China’s stealth fighter could ‘take down’ US rival F-35, says confident maker
China's new stealth fighter could certainly "take down" its main combat opponent, the president of China's top aircraft maker said yesterday, referring to the US-made Lockheed Martin F-35.
China's new stealth fighter could certainly "take down" its main combat opponent, the president of China's top aircraft maker said yesterday, referring to the US-made Lockheed Martin F-35.
Lin Zuoming, president of Aviation Industry Corp of China (Avic), which has developed the J-31 stealth fighter, made the remarks in an interview with state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV).
"When it takes to the sky, it could definitely take down the F-35," he said. "It's a certainty."
Lin also emphasised the company's desire to compete with the US in new markets, in particular countries that the US will not sell military equipment to or cannot afford the pricier F-35. The US fighter also had input from some Nato members and other allies.
"The next-generation air forces that are unable to buy the F-35 have no way to build themselves up. We don't believe the situation should be that way," Lin said. "The world should be balanced. Good things shouldn't all be pushed to one party."
China unveiled the highly anticipated twin-engine fighter jet at the Zhuhai air show last month, a show of muscle during a visit to the country by US President Barack Obama.
Stealth aircraft are key to China developing the ability to carry out both offensive and defensive operations, the Pentagon said in a report about developments in China's military.
The J-31 is China's second homemade stealth fighter jet.
President Xi Jinping has pushed to toughen the 2.3 million-strong PLA as China takes a more assertive stance in the region, particularly in the South China and East China seas.
Watch: "China's Zhuhai airshow takes off, J-31 fighter makes debut
