African countries now have fighter jet options beyond U.S. F-35 and Russian Su-57 as China rolls out first stealth fighter built for export

China has unveiled its first stealth fighter built specifically for export, a development that could widen fifth-generation fighter jet options for African countries beyond America’s Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57.

The rollout of the J-35AE comes as several African countries accelerate military modernisation amid rising regional tensions and insurgencies.

China’s latest move followed state media footage showing the export-configured J-35AE stealth fighter, signalling what analysts believe could be the aircraft’s first foreign sale and Beijing’s strongest push yet into the global stealth fighter market.

According to Military Watch Magazine, the aircraft’s export markings have fuelled speculation that China may already have secured its first foreign buyer.

The unveiling places China’s J-35AE in direct competition with America’s Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57.