China claims that the J-35 carrier-based fighter has an RCS smaller than a palm, marking a major advance in stealth technology.
In summary
Chinese state television has revealed that the J-35, a naval version of the fifth-generation stealth fighter, has an effective radar cross section (RCS) estimated at between 10 and 100 cm², close to that of the American F-35. This value, described as “smaller than a human palm,” is said by Beijing to be the result of optimized design, metamaterials, and the integration of missiles into internal bays. This announcement comes as the Chinese navy (People’s Liberation Army Navy) has successfully conducted catapult and landing tests of the J-35 on the Fujian aircraft carrier. However, the level of independent verification remains limited and foreign analysts remain cautious. The J-35 could represent a significant change of direction for Chinese naval aviation and herald a new point of tension in the Sino-American air competition.
The context for the development of the J-35 and its carrier-based version
China has been developing stealth combat platforms for several years in order to catch up with the United States and Russia. The J-35 is a direct descendant of the FC-31 program (also known as the J-31 for its export variants) but adapted for carrier-based operations. It is designed to be catapult-launched (EMALS) from modern aircraft carriers and features folding wings, a reinforced landing gear, a hook, and reinforced mechanics. Prototypes have been spotted above Fujian and aircraft carrier test facilities.
For the Chinese navy (People’s Liberation Army Navy), the introduction of a stealth carrier-based fighter represents a doctrinal break: until now, it has relied heavily on variants of the J-15, itself derived from the Russian Su-33. The J-35 promises increased engagement capability in an air defense-saturated environment. The fact that the aircraft has already undergone catapult launch and landing tests has been reported in the Chinese state media.
The announcement of reduced radar signature and its implications
In September 2025, the state-run China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast a program in which it claimed that the J-35 had an RCS “smaller than a human palm.” Chinese media specified that this value could be between 10 and 100 cm². For comparison, many sources estimate the F-35’s forward hemispheric RCS to be around 15 cm² (roughly the size of a golf ball).
If this claim is true, the J-35 would be positioned in the category of high-level stealth aircraft, which would be a significant advance for China. An RCS of this order would allow the aircraft to get closer to its targets before being detected, thus reducing the window for adverse reaction. The concept is based in particular on the use of optimized shapes (airflow, DSI air intakes, smooth surfaces), radar-absorbing materials (RAM), and the integration of weapons in internal bays. According to analysts, these elements are clearly mentioned in Chinese sources.
However, several reservations are in order. China does not publish RCS test data on different radar bands or on all angles of the aircraft. Some observers note that the gap between 10 and 100 cm² is wide and that these may be “optimal” values that cannot be achieved in all configurations. The lack of independent evaluation leaves some uncertainty as to the operational reality.
Why is RCS a key indicator of stealth?
RCS (Radar Cross Section) is one of the most important measures of an aircraft’s visibility to enemy radar. It is not simply related to the physical surface of the aircraft but depends on its orientation, materials, air intake partitioning, anti-radar coating, structural joints, and profile.
An aircraft with low RCS has several tactical advantages: it can enter areas covered by anti-aircraft defenses with a reduced reaction time from the adversary, it can delay the launch of a missile, or it can approach before engaging its weapons. Advertising a reduced value such as “palm-sized” is more a matter of strategic communication than an exhaustive measurement—nevertheless, if true, it places the J-35 in direct competition with Western stealth fighters.
For example, if the J-35’s forward hemispheric RCS is actually around 15 cm², it would rival the F-35. On the other hand, a significantly higher RCS (e.g., 100 cm²) would still place it behind but ahead of many current non-stealth fighters. It should also be noted that modern radars use different frequencies, which can affect stealth performance depending on the band.
Technologies used to achieve this stealth
The Chinese media highlights two key technologies: optimized airframe geometry and the use of absorbent metamaterials. The J-35 features DSI (Diverterless Supersonic Inlet) air intakes, sawtooth edges for access panels, and a very smooth exterior finish designed to minimize radar reflection.
Metamaterials are mentioned as a differentiating factor compared to previous generations. These materials are designed to absorb or deflect radar waves rather than reflect them back to their source. This further reduces the radar signature. China claims that this technique, combined with stealth architecture, enables it to achieve this very low RCS.
The integration of missiles into the internal bay also plays a role. When weapons are exposed externally, they significantly increase the radar signature. The J-35 is designed to carry its ammunition internally in order to maintain low visibility. Although external hardpoints are provided, the most advanced stealth configuration relies on internal weaponry.
Finally, the engine—two domestic WS-21 or WS-13X turbojet engines (depending on the status of the prototypes)—is optimized to limit the infrared and rear radar signature. Controlling thermal emissions and exhaust plays a role in the overall reduction of detectability.
Strategic implications for China and the region
If the J-35 lives up to its promises, it could change the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region. A stealth carrier-based fighter gives the Chinese navy the ability to operate from its aircraft carriers with an aircraft that is difficult to detect. This strengthens its offshore air projection capability, particularly in the South China Sea, around Taiwan, and in the East China Sea.
For the Chinese naval aviation, coexistence with the land-based J-35A version increases the overall force architecture. The choice of a medium-sized aircraft (maximum takeoff weight announced as close to 30,000 kg) allows for a compromise between stealth, range, and flexibility.
For the United States and its allies, this announcement raises questions. The F-35C is currently the US Navy’s standard stealth carrier-based fighter. If China succeeds in deploying a comparable aircraft, this could affect the naval balance, air support doctrines, and air deterrence in the Pacific Ocean.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that the announcement is based primarily on official Chinese statements. The lack of independent evaluation or open measurement data limits the immediate credibility of the claims. Some analysts refer to the J-35 as a “black box.”
Remaining challenges to making this stealth credible
Claiming low RCS is not enough to guarantee superiority. First, signature consistency across all aspects (front, side, rear, underside) must be demonstrated. An aircraft may have a reduced RCS from the front but remain highly visible from the side or rear. Second, the reliability of sensors, electronic warfare, and onboard avionics determines the operational effectiveness of stealth. An aircraft may go unnoticed but be unable to see or engage anything.
Thirdly, the aircraft must be produced in sufficient numbers, maintainable, and deployable in difficult naval conditions (marine corrosion, carrier landings, onboard logistical support). China will have to demonstrate that the J-35 can operate regularly from an aircraft carrier with all its capabilities. Finally, the maturity of the engines remains a critical factor. The Chinese WS-21 and WS-13X engines are promising but less proven than those from Western manufacturers.
The J-35 undoubtedly marks a milestone in Chinese combat aviation: it heralds the potential arrival of a stealth carrier-based fighter capable of competing with Western benchmark aircraft. But there is still a long way to go between official communications and operational reality. If Beijing succeeds in delivering a fully operational and radar-discreet aircraft, it could be a driving force for reform in Western armies and a trigger for new dynamics in air power.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.