At the recent China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, Russia and China showcased their top-tier stealth fighters, the Su-57 and J-35, which have drawn international attention as potential “affordable” alternatives to the U.S.-made F-35. The Su-57, known as “Felon,” marked its first international appearance, underlining the deepening defense collaboration between Russia and China. Meanwhile, China presented its J-35, which has raised global eyebrows with claims of design similarities to American fighter jets, allegedly based on “stolen” U.S. technology. As both nations seek to expand their military exports, these fighters are presented as viable options for countries unable to access or afford the F-35, the dominant fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin.
The J-35 took to the skies on November 12, demonstrating its twin-engine design in a brief flight that hinted at China’s ambition to compete in the stealth fighter market. This aircraft, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is China’s second stealth fighter after the J-20. The J-35’s appearance at the air show reflects China’s intent to strengthen its indigenous defense industry and potentially capture international buyers with an aircraft that, although not as battle-tested as the F-35, offers some level of stealth technology at a lower price point.
The Su-57, manufactured at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant, represents Russia’s most advanced response to fifth-generation air superiority requirements. This multi-role fighter is designed for versatility, capable of high-speed dogfights, ground attacks, and reconnaissance missions. Its stealth technology, combined with Russia’s missile systems, aims to make the Su-57 a competitive force in modern aerial warfare. Despite production delays and limited numbers in service, Russia continues to promote the Felon as an effective, budget-friendly choice for nations seeking high-performance military aircraft without the steep costs of an F-35.
While the F-35 is the gold standard in stealth and networked warfare technology, both the Su-57 and J-35 attempt to offer strategic benefits for countries outside of the U.S. defense network. The Felon, for instance, includes some stealth features and supermaneuverability, which allow it to excel in close-range combat, an edge over the F-35 in some analysts’ views. The J-35, while still relatively new and not yet fully operational, presents itself as China’s answer to the F-35, with a focus on cost-effective production and adaptability.
For Russia and China, promoting these jets is more than just an economic endeavor; it is part of a broader geopolitical strategy to challenge the U.S.-led defense landscape. Both countries see the Su-57 and J-35 as symbols of their technological prowess and as tools to expand influence by supplying advanced fighter jets to nations seeking alternatives to Western defense equipment. Though neither the Su-57 nor the J-35 may yet match the F-35’s extensive capabilities, their development signals a growing challenge to U.S. air superiority and a new era of competition in the global arms market.
