China's CCTV Broadcasts Model of J-35AE Export Variant Fighter Jet in Labor Day Program

China's state broadcaster CCTV aired footage of a J-35A fighter jet model during the “2026 May 1st International Labour Day ‘Heart to Heart’ Special Programme” on Friday night, showcasing what appears to be the export variant dubbed J-35AE. The model in the clip bears the serial number 001 and rolls out of a hangar, displaying the logo of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), according to South China Morning Post.

The aircraft features the AVIC acronym but lacks the People’s Liberation Army Air Force logo, indicating it is intended for export.

South China Morning Post reported that this marks the first time the J-35AE has been unveiled as a full operational model, equipped with a teal-coated electro-optical targeting system (EOTS). He added that the EOTS is internally integrated into the fuselage, a typical layout for a stealth fighter, as using an electro-optical pod would compromise its stealth capabilities.

China has previously shown small models of the J-35A at international defence exhibitions, but the CCTV program presented a more detailed depiction of the export version.

The footage signals advanced sensor maturity and survivability against infrared tracking, laser interference, and multi-spectrum detection, as noