A could perform complementary roles in joint missions…..the medium-sized J-35A is likely to be less costly than the heavy J-20, so it can be produced in large numbers in a short period of time,” the Global Times states.
Should China truly have the ability to mass produce J-35s quickly, that would likely be something of concern to the Pentagon. At the moment, the US and its allies enjoy a significant air-power advantage over China in the Pacific, given that US Navy amphibious can travel with up to 20 F-35Bs, US Navy carriers can travel with up to 90 F-35Cs, and Japan is fast adding F-35s through its own multi-billion F-35 buy. However, should China be able to close this substantial 5th-generation fighter “numbers gap” with the West, US and Allied air superiority in the Pacific could very much be threatened.
The US Air Force, for instance, already operates more than 300 F-35A, and the Navy and Marine Corps, respectively, have sizeable operational F-35 fleets as well. China is already experienced with mass producing its J-20 and has made many adjustments to the aircraft itself, such as adding a domestically-build WS-15 engine. For years now, the PLA has been working to surge production of its J-20, so it seems conceivable that Chinese engineers have the experience and expertise to do something similar or greater for the J-35.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.