Is Chinese naval air power ready for action?
The J-35A flying at Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/中国新闻社)
Much has been made of China’s ambitions to become a full-spectrum ‘blue water’ naval power, with a necessarily potent embarked aviation arm. With new information emerging about the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carriers and the fast jets they will deploy, it is timely to examine what role these assets will play, and how Beijing intends to integrate them into the wider fleet.
Around three years ago, the first images appeared of what was thought to be the PLAN’s new fighter aircraft. This was a wholly indigenous design, initially given the designation FC-31.
At the Zhuhai Airshow in November
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Turkey’s Eurofighter process going to plan despite German block, says minister
The comment, made by Turkish defence minister Yasar Guler, also noted that the 40-strong sale of Eurofighter Typhoons was primarily managed by the UK, not Germany.
-
Airbus awaits USMC decision on Logistics Connector programme
Airbus has been advancing development of its uncrewed MQ-72C Logistics Connector for the US Marine Corps, with a decision on the programme expected in early 2026.
-
Belgium considers additional F-35 order to boost fleet
The statement from Prime Minister Bart De Wever during a parliamentary session follows the country’s Easter Agreement which would see it increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by the end of 2025.
-
Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs
In its Q1 earnings call, the company disclosed a US$477 million pretax loss related to the programme as it works to scale up.
-
Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss
The investment in technologies developed for Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft bid will now be applied to its F-35 and F-22 aircraft, according to Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet.