Chinese manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) showcased new advances in the production of the J-35 stealth fighter by releasing images and videos of the aircraft in flight and parked on the runway with green primer paint, indicating units fresh off the assembly line.
The model, already incorporated by the Chinese Armed Forces, is considered one of the country’s main fifth-generation projects, with versions for the Navy and Air Force.
According to state media, SAC completed the main assembly plant of its new industrial complex in Liaoning in the first half of last year, officially starting aircraft assembly. The factory is expected to enter mass production later this year, with the goal of doubling production capacity in the next three to five years, supported by an intelligent manufacturing system and integrated industrial chain.
The new complex is part of the “Shenyang Aerospace City” project, which should occupy an area equivalent to that of Hong Kong Island and house facilities such as the final assembly line and a dedicated runway for flight tests. The total investment planned for the new unit exceeds US$1.2 billion, reinforcing China’s commitment to expanding its military aeronautics industry.
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The J-35 already operates on the Fujian aircraft carrier, China’s first equipped with electromagnetic catapults, and its naval and land versions were presented to the public at a major military parade in Beijing.
Experts assess that the recent appearances of the aircraft in green primer indicate that the J-35A has entered serial production and advanced testing, reflecting Beijing’s effort to accelerate its defense capabilities and reduce the technological gap in relation to the United States.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photo: X @RupprechtDeino | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
SAC released a video showing the first maiden flights of two J-35 for 2026. pic.twitter.com/i70DsZ128j
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) January 6, 2026
Hear the engines roar on our J-35.
One of only two types of 5th gen carrier-based fighters in the world. pic.twitter.com/syO1j2NkBW
— Zhao DaShuai Northeastern Studying🇨🇳 (@zhao_dashuai) January 6, 2026
