Is China’s J-35 fighter jet stealthier than the US’ F-35?

China’s carrier-borne J-35 fighter has a radar cross-section smaller than a human palm, pointing to a big step forward in stealth technology, according to state media.

The size of the cross-section – a measure of how detectable an object is by radar – was revealed in a programme aired on state broadcaster CCTV on Saturday.

“As a stealth fighter, the J-35 series’ low observability comes from its unique airframe shape and the country’s proprietary metamaterial technology,” CCTV reported.

“In the electromagnetic world, this ‘steel giant’s’ radar cross-section is smaller than a human palm.”

The J-35 is a fifth-generation, carrier-based stealth fighter and while its exact radar cross-section remains classified, the report suggests that it is in the 10-100cm² range, making it comparable to that of the US’ F-35 fighter.

The F-35 has a radar cross-section of around 15cm², about the size of a golf ball, according to the Indian Defence Research Wing military website.