China has debuted its latest fifth-generation stealth aircraft, the J-35A, at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.
The jet features advanced stealth, informationisation, and networking capabilities and is China's answer to the American F-35 fighter jet.
The reveal demonstrates China's ambition to modernise its military and challenge US military capabilities. China also unveiled a new version of the PL-15 air-to-air missile made for China's stealth fighters, as well as a two-seater J-20 fighter, at the exhibition.
The J-35A, which is expected to operate as a "point guard" for Chinese airpower, is touted to offer advanced stealth and intelligence features, prioritising information warfare and collaboration with other aircraft.
It is designed to perform missions such as air superiority, air-to-air engagements against fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, intercepts of fighters and bombers, air defence against cruise missiles, ground attack, and the suppression and destruction of enemy air defences.
The J-35A bears similarity to the American F-35, with the twin-engine design as the main point of distinction.
The American F-35 Lightning II has been dubbed the "quarterback" by some military officials. The J-35A, on the other hand, is described as a "basketball point guard" by its developer.
Stealth aircraft are a priority for many militaries since they have been specifically designed with low-observable features that significantly reduce the size of their radar signatures, making them harder to detect and allowing them to penetrate enemy air defences.
Beijing's military ambitions to challenge US military capabilities have been on Washington's radar for years now, with the Pentagon referring to China as its "pacing challenge".
China's new aircraft release suggests that the US may have to prepare for possible conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.