China’s J-35 fifth-generation fighter jet is unlikely to see significant international sales in the Asia-Pacific, analysts say, even as the aircraft was showcased at this year’s Singapore Airshow. Military experts highlight competition from the US F-35, along with lower-cost regional alternatives, as major obstacles for the export of China’s latest fighter.
The J-35A, the air force variant developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation under the umbrella of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), was officially delivered to the People’s Liberation Army last year after more than a decade of development. It is China’s second fifth-generation fighter, following the J-20, which is not available for export. The J-35 is widely positioned as China’s answer to Lockheed Martin’s F-35, although analysts note key differences in mission focus.
Timothy Heath of the Rand Corporation explained that while the J-35 may be faster and more maneuverable, the F-35 offers long-range capabilities and multi-role flexibility, including maritime strikes, reconnaissance, and early warning, with integration alongside US allies. The F-35 is already operated by four Asia-Pacific US partners: Australia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, with Japan recently adding the F-35B variant capable of short take-off and vertical landing from naval ships.
Analysts suggest that the J-35 may appeal primarily to countries unable to access the F-35, seeking to reduce dependence on the US, or constrained by budgetary limits. China’s aircraft may offer more flexible financing and fewer political conditions, but its software and sustainment ecosystem remains less mature. In Southeast Asia, cheaper options such as South Korea’s FA-50, Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen, or the upcoming KF-21 also compete for potential buyers.
Experts cited by the South China Morning Post believe the market outlook is bleak. Ian Storey of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute noted that Vietnam and India are unlikely buyers due to strategic rivalry, and Myanmar lacks funds while favoring Russian aircraft. Pakistan emerges as the most viable candidate, with Liselotte Odgaard of the Hudson Institute highlighting its history of importing Chinese fighters like the J-10C and JF-17 and the potential to purchase up to 40 J-35s.
Despite China’s efforts to market the J-35 internationally, political alignment, existing alliances, and cost considerations suggest that outside of Pakistan, the jet faces limited demand in the global fighter jet market.
