China has officially unveiled the J-35AE, the export-focused version of its latest fifth-generation stealth fighter, in a move that could significantly reshape the global arms market. Positioned as a direct rival to the American-made Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the J-35AE signals Beijing’s ambition to become a major supplier of advanced stealth combat aircraft worldwide. Developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), the J-35 program originated from the FC-31 technology demonstrator and has gradually evolved into multiple operational variants. These include the J-35A, designed for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), and the carrier-capable J-35 naval variant built for aircraft...