RUSI JournalVOLUME 170ISSUE 6/7

Assessing the Export Potential of China’s J-35

A J-35 getting ready to take off from China’s aircraft carrier Fujian, 22 September 2025. Courtesy of Xinhua / Alamy

A J-35 getting ready to take off from China’s aircraft carrier Fujian, 22 September 2025. Courtesy of Xinhua / Alamy


The author explores the export potential of the J-35A, evaluates its competitiveness against current and future rivals, and examines key obstacles that could limit its success internationally.

Defence exports have long played a crucial role in strengthening domestic industries and extending geopolitical influence. Today, emerging powers like China, South Korea, and India increasingly see defence exports as a way to gain global prominence. Over the past two decades, China has become a leading arms supplier and is now focused on exporting advanced platforms like the J-35A stealth fighter. However, entering the competitive global stealth aircraft market presents significant challenges. Rahul Manohar Yelwe explores the export potential of the J-35A, evaluates its competitiveness against current and future rivals, and examines key obstacles that could limit its success internationally.

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WRITTEN BY

Rahul Manohar Yelwe

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