China is still pushing forward with the development of its most recent fighter jets, such as the J-35, which is ready to equip the Chinese Navy's aircraft carrier (PLAN). sightings of the J-35, which are believed to be the third prototype of this aircraft in the air, have recently gone viral.
The PLAN aircraft carriers Liaoning (Type 001), Shandong (Type 002), and China's upcoming aircraft carrier Fujian (Type 003) are rumored to be outfitted with Shenyang J-35s.
In October 2021, the first prototype J-35 (350001) took off for its first flight. Flying in July 2022, the second prototype J-35 (350003) was painted tactically in gray to reduce visibility. On the other hand, September 2023 is reported to have seen the first flight of the J-35's third prototype.
Naturally, there has long been speculation that the J-35's appearance is closely related to the aircraft carrier that will launch with the assistance of the PLAN's catapult but capture recovery (CATOBAR).
There is a general belief that China will continue to use J-15 fighters operating out of Liaoning and Shandong for the foreseeable being, as noted by The War Zone. These aircraft are both capable of short takeoff but arrested recovery (STOBAR) missions.
Subsequently, more advanced CATOBAR carriers, like Fujian, will be equipped with an air wing that consists of the J-35 and J-15 CATOBAR variants, in addition to additional aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
But the picture that surfaced at the start of the month claimed to depict a mock-up of the J-35 while it was docked aboard the aircraft carrier Liaoning.
The item was then seen next to a J-15 model on board the Liaoning aircraft carrier in February when more photos surfaced, showing the ship sailing out to sea for additional post-maintenance trials.
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