Defense & Military
China Deploys J-35A Stealth Fighter in PLAAF: Air Power Shift
China’s induction of the J-35A stealth fighter enhances military capabilities, impacting Indo-Pacific security dynamics and global air power balance.
China has reportedly inducted its second fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-35A, into the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), a move that, if confirmed, would make it the only country besides the United States to operate two distinct stealth aircraft. The development underscores China’s growing ambitions in military aviation and its pursuit of technological parity with Western powers.
The J-35A, a medium-weight stealth fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, has been spotted flying in formation with the J-20 and J-16D aircraft, suggesting it is now part of active PLAAF units. While official confirmation from Beijing is still pending, multiple images analyzed by defense experts and circulated by military watchers indicate that the aircraft is operational within the PLAAF’s 1st Aviation Brigade, located in the Northern Theatre Command.
This milestone not only enhances China’s strategic capabilities but also reflects a broader shift in the global balance of air power, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. It raises questions about future military alignments, technological races, and the evolving nature of air superiority in the 21st century.
The J-20, China’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, entered service in 2017 and was designed primarily for air superiority missions. With its canard-delta configuration and twin engines, the J-20 is often compared to the U.S. F-22 Raptor. The J-35A, by contrast, is a more compact, multirole aircraft with a tailplane wing configuration, bearing visual similarities to the U.S. F-35 Lightning II.
While the J-20 is optimized for long-range engagements and air dominance, the J-35A appears to offer greater versatility, potentially including precision strike and carrier-based operations. Its design features, such as a forward-hinged canopy, Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), and absence of a pitot tube, suggest a focus on stealth and sensor integration.
According to military analyst Richard Fisher, the induction of the J-35A would “provide a flexible platform that can operate from land bases and carriers, thereby expanding China’s tactical options.” This diversification aligns with China’s broader military modernization under the “Made in China 2025” initiative.
“China’s progression from the J-20 to a second stealth fighter reflects a maturing aviation industry and a strategic intent to diversify its fifth-generation fighter fleet to meet different operational needs.” , Elsa Kania, Center for a New American Security
One of the most significant aspects of the J-35A is its potential role in naval aviation. A variant of the aircraft, known simply as the J-35, is reportedly being prepared for deployment aboard China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is expected to be commissioned later this year. It is also believed to be compatible with the Liaoning and Shandong carriers.
China’s current carrier-based fighter, the J-15, is a derivative of the Russian Su-33 and is considered outdated by modern standards. The J-35’s folded-wing design and stealth features make it a suitable candidate for next-generation carrier operations, potentially rivaling the U.S. Navy’s F-35C. The integration of the J-35A into both air force and naval units suggests a unified strategy to enhance joint operational capabilities. This dual-role functionality could significantly improve China’s power projection, especially in contested regions like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
The J-35A’s resemblance to the U.S. F-35 has sparked debate among defense analysts. U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin noted that the aircraft appears to be modeled after the F-35, stating, “It’s pretty clear; you could put it side-by-side and see, at least, where we believe they got their blueprints from.”
However, visual similarity does not equate to performance parity. The F-35 benefits from decades of research, advanced sensor fusion, and a global logistics network. In contrast, the J-35A’s capabilities remain largely speculative due to limited public information. Key performance indicators such as radar cross-section, engine thrust, and electronic warfare capabilities are still unknown.
Nonetheless, the aircraft’s twin-engine design may offer advantages in redundancy and thrust, especially for carrier operations. The eventual development of a larger weapons bay and integration of advanced missiles like the PL-17 could further enhance its strike capabilities.
The potential induction of the J-35A comes amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, its stance on Taiwan, and its military modernization have prompted concern among neighboring countries and global powers alike.
For the United States and its allies, the emergence of a second Chinese stealth fighter raises the stakes in maintaining air superiority. It may prompt accelerated procurement of next-generation systems, increased joint exercises, and deeper defense cooperation among Quad nations (U.S., India, Japan, and Australia).
India, for instance, is exploring its own stealth fighter programs and has shown interest in upgrading its aerial capabilities. The reported induction of the J-35A could influence procurement decisions and strategic partnerships across the region.
Pakistan was initially rumored to be acquiring the export variant of the J-35A, known as the FC-31 “Gyrfalcon.” This acquisition was seen as a counterbalance to India’s Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters. However, recent statements from Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif have contradicted earlier reports. In an interview with Arab News, Asif stated, “We are not buying them,” dismissing the claims as media speculation. This contradicts earlier reports from Jane’s and other defense publications that suggested FC-31 deliveries were imminent and that Pakistani pilots were already training in China.
