China has produced a stealth fighter for both its own military and international consumers looking for a less expensive substitute for Western aircraft. The aircraft is now being positioned as a direct competitor to the US-made F-35 Lightning II. It is an export-specific offshoot of the fifth-generation J-35 multi-role stealth fighter jet. The first country in queue to become a customer is probably Pakistan.
The timing is noteworthy since it occurs nearly exactly a year after India and Pakistan engaged in high-stakes aerial combat as a result of Operation Sindoor.
Although the J-35A was only seen in size at the Paris Air Show, new images indicate China has advanced past prototypes.

Although the J-35A was only seen in size at the Paris Air Show, new images indicate China has advanced past prototypes. During the "2026 May 1st International Labour Day 'Heart to Heart' Special Programme," state broadcaster China Central Television recently broadcast video of a completely built plane, serial number 001, leaving a hanger.
The aircraft's export mission was indicated by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China's branding rather than air force markings. The South China Morning Post reports that this is the first public display of the J-35AE, a combat-ready export variant.

After the J-20, China is attempting to field a fifth-generation stealth fighter for the second time with the J-35 program. The platform, which was created by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, has twin engines, powerful radar and infrared sensors, and internal weapons storage.
The land-based J-35A, constructed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, debuted in public at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024. While the baseline J-35 is set up for carrier-based operations with the navy, this version is intended for the PLA Air Force. According to Chinese official media, the military now uses 57 J-35 variants.

Although Beijing has not given a complete technical breakdown, the export-focused J-35AE is anticipated to perform similarly to the domestic variant. Reports that are now available point to a top speed of about Mach 1.8 and the usage of AESA radar, which can simultaneously lock onto several targets.

Firepower-wise, the aircraft is built to store air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-15, inside internal bays while maintaining stealth. When necessary, it may also externally mount more weapons. In order to increase battle accuracy and survivability, the aircraft is also outfitted with contemporary targeting technologies, such as an electro-optical system.

Will the first buyer be Pakistan?

The J-35, which is estimated to cost between $35 million and $80 million per unit, has been pushed by China for years as an affordable alternative to the F-35. Aggressive production claims have also been made; according to official media, a new aircraft may be produced every 72 hours.
However, no nation has officially signed on, despite Chinese assertions that several nations are interested in purchasing the aircraft. With the introduction of the J-35AE, that might change. According to the South China Morning Post, Pakistan is still the most likely launch customer, and the aircraft is prepared for operational deployment.

There have been conflicting but consistent signals from Islamabad. Zaheer Sidhu, the head of the Pakistan Air Force, publicly stated his desire to purchase the aircraft by the beginning of 2024. Reports at the end of the year suggested that a 40-aircraft contract had been approved. There were reports in 2025 that Pakistani pilots were training in China, and then there was a formal statement that the J-35A will be introduced in two years.
However, Khawaja Asif, Pakistan's minister of defence, has publicly played down the rumours, claiming that "it's only in the media, and beneficial mainly for Chinese defence sales."Momentum seems to be increasing in spite of that denial. Pakistan is still in the lead, even though China is already displaying a completed export model and training is already in progress. Deliveries might start in late 2026 or 2027, and if the agreement goes through, it could include up to 40 jets in addition to other assets like KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft.