**Location and Event Overview**
Christchurch, New Zealand—The Zhuhai Airshow, China’s premier defense exhibition, opened this week, showcasing significant advancements in military aviation, including the J-35A fifth-generation fighter and the J-15T fighter specifically designed for catapult operations aboard aircraft carriers.
**Highlights of the Airshow**
The event serves as a platform for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to reveal new military equipment. This year, the J-35A appeared prominently, adorned with the markings of the PLA Air Force (PLAAF). As the J-35A enters service alongside the J-20, China becomes the second country—after the United States—to operate two variants of fifth-generation stealth fighters.
**Expert Commentary**
Rick Joe, a specialist in Chinese military aircraft, commented on the formal adoption of the J-35A by the PLAAF. He noted that the announcement wasn’t entirely unexpected given previous indications of procurement activity over the past year. Although three J-35As have been identified with slight variations, Joe expressed skepticism about their operational status in frontline capacities. He believes some aircraft may be in initial operational testing, powered by WS21 turbojet engines, while the intended engine is the WS19.
**Production and Developments**
Manufactured by Chengdu, the output of the J-20 has likely surpassed 300 units. The aircraft also demonstrated its aerobatics at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024. Furthermore, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) showcased a mockup of the twin-seat J-20S for the first time, signaling its shift from a technology demonstrator to a potential operational aircraft. This variant, which allows the backseat operator to control drones, is promoted for long-range missions and multipurpose capabilities.
**Weaponry and Capabilities**
The J-35A is expected to feature an internal weapons bay comparable in size to that of the J-20, with the new PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile showcased at the airshow. This missile design features folding tails to optimize space for increased payload.
**Debut of the J-15T and Variants**
The J-15T, designed for operation on China’s latest aircraft carriers, also made its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024, equipped for catapult deployment. The event also featured the J-15D, recognized as an electronic warfare variant analogous to the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler.
**Futuristic Designs**
AVIC introduced a full-sized mockup of a conceptual sixth-generation fighter, though it was more a promotional tool than a practical indicator of future technology developments.
**Author Information**
Gordon Arthur is the Asia correspondent for Defense News, with over 20 years of experience in Hong Kong, now based in New Zealand. He has extensive experience attending military training exercises and defense exhibitions across the Asia-Pacific region.
