The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) led the way yesterday, sharing a photo on social media and at a press conference showing the vertical tail plane of an airplane, marked with the number 75, while also kicking off celebrations for the 75th anniversary of its founding. In the same context, it announced its presence at the 2024 edition of the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China or Zhuhai Airshow. Meanwhile, on China Bugle, the official account of the PLA's News Media Center, a second photo appeared (which we are publishing) with the following caption: "China's latest J-35A stealth fighter jet will make its debut at Airshow China 2024, which will be held from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai City, in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong".

"Is this an official image of the new aircraft?" China Bugle posted. "Is this the J-35 that netizens have been eagerly waiting for? Don't rush, see you in Zhuhai in a few days". Although the two posts are short, they contain significant information as this is the first time the long-awaited J-35 has appeared on an official media platform. However, a statement that has all the hallmarks of officiality is still missing.

The aircraft, which Chinese State media has designated the "J-35A," is a descendant of the J-31/FC-31 Gyrfalcon family. The J-31, in an all-black livery, first flew at the Zhuhai air show in November 2014, exactly ten years ago.

Experts say the image suggests a sleek and unobtrusive design but indicates real progress in China's efforts to develop fifth-generation aircraft. But despite being often compared to the Lockheed Martin F-35, they point out that the J-35A has substantial and not insignificant differences compared to the American stealth aircraft, such as the fact that it is powered not by one but by two engines, which are believed to be the WS-21 developed by the local industry. What is certain is that if Beijing keeps its promises, China will become the second country in the world to be equipped with two stealth fighters, after the US Air Force, which is equipped with the F-22 and the F-35.

The J-35A is slated to operate from aircraft carriers, and in the near future will be based on the Chinese Navy's Fujian Type 003. The model lacks the VTOL capability of the U.S. F-35, but will likely benefit from the Fujian's electromagnetic catapult system. Equipped to handle an 18,000-pound payload, the J-35's armament will include the PL-10 and PL-12 active radar-guided air-to-air missiles.