SexyChineseLady
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The four variants would most likely be the J-35 naval, J-31 PLAAF, FC-31 export and a two-seater. But this is not entirely clear yet.
The J-35 is certain. The FC-31 export is almost certain since it was marketed and received interest for a decade. The two-seater would be a logical path seeing both the JF-17 and the J-20 had twin-seat variants. The former to help train overseas clients and the latter for a new doctrine for China's 5th gen.
The J-31 is not guaranteed. PLAAF is ramping up production of J-20A with WS-10C and is expected to reach a crescendo once the WS-15 becomes available. And then there is the J-20S two-seater that is going into mass production just now. The Air Force needs to incorporate literally hundreds of J-20s in the coming years so taking in another stealth fighter would seem like not a priority or a requirement now.
But the J-10 is probably near the end of its useful run for the PLAAF. The PLAAF will need a cheaper stealth fighter to complement the J-20 so it makes sense in that way. But the J-31 would use a different engine class than the rest of the PLAAF and it might make more sense for the J-10 replacement to be a single-engine fighter based on the WS-15. We shall see! This is why it is fun to watch
The J-35 is certain. The FC-31 export is almost certain since it was marketed and received interest for a decade. The two-seater would be a logical path seeing both the JF-17 and the J-20 had twin-seat variants. The former to help train overseas clients and the latter for a new doctrine for China's 5th gen.
The J-31 is not guaranteed. PLAAF is ramping up production of J-20A with WS-10C and is expected to reach a crescendo once the WS-15 becomes available. And then there is the J-20S two-seater that is going into mass production just now. The Air Force needs to incorporate literally hundreds of J-20s in the coming years so taking in another stealth fighter would seem like not a priority or a requirement now.
But the J-10 is probably near the end of its useful run for the PLAAF. The PLAAF will need a cheaper stealth fighter to complement the J-20 so it makes sense in that way. But the J-31 would use a different engine class than the rest of the PLAAF and it might make more sense for the J-10 replacement to be a single-engine fighter based on the WS-15. We shall see! This is why it is fun to watch