China's Carrier-Borne KJ-600 Early Warning Aircraft, J-35 Stealth Jet Shown at Military Parade

China today debuted two carrier-borne aircraft — the J-35 stealth fighter and the KJ-600 early warning plane — giving it the ability to detect and strike targets far from its shoreline.

The two aircraft were presented at the V-Day parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The J-35 made its official debut alongside the J-15DH, J-15DT, and J-15T in a carrier-borne fighter formation. Experts told state-controlled Global Times that the J-35’s entry into service signifies China’s transition to fifth-generation carrier-borne fighters, improving its ability to strike ground and maritime targets from greater distances.

Military analyst Zhang Xuefeng said, “The commissioning of the J-35 indicates that China’s carrier-borne fighter jets have officially entered the era of fifth generation. Becoming stealth is a major direction of carrier-borne fighter jet development in various countries.”

The J-35, described as having an “air-sea twin configuration” and potential for multiple variants, is expected to be fielded in large numbers. Analysts note that its combination of stealth capability, missile range, and combat radius provides China’s carriers with a stronger strike profile.

The KJ-600, also displayed by Beijing for the first time, is viewed as a critical addition to China’s carrier fleet. Zhang called it the “final piece of the puzzle” for aircraft carrier operations, enhancing both offensive and defensive roles. He noted that unlike carrier-based helicopters, the KJ-600 offers extended endurance and radar range, allowing it to detect low-flying sea-skimming threats and direct fighter or missile responses at longer distances.

Another military affairs expert, Wang Yufei, said that the combination of the J-35 with the KJ-600 and electronic warfare aircraft will “greatly enhance the comprehensive combat capability of China’s aircraft carriers,” particularly the Fujian, which is equipped with electromagnetic catapults.

The KJ-600’s role extends beyond defense, with Zhang adding that fixed-wing early warning aircraft can provide airborne command and surveillance for long-range strike missions against land and sea targets, ensuring carrier groups maintain operational effectiveness far from shore.