China Plans To Export J-31 Stealth Fighter

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Nov. 10, 2014 - 12:05PM | By WENDELL MINNICK

ZHUHAI, CHINA — China plans to export its stealthy twin-engine J-31 fighter, which would become the first aircraft of its kind available to global customers who cannot afford the Lockheed Martin F-35. The fighter is similar in configuration to the single-engine F-35 stealth fighter.

The J-31 export revelation occurred in the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Exhibition Hall after personnel unwrapped its 1:2 model of the aircraft Nov. 10 during a preshow tour of this week's Airshow China in Zhuhai. The placard for the model states: "FC-31 4th Generation Multi-Purpose Medium Fighter."

Chinese fighters are designated with a "J" for fighter and "FC" for export," and this is the first time the J-31 has been referred to as the FC-31.

Though overcast, a J-31 performed a demonstration flight during the preshow tour, as did the Russian Su-35 multirole fighter. China and Russia are expected to sign a deal for export of the Su-35 sometime later this month.

The 10th biennial China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) has been an outlet for defense companies to market new products for export and for China's military to show off sophisticated weapon systems. The Nov. 11-16 airshow has become the biggest commercial and defense airshow in Asia with over 700 companies exhibiting.

source:China Plans To Export J-31 Stealth Fighter | Defense News | defensenews.com

In 2013 Admiral Zhang Zhaozhong confirmed that the J-31 was only for export to countries unable to buy the F-35 and would not be used by the PLAN.[26] Stephen Biddle of the Council for Foreign Relations has speculated that the aircraft design was intended for domestic use, but found to be under performing and hence relegated to the export market.[27] However, a new photo which shows PLAAF officials with a model of the aircraft in air force livery seems to suggest that the aircraft, contrary to previous beliefs, has received official support. This may indicate the air force or navy might adopt this aircraft.

source:Shenyang J-31 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

""India won't buy it. Russia won't buy it," Cliff noted, adding: "That pretty much leaves countries like Pakistan, Brazil, some Middle East countries, none of whom [the U.S. is] likely to sell the F-35 to anytime this decade or next."

Source:China Says J-31 Fighter Will Compete With F-35 for Sales | The Diplomat