Chinese PLAAF Shenyang J-31

The Chinese Air Force plans to operate two stealth fighters for different missions, like the U.S. Air Force with the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II; the heavier J-20 would primarily be a high-altitude dogfighter, while the J-31 would perform a multitude of medium and low-altitude missions (in addition to air-to-air) including close air support, air interdiction, aerial bombardment, and suppression of enemy air defenses

During the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow, a Chinese military expert said that the J-31 will be both used by the PLA and exported to foreign buyers. Internationally, it is designated the FC-31 and intended to be a rival to the American F-35 and Russian Sukhoi Su-35; export potential will be more greatly explored once a sufficiently powerful and reliable engine is designed.

It was suggested that the PLA Air Force would use the J-31 as a fighter while the larger J-20 would instead be used as a tactical bomber, and the PLA-Navy would use it as a carrier-borne fighter to replace the J-15.

Video: The J-31, China's second fifth-generation stealth fighter designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation unveiled for the first time to the public at China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (AirShow China 2014) which was held from the 11 to 16 November 2014 in Zhuhai, China.