The J-35, also known as the FC-31, is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). It is seen as a competitor to the American F-35C stealth fighter.

The J-35 has yet to be formally unveiled, but photos showing what appear to be prototypes of the plane have circulated on social media in recent years.

Sun Cong, chief designer of the J-35, hinted as early as 2021 that “good news” about the next-generation fighter was imminent, but so far no official announcements about it have been made.

According to Song, the J-35 will be able to take off from the Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier, which has electromagnetic catapults for launching aircraft.

He said the J-35 would be “an important partner” to the J-15, and the two planes would fill different roles.

“The J-15 will be responsible for the ground and sea attack while the J-35 uses its stealth advantage to develop air supremacy,” Song said.

Fu said it was possible the J-35 was still undergoing ground tests and had yet to conduct tests on the carriers.

China launched the Fujian last June, and the carrier is expected to start sea tests this year.

Fu said the J-35 would carry out tests on the Fujian after the carrier completed sea tests.

He also said the J-35 could surpass the F-35C fighter in terms of its stealth capabilities.

“For the next generation of carrier-based aircraft, the primary indicator is stealth. Its technical level is comparable to that of the US F-35C in terms of carrying capacity, combat radius, advanced airborne equipment and excellent situational awareness capabilities,” Fu said.

“And it may be better in terms of its performance, including its combat radius, flight speed and stealth performance.”

“After it lands on the carrier, it will be a carrier-based fighter with the world’s best stealth capability,” he said.

Fu added that the unidentified vehicle could also be a drone – another area of technology where the US and China are locked in fierce competition.