DefenseShenyang is already in full production of the J-35 fighter, according to images shared on Chinese social media in recent days.
One of the photos shows two of these stealth fighters capable of operating aboard aircraft carriers. While the J-35 in the background is the well-known prototype 350001, the aircraft in the foreground is a production model, designated 350006.
The two 5th generation fighters have practically the same appearance, except for the long pitot tube installed in the nose of the test jet.
The J-35s were photographed in flight tests with other Chinese military aircraft, including J-15 fighters and the new J-15T of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
The aircraft are said to be preparing for a major military parade in September.
Developed from the FC-31 prototype, the J-35 has been extensively modified to serve as a carrier-based aircraft on the Fujian aircraft carrier.
Shenyang has also developed an export variant that has Pakistan as a potential customer. The jet is powered by two WS-31 engines, although it bears many similarities to the Lockheed Martin F-35.
