While China’s new J-35A is a fifth-generation stealth jet that can fly on carriers and emphasizes low observability and networked air dominance, it has not yet been proven operationally. In contrast, India’s Rafale F4 is a mature, Western 4.5-generation multi-role fighter with extensive real-combat experience, advanced networking, and electronic warfare capabilities.
With its internal weapons compartment, edge-aligned design, radar absorption materials, and low radar cross-section (RCS <0.1 m²), the J-35A offers notable stealth advantages. Its chin intakes, compositing, and form improve its detection-avoidance capabilities against older radars. Despite not being completely stealth, the Rafale F4 has characteristics that can jam and spoof sophisticated search and tracking systems, such as S-shaped intakes, serrated edges, active jamming, and the Spectra suite.
Real-time multi-domain awareness and defense suppression are provided to the pilot by the Rafale F4’s RBE2 AESA radar, sophisticated Spectra EW suite, and secure data-link integration. Similar features to the J-35A include AESA radar, infra-red search & track (IRST), EOTS, and EW; but, outside of Chinese trials, its system maturity, sensor fusion dependability, and jamming efficacy are still mostly unproven.
While the Rafale F4 deploys Meteor missiles, which are known for having a bigger “no escape” zone and superior final kinetic energy, along with the next-generation MICA-NG for medium-range threats, the J-35A can use PL-15 missiles, which have a reported 200+ km envelope, in beyond-visual-range (BVR) warfare. In addition, Rafale has the AASM Hammer smart bomb, which enhances air-to-air or air-to-ground profiles by providing precision strike options.
The durability of the Rafale F4 has been confirmed over two decades of service; its delta-canard configuration, mature M88 engines, and high thrust-to-weight ratio allow for agile high-G maneuvering and exceptional battle handling. The J-35A is powered by indigenous WS-13E/WS-19 engines designed to provide Mach 1.8 class speed and super-cruise; however, the engines’ performance envelope, maintenance profile, and long-term reliability need to be verified in the actual world.
Operational experience, combat missions, NATO interoperability, and strong logistics—all supported by multi-national exercises and Western industrial support—are what make the Rafale F4 strong. Despite its advanced technology, the J-35A is still only used in limited quantities, is still being refined, and has neither allied integration nor actual combat validation outside of Chinese naval and air force structures.
The Rafale F4 is undoubtedly a safer and more adaptable option for air superiority and deterrence in contested Indo-Pacific scenarios due to its combination of advanced sensors, unparalleled EW, varied weaponry, and combat-proven durability. Although the J-35A has a stealthy punch that is useful for first-look/first-shot advantage, its impact against known adversary assets may be limited due to its developmental opacity, engine reliability issues, and unproven operational resilience.
While China’s J-35A is sophisticated and stealthy, it has not yet demonstrated its full combat capacity, reliability, and integration in a true Indo-Pacific crisis. In contrast, India’s Rafale F4 shines out as a flexible, resilient, and operationally ready answer.
Although there is substantial evidence supporting the existence, technological aspirations, and export plans of the Chinese J-35A stealth fighter, there are still questions about operational performance, engine reliability, and real-world combat capability in comparison to Western stealth jets.
Crucially, concerns remain over the Chinese sensor/avionics quality, long-term operating sustainability, and the dependability of its domestic engines (WS-10E, WS-21, and WS-19). Assessments rely largely on manufacturer claims and official media, which can exaggerate real-world capabilities, due to the lack of transparent, independently validated performance data, particularly for combat deployment and engine longevity. The effectiveness of the J-35A has not been demonstrated by combat missions or extensive operational use, in contrast to the U.S. F-35 and F-22 jets.
