Shenyang J-35 and its development history

The Shenyang J-35 is a Chinese-made fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter jet manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). This twin-engine aircraft is designed for air superiority, surface attack, and modern cyber warfare missions. The J-35's presence makes China the second country in the world after the United States to operate two types of stealth fighter jets simultaneously (along with the Chengdu J-20).

The Shenyang J-35's development history began with an independent project called the Shenyang FC-31 "Gyrfalcon," which first flew in 2012. Unlike the majority of Chinese defense equipment, which is fully funded by the military from the outset, this aircraft was initially a private investment project of Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). This decision was taken after SAC lost to Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group in the J-XX project tender (which later gave birth to the J-20 fighter jet).

The chronology of its development evolution is divided into the following key phases: 

1. FC-31 Early Prototype Era (2012–2016)

First Flight (2012): The first prototype (No. 31001) successfully made its first flight on October 31, 2012. During this phase, foreign media often referred to it as the J-31.

FC-31

Export Market Target: Since it had not yet been officially adopted by the Chinese military, the FC-31 project was initially targeted as an economical stealth fighter for the export market, targeting countries that did not have access to the F-35 from the United States.

Design Update (2016): A second, more aerodynamic version of the prototype was flight tested in December 2016, featuring improvements to the wing, radar system, and a reduced radar cross section.

2. Naval Adoption and Transformation into the J-35 (2020–2021)

Military Interest: The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) sees great potential in the FC-31 platform as a carrier-based stealth fighter. This project officially received state funding and changed its code name to J-35. Maritime Modification (2021): On October 29, 2021, the navalized variant successfully made its maiden flight. This version brings major changes, such as a reinforced landing gear structure for extreme landings on ship decks, arresting hooks, and folding wings to save space in aircraft carrier hangars. 

3. Land Variant Expansion and Mass Production (2023–2025)

Return of the Land Variant (2023): After being successfully optimized for the sea, the Chinese military decided to create a land-based variant for the PLAAF. This variant, without heavy maritime components, first flew in September 2023. Public Debut & Mass Production (2024–2025): In November 2024, the Air Force variant was officially introduced to the public under the name J-35A at the Zhuhai Airshow. Entering mid-2025, the SAC assembly line showed that this aircraft had entered the mass production stage. In September 2025, the J-35 officially made its military parade debut alongside the J-20.

4. Full Operationalization and Official Designation (2025–2026) Electromagnetic Catapult Test: The J-35 made history as the world's first stealth fighter jet to operate using the catapult electromagnetic launch (CATOBAR) system on the Fujian aircraft carrier. Designation "Blue Shark" (2026): In April 2026, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation officially confirmed the operational designation for the carrier variant, "Blue Shark" (蓝鲨 - Lan Sha), signifying the jet's full readiness to strengthen China's far-sea fleet.