Sky's no limit

Type-100 main battle tank

Navy soars

During the aircraft performance in the V-Day parade, the Navy showed a host of its latest assets, including the J-35, the branch's first stealth jet.

Designed for carrier deployment, the J-35 can be launched by both the ski-jump takeoff system used by China's carriers CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong, and the electromagnetic catapult on CNS Fujian, the nation's third aircraft carrier that is in the final stage of its sea trials.

The model is characterized by its low-observable design, state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, a world-class radar and cutting-edge sensors, as well as a wide range of munition options.

Zhang Xuefeng, a military hardware observer and retired PLA officer, said that the exterior of the J-35 looks "smooth and clean", typical of stealth designs. Together with China's unique radar-absorbing composite materials, it makes the new fighter a leader among such planes globally in terms of stealth performance.

"Its delivery has brought a major power upgrade to the Chinese naval aviation force," he said.

A new-type unmanned underwater vehicle

Song Zhongping, a military affairs commentator and another PLA veteran, said that though the J-15, the first carrier-borne fighter jet deployed in China's carrier force, has capabilities comparable to its foreign rivals of the same generation, it is not good enough to confront next-generation aircraft with stealth capability. He said it is necessary for China to field a type of naval stealth fighter to handle challenges from neighboring navies equipped with such jets.

"Upon its deployment, the J-35 can team up with the J-15 in air combat and strike operations. The J-35's biggest edge is stealth capability, and it also has huge strength in fleet defense operations. The combination of the J-15 and J-35 will enable each of them to give play to their advantages in tasks," Song said.