China’s J-35 stealth fighter is being described as a major step forward in the country’s military aviation program. It is designed to operate both from land bases and aircraft carriers, giving China’s navy and air force more flexibility. However, one of the biggest weaknesses of the J-35 is that it has never been tested in real combat.

J-35 Has No Combat Record — The Biggest Weakness

The J-35 has been shown in air shows and training missions, but there is no proof of its performance under real battle conditions. Real combat gives engineers and pilots vital data on how an aircraft behaves under pressure, and how it performs against enemy radar, missiles, and aircraft.

In contrast, other fifth-generation fighters operated by Western countries have already seen real action. These aircraft have gathered years of mission data, helping improve their systems and combat performance.

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By comparison, China’s new stealth jet is still in its early testing stages. Pilots are still learning how to handle it during complex missions, and without real-world battle experience, its full capability remains uncertain. This lack of combat history is considered its most serious flaw.

J-35 Engine Problems and Power Limitations

Another major weakness of China’s new stealth fighter lies in its engine technology. It uses a powerplant known as the WS-19, which is still under testing and development. Reports suggest the WS-19 is not yet fully reliable or proven for heavy use.

Modern fighter jets depend heavily on their engines for speed, range, and maneuverability. The WS-19 is not as powerful as engines used in similar aircraft abroad, especially the well-known F135 found in the F-35. The F135 delivers nearly 49,000 pounds of thrust, while the WS-19 reportedly falls short of this mark.

This difference in power limits how far and how fast the aircraft can go, and how much weapon load it can carry. The engine’s testing phase also means it could face problems in long missions or under extreme conditions.

By comparison, the F135 engine has been used successfully in multiple types of aircraft — including carrier-based and short take-off versions. It has been battle-tested in various weather conditions and terrains. The J-35’s WS-19 still has to prove it can match that level of dependability.

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This engine gap remains one of the biggest challenges for China’s new stealth jet, as it directly affects performance, safety, and combat readiness.

Limited Technology and Weak Support Network

The J-35 is designed to look and perform like other fifth-generation stealth fighters, but experts say it lacks the digital sophistication that makes modern jets so effective.

Western stealth aircraft are often described as “flying computers” because of their advanced software, sensors, and electronic systems. These systems can collect and merge data from multiple sources — such as radar, satellites, and other aircraft — to give pilots a full view of the battlefield. This process is called sensor fusion.

The J-35 reportedly does not yet have the same level of sensor fusion and mission data processing. It also lacks “learning” software that can update itself after each mission to improve future performance. This makes the aircraft less aware of its surroundings and limits its ability to react quickly to threats.

China’s logistics and maintenance systems for the J-35 are still developing. Fifth-generation jets need regular software updates, spare parts, and skilled crews, but the J-35 lacks a broad support network.

By contrast, the F-35 program relies on 19 partner nations for smooth maintenance and quick upgrades. China has exported older aircraft before, yet the J-35’s advanced systems make it far more complex.

The J-35 comes in two variants — a carrier-based model for the navy and a land-based one for the air force — strengthening China’s military reach. However, its software, electronic warfare, and data systems remain unproven and are viewed as key weaknesses.

Key Facts Summary

• The J-35 stealth fighter is China’s second fifth-generation aircraft, joining the J-20.
• It comes in two variants: one for land operations (J-35A) and one for aircraft carriers.
• The aircraft has not seen combat, making its real-world effectiveness unknown.
• Its WS-19 engine is still being tested and is less powerful than its Western rivals.
• The J-35 lacks advanced computing, data processing, and electronic warfare abilities.
• China’s support and production systems for the J-35 are still in early stages.
• In contrast, other fifth-generation programs benefit from global supply chains and real combat data.

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Despite its impressive appearance and the promise of stealth technology, the J-35 still faces five serious weaknesses — no combat experience, untested engines, limited sensor fusion, weaker electronics, and an underdeveloped support network.

These weaknesses show that while China has made major progress in building modern stealth aircraft, the J-35 still has a long path ahead to match the proven capabilities and reliability of established global fifth-generation fighters.