The J-35A’s reported induction is part of a larger narrative of Chinese military modernization. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the PLA has prioritized technological self-reliance, indigenous defense production, and global military presence.
China’s investment in hypersonic weapons, cyber warfare, and unmanned systems complements its advancements in manned aviation. The upcoming military parade in September, marking 80 years since World War II victory, is expected to showcase these capabilities.
Observers believe the J-35A’s public appearance may be timed to coincide with this event, signaling not just operational readiness but also strategic messaging to both domestic and international audiences.
The J-35A represents a significant step forward for China’s military aviation, potentially making it the second nation after the United States to field two distinct fifth-generation stealth fighters. While official confirmation is still awaited, mounting visual evidence and expert analysis suggest the aircraft is already in active service.
As China continues to expand its air and naval capabilities, the implications for regional and global security are profound. The J-35A, whether as a carrier-based platform or a multirole air force asset, reflects Beijing’s strategic intent to reshape the balance of power in Asia and beyond.
Is the J-35A officially confirmed to be in PLAAF service? How does the J-35A compare to the U.S. F-35? Is the J-35A carrier-capable? Sources: Financial Times, Reuters, Wikipedia, Army Recognition, CNBC TV18
China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter: Global Air Power Dynamics
China’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Strategy
From J-20 to J-35A: A Strategic Leap
Carrier Compatibility and Naval Expansion
Technological Parity or Imitation?
Global Implications and Strategic Reactions
Regional Security Dynamics
Pakistan’s Position: Uncertainty and Speculation
A Broader Military Modernization Agenda
Conclusion
FAQ
As of now, there is no official confirmation from Chinese state media or the Ministry of Defense. However, multiple images and expert analyses suggest it is operational.
While visually similar, the J-35A lacks confirmed specifications on stealth, avionics, and sensor fusion. It is too early to determine performance parity with the F-35.
A variant known as the J-35 is believed to be designed for carrier operations and will likely be deployed aboard China’s Fujian, Liaoning, and Shandong aircraft carriers.
Photo Credit: 19fortyfive
Defense & Military
South Korea Grounds AH-1S Cobra Helicopters After Fatal Crash
South Korea suspends AH-1S Cobra helicopter operations following a fatal training crash amid delays in fleet replacement.
This article summarizes reporting by South China Morning Post and official statements from the South Korean military.
The South Korean military has ordered an immediate suspension of all AH-1S Cobra helicopters operations following a fatal accident on Monday morning. According to reporting by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the crash occurred in Gapyeong and resulted in the deaths of two crew members. The grounding order remains in effect pending a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny over the Republic of Korea Army’s aging fleet of attack helicopters, many of which have surpassed their original intended service life. Military officials confirmed that the aircraft involved was conducting training maneuvers at the time of the accident.
The crash took place at approximately 11:04 AM KST on February 9, 2026. The aircraft, an AH-1S Cobra operated by the Army’s 15th Aviation Group, went down on a riverbank in Gapyeong County, located roughly 55 kilometers northeast of Seoul.
According to military briefings, the two crew members on board, both Warrant Officers, were recovered from the wreckage in cardiac arrest. They were transported to a nearby hospital but were subsequently pronounced dead.
Preliminary reports indicate the crew was engaged in “emergency landing procedures.” In rotorcraft aviation, this typically refers to autorotation training, a high-risk maneuver where pilots simulate engine failure to glide the helicopter safely to the ground using the energy stored in the spinning rotors. While standard for pilot certification, autorotation requires precise handling, particularly during the final “flare” phase near the ground.
The AH-1S Cobra has been a staple of South Korea’s anti-tank capabilities since its introduction between 1988 and 1991. However, the fleet is widely considered obsolete by modern standards. Estimates suggest the Army still operates between 55 and 70 of these airframes.
According to defense procurement plans previously released by the government, the AH-1S fleet was scheduled for retirement by 2024. The continued operation of these helicopters in 2026 points to significant delays in the full deployment of replacement platforms, specifically the AH-64E Apache Guardian and the domestically produced KAI LAH (Light Armed Helicopter). This is not the first time the aging Cobra fleet has faced safety questions. In August 2018, the fleet was grounded after a catastrophic mechanical failure in Yongin. During that incident, a main rotor blade separated from the fuselage during takeoff, leading to a crash landing. That failure was later attributed to a defect in the rotor strap assembly, highlighting the structural fatigue inherent in airframes that have been in service for nearly four decades.
The Risks of Legacy Training Modernization Pressure
South Korea Grounds AH-1S Cobra Fleet Following Fatal Training Crash
Incident Details and Casualties
Fleet Status and Delayed Retirement
Previous Safety Concerns
AirPro News Analysis
The crash in Gapyeong underscores a critical dilemma facing modernizing militaries: the necessity of training on “high-risk” airframes while awaiting delayed replacements. Autorotation training is inherently dangerous even in modern aircraft; performing these stress-inducing maneuvers on helicopters approaching 40 years of service compounds the risk profile significantly.
We anticipate this incident will accelerate political pressure on the Ministry of National Defense to expedite the retirement of the remaining AH-1S Cobras. While South Korea has become a major exporter of advanced defense hardware, such as the K2 tank and FA-50 light combat aircraft, the domestic reliance on Vietnam-era derivative helicopters creates a stark capability gap. The tragedy may force the military to prioritize the delivery of the KAI LAH to prevent further loss of life among aircrews operating obsolete equipment.
Sources
Photo Credit: Reuters
Defense & Military
Grid Aero Raises $20M to Deploy Long-Range Autonomous Airlift
Grid Aero secures $20M Series A funding to develop the “Lifter-Lite,” a long-range autonomous aircraft for military logistics in the Indo-Pacific.
This article is based on an official press release from Grid Aero.
Grid Aero, a California-based aerospace Startups, announced on January 26, 2026, that it has raised $20 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Bison Ventures and Geodesic Capital, with participation from Stony Lonesome Group, Alumni Ventures, Ubiquity Ventures, Calibrate Ventures, and Commonweal Ventures. The capital will be used to transition the company’s “Lifter-Lite” autonomous aircraft from prototype to a fielded platform, specifically targeting military logistics challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike many entrants in the autonomous aviation sector that focus on electric propulsion, Grid Aero has developed a clean-sheet, conventional-fuel aircraft designed to address the “tyranny of distance.” By utilizing standard Jet-A fuel and a rugged fixed-wing design, the company aims to provide a heavy-lift solution capable of operating without traditional runway infrastructure.
According to the company’s announcement, the flagship “Lifter-Lite” aircraft prioritizes range and payload capacity over novel propulsion methods. The system is engineered to carry between 1,000 and 8,000 pounds of cargo, with a maximum range of up to 2,000 miles. This range capability allows for trans-oceanic flights, such as routes from Guam to Japan, which are critical for Pacific theater operations.
The aircraft utilizes a conventional turboprop engine, a strategic choice intended to ensure compatibility with existing military fuel supply chains. The design features Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, enabling operations from dirt strips, highways, or damaged runways where standard cargo planes cannot land.
Grid Aero was founded in 2024 by CEO Arthur Dubois and CTO Chinmay Patel. Dubois previously served as Director of Engineering at Xwing and was an early engineer at Joby Aviation. Patel, who holds a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford, brings experience from Zee Aero (Kitty Hawk). The leadership team emphasizes a shift away from the “electric hype” of the urban air mobility sector toward pragmatic, physics-based solutions for defense logistics.
“We are building the pickup truck of the skies, a rugged, affordable, and autonomous logistics network capable of operating in austere environments.”
, Grid Aero Mission Statement
The Investments from Geodesic Capital, a firm known for fostering U.S.-Japan collaboration, highlights the strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific. The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified logistics as a primary vulnerability in potential conflicts where traditional supply lines may be contested. Grid Aero positions its technology as an “attritable” asset, low-cost, unmanned systems that can be deployed in volume without risking human crews. The Shift to Pragmatic Propulsion
While the broader autonomous aviation market has largely chased the promise of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technologies, Grid Aero’s successful Series A raise signals a growing investor appetite for pragmatic, mission-specific engineering. Electric propulsion currently struggles with energy density, limiting most eVTOLs to ranges under 200 miles, insufficient for the vast distances of the Pacific.
By opting for a conventional turboprop engine, Grid Aero bypasses the battery bottleneck entirely. This decision allows the “Lifter-Lite” to integrate immediately into existing defense infrastructure (using Jet-A fuel) while offering ranges that are an order of magnitude higher than its electric competitors. For military buyers, the ability to repair an aluminum airframe in the field is often more valuable than the theoretical efficiency of composite electric platforms.
What is the primary use case for Grid Aero’s aircraft?
The aircraft is designed for “contested logistics,” delivering heavy cargo (1,000–8,000 lbs) over long ranges (up to 2,000 miles) to areas without standard runways, such as islands or forward operating bases.
Why does Grid Aero use conventional fuel instead of electric power?
Conventional Jet-A fuel offers significantly higher energy density than current battery technology, enabling the long ranges required for operations in the Pacific. It also ensures compatibility with existing military logistics chains.
Who are the lead investors in this round? The Series A round was led by Bison Ventures, a deep-tech VC firm, and Geodesic Capital, which specializes in U.S.-Japan expansion and security collaboration.
Is the aircraft fully autonomous?
Yes, the system is designed for fully autonomous flight operations, allowing for “fleet-scale” management where a single operator can oversee multiple aircraft simultaneously.
Grid Aero Secures $20M Series A to Deploy Long-Range Autonomous Airlift for Contested Logistics
The “Lifter-Lite” Platform: Capabilities and Design
Leadership and Engineering Pedigree
Strategic Context: Addressing Contested Logistics
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Grid Aero
Defense & Military
Apogee Aerospace Signs $420M Deal for Albatross Amphibious Aircraft
Apogee Aerospace partners with Australia’s AAI to purchase 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibious planes and invest in India’s seaplane infrastructure.
This article summarizes reporting by The Economic Times.
In a significant development for India’s regional and maritime aviation sectors, Apogee Aerospace Pvt Ltd has signed a definitive agreement with Australia’s Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI). According to reporting by The Economic Times, the deal, finalized on February 5, 2026, is valued at approximately Rs 3,500 crore ($420 million) and involves the purchase of 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibian aircraft.
The partnership extends beyond a simple acquisition. Reports indicate that Apogee Aerospace will invest an additional Rs 500 crore ($60 million) to develop a domestic ecosystem for seaplanes in India. This infrastructure commitment includes a final assembly line, a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and a pilot training center. The move appears strategically timed to align with the Indian Navy’s recent interest in acquiring amphibious capabilities.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive collaboration between the Indian entity and the Darwin-based manufacturer. As detailed in the report, Apogee Aerospace, a special purpose vehicle of the deep-tech defense firm Apogee C4i LLP, has secured 15 units of the G-111T Albatross. This modernized aircraft is a “revival” of the Grumman HU-16, a platform historically utilized for open-ocean rescue missions.
To cement the partnership, Apogee has reportedly invested $7 million (Rs 65 crore) directly into AAI’s parent company, Amphibian Aircraft Holdings. This equity stake grants the Indian firm a long-term interest in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). According to the timeline provided in the reporting, the first aircraft is expected to enter the Indian market within 18 to 24 months, with a demonstration aircraft likely arriving within six months.
A central component of the deal is the focus on “Make in India” initiatives. The Rs 500 crore investment is designated for establishing local capabilities that would allow Apogee to service the fleet domestically. This aligns with the Indian government’s Union Budget 2026-27, which explicitly offered incentives for indigenous seaplane manufacturing and viability gap funding for operators.
The aircraft at the center of this procurement is the Albatross 2.0, also known as the G-111T. While based on a legacy airframe, the new variants are being rebuilt in Darwin with significant modernizations. The Economic Times notes that AAI holds the type certificate for the aircraft, which is the only FAA and EASA-certified transport-category amphibian in its class.
Key upgrades to the platform include: The timing of this commercial agreement coincides with a major defense procurement opportunity. On January 10–12, 2026, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking to wet-lease four amphibious aircraft for the Indian Navy. The Navy requires these assets for SAR operations, island logistics in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep archipelagos, and maritime surveillance.
Industry observers suggest that the Apogee-AAI partnership intends to bid for this contract against established global competitors, most notably Japan’s ShinMaywa. The ShinMaywa US-2 has been evaluated by the Indian Navy for over a decade, but high unit costs, estimated at over $110 million per aircraft, have historically stalled acquisition efforts. In contrast, the Albatross 2.0 is positioned as a cost-effective alternative, with a claimed unit cost significantly lower than its Japanese competitor.
We view this deal as a calculated gamble by Apogee Aerospace to disrupt a defense procurement process that has been stagnant for years. By securing a commercial order and investing in local MRO, Apogee is likely attempting to present a “sovereign industrial capability” argument to the Ministry of Defence. This approach addresses two critical pain points for Indian defense planners: cost and indigenization.
However, risks remain. While the ShinMaywa US-2 is a proven, currently operational platform with extreme rough-sea capabilities, the Albatross 2.0 is effectively a remanufactured legacy aircraft from a company that is still ramping up production. The Indian Navy’s RFI calls for an immediate wet-lease solution. Whether AAI can meet the operational readiness requirements with a production line that is still maturing will be the key factor in the upcoming bid evaluation. The promise of a demo aircraft in six months will be the first real test of this partnership’s viability.
Sources: The Economic Times
Apogee Aerospace Signs $420M Deal for Albatross Amphibious Aircraft
Deal Structure and Investment Details
Domestic Manufacturing and MRO
The Albatross 2.0 (G-111T) Platform
Strategic Context: The Indian Navy Bid
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: AAI
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