At the 2024 Zhuhai Air Show, two of the world’s most advanced fighter jets are making their debut: Russia’s Su-57 ‘Felon’ and China’s J-35. Both planes are being promoted as affordable alternatives to the U.S. F-35, which is one of the most expensive and advanced fighter jets in the world. So, which jet really stands out? Let’s dive into the details of both aircraft and see which one has the edge.
A Fresh Start for Russia’s Su-57
The Su-57, also known as the ‘Felon,’ is Russia’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter. It’s a big deal for the Russian military, as it’s their first new fighter jet in decades, and they hope it can compete with the American F-35 and China’s J-20. However, the Su-57 hasn’t had an easy journey.
After almost 20 years of development, the Su-57 only made its first foreign air show appearance in Zhuhai. Despite this, it’s not yet a common sight in Russia’s military, with only a handful of these jets in service. In fact, Russia has struggled to mass-produce the Su-57 due to economic challenges, including Western sanctions. The plane’s production didn’t even begin until 2019, and it’s expected that only 22 Su-57s will be delivered to the Russian Air Force by the end of 2024. This delay has limited its presence in Russia’s war efforts, with more traditional fighter jets like the Su-35 taking the spotlight.
China’s New Challenger: The J-35
Meanwhile, China has unveiled its second stealth fighter, the J-35, at the Zhuhai Air Show. This jet is closely linked to China’s ongoing effort to catch up with the U.S. in terms of military technology. The J-35 looks strikingly similar to the F-35 but with some improvements.
While not much is known about the J-35’s true performance, it has generated a lot of attention because of its advanced design and capabilities. Like the F-35, the J-35 is being built to operate from aircraft carriers, which gives it an advantage over land-based jets. Its design features like a reinforced landing gear and foldable wings make it well-suited for this purpose.
In addition to its carrier capabilities, the J-35 also comes with an advanced radar system and improved situational awareness, which could make it a formidable opponent in the skies.
The ‘Cheap Alternative’ Race
Both the Su-57 and J-35 are being pitched as more affordable alternatives to the F-35, which has a price tag that can reach up to $100 million per unit. Russia and China have both stated that their jets will be cheaper to produce and buy, giving countries with smaller defense budgets a chance to own a cutting-edge fighter jet without the huge cost.
However, while the price might be more appealing, both planes face their own challenges. The Su-57 has faced criticism for its build quality, with some pointing out issues like visible bolts and screws on its fuselage. The J-35, on the other hand, has not been fully tested in combat, so its true performance remains a mystery.
Who Has the Edge?
When it comes to stealth, both jets are designed to be hard to detect by radar, but the Su-57 has a slight disadvantage in this area. Experts estimate the radar signature of the Su-57 to be about the same as a regular fourth-generation fighter, which is much larger than the F-35. On the other hand, the J-35 is still considered a work in progress, and its stealth capabilities may improve as it gets closer to mass production.
Another area where the Su-57 is ahead is its armament. The Su-57 is designed to carry a wide range of weapons, from air-to-air missiles to precision-guided bombs, making it a versatile fighter. The J-35 is also equipped with similar weapons, but since it’s still in development, we don’t know exactly what its capabilities will be.
The Future of the Su-57 and J-35
Both the Su-57 and J-35 are exciting contenders in the race for dominance in the skies. While neither can match the F-35 in terms of performance and technology just yet, they offer cheaper alternatives for countries looking to boost their air forces. The Su-57 may have a bit of a head start with its production, but the J-35’s sleek design and carrier capabilities make it a strong competitor.
In the end, the battle between these two jets will come down to who can refine their technology, improve production speeds, and attract buyers in the coming years. Only time will tell if the Su-57 or the J-35 can truly rival the F-35 in the future.
