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| Tejas Mk2 vs J-35 — India and China’s next-generation fighters in a 2025 comparative analysis. |
The Indo-Pacific is becoming the center of global airpower competition, and two fighters stand at the heart of this shift—India’s HAL Tejas Mk2 and China’s Shenyang J-35. Both nations are reshaping their military strategies, and these two aircraft represent their next-generation ambitions. Yet, they are built for very different missions, environments, and doctrines.
In this in-depth 2025 analysis, we compare the Tejas Mk2 and J-35 across technology, performance, stealth, sensors, combat roles, and strategic value. This is a fully updated, detailed breakdown including expert insights, program updates, and real-world implications for the Indo-Pacific.
Quick Comparison Table: Tejas Mk2 vs J-35 (2025)
| Category | Tejas Mk2 | J-35 |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 4.5+ | 5th Generation (Stealth) |
| Primary Role | Air Superiority / Multirole | Stealth Carrier-Based Strike Fighter |
| Engine | GE F414 | Two WS-19 class engines |
| Radar | Uttam AESA | Chinese AESA + EOTS |
| Stealth | Low observable shaping | Full VLO stealth |
| Combat Radius | ~1500 km | ~1200–1400 km |
| Weapon Load | ~6.5 tons | ~8 tons |
Introduction: Why This Comparison Matters
The Indo-Pacific is experiencing the fastest military modernization cycle in modern history. China is expanding its naval footprint across the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, while India is reinforcing its borders and improving airpower at an unprecedented pace. The Tejas Mk2 and J-35 symbolize these competing military visions.
This comparison matters because both aircraft will have long-term impact on:
- Air dominance in the Indo-Pacific
- Carrier strike capability
- Multirole flexibility and cost efficiency
- Regional deterrence dynamics
Design Philosophy: Two Opposite Approaches
Tejas Mk2 — India’s Indigenous Evolution
The Tejas Mk2 is built on the Tejas lineage but redesigned into a much larger, more powerful 4.5+ generation fighter. It is optimized for:
- Air superiority with advanced agility
- Precision strike missions
- High endurance and range
- Low operational cost
It is India’s answer to replacing the Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar fleets with a single flexible multirole fighter.
J-35 — China’s Carrier-Based Stealth Fighter
The J-35 is designed for naval dominance and stealth-first operations. It aims to counter the F-35B/C in the long term and give China a next-generation aircraft for its expanding carrier fleet.
Its design focuses on:
- Stealth penetration into contested airspace
- Carrier strike missions
- BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat
- Electronic warfare and sensor fusion
Engines and Performance
Tejas Mk2: GE F414 Power
The F414 provides 98 kN thrust with afterburner, enabling high agility and strong acceleration. India has secured long-term engine manufacturing agreements, boosting reliability and supply chain safety.
J-35: Twin-Engine Advantage
The J-35 uses two WS-19 class engines, giving it better thrust-to-weight ratio and redundancy for naval operations. However, Chinese engines still lag behind Western reliability standards.
Avionics and Sensors
Tejas Mk2: Uttam AESA Radar
The indigenous Uttam AESA radar is one of the Mk2’s biggest strengths. It offers:
- High tracking capability
- Better ECM resistance
- Lower maintenance
- Integration with Indian weapons like Astra
J-35: Sensor Fusion + EOTS
The J-35 features a stealth-optimized sensor suite, including:
- A Chinese AESA radar
- Electro-optical targeting system (EOTS)
- Distributed aperture system (DAS) equivalent
Weapons and Combat Roles
Tejas Mk2 Armament
Compatible weapons include:
- Astra Mk1/2/3 BVRAAM
- SCALP (future integration possible)
- BrahMos-NG (planned)
- Smart bombs and glide weapons
J-35 Armament
Likely weapons include:
- PL-15 BVRAAM
- PL-10 short-range missiles
- Stealth-compatible LGBs
- Carrier-based anti-ship weapons
Stealth Comparison
J-35: Clear Winner in Stealth
As a true 5th-generation stealth platform, the J-35 has:
- Internal weapons bays
- Radar-absorbent coatings
- Low RCS shaping
Tejas Mk2: Low Observability, Not Stealth
The Mk2 has reduced RCS but not stealth-level shaping.
Range and Endurance
Interestingly, the Tejas Mk2 has superior endurance due to fuel-efficient design and larger internal capacity.
- Tejas Mk2: ~1500 km combat radius
- J-35: ~1200–1400 km combat radius
Cost and Maintenance
Tejas Mk2
- Lower cost
- Cheaper lifecycle maintenance
- Better availability rate expected
J-35
- More expensive
- Stealth maintenance is high
- Naval operations add additional strain
Strategic Impact on Indo-Pacific
India’s Perspective
The Tejas Mk2 will replace multiple legacy fighters, expand IAF air superiority capabilities, and strengthen border defense against Pakistan and China.
China’s Perspective
The J-35 significantly enhances carrier strike capabilities, extends power projection, and complements the J-20 in stealth roles.
Which Fighter Dominates?
- Air Superiority: Tejas Mk2 (longer range + agility)
- Stealth Penetration: J-35
- Carrier Operations: J-35
- Affordability: Tejas Mk2
- Maintenance: Tejas Mk2
Overall Perspectives
The Tejas MK2 and China’s J-35 represent two very different paths in modern fighter development. The MK2 is built around operational practicality — a versatile, reliable multirole aircraft designed to replace several ageing fighters in the Indian Air Force. Its strength lies in improved range, stronger payload capacity, advanced avionics, and an airframe tailored for real-world mission needs.
The J-35, meanwhile, aims to give China a more stealth-focused, carrier-capable fighter that expands its reach in the Indo-Pacific. It prioritizes low observability, high-tech sensors, and network-centric combat, aligning with China’s strategy of fielding a stealth fleet that can operate far from its shores.
Both jets reflect their nations’ priorities:
India is refining a proven design into a dependable frontline fighter, while China is pushing toward a larger stealth ecosystem for regional dominance.
In the coming years, how these aircraft evolve — through engines, sensors, and upgrades — will determine their long-term influence in the region’s airpower balance.
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