Four swordsmen: How China is reshaping its fighter jet fleet

China has expanded its PLAAF’s ‘three swordsmen’ fighter formation into four, adding the J-35A stealth fighter alongside the J-20, J-16 and J-10C. The development strengthens its network-centric warfare strategy, combining stealth, advanced sensors and firepower. China is now the second country, after the US, to operate two fifth-generation stealth fighters. The integrated formation also reflects growing competition with the US over sixth-generation combat aircraft technology and capabilities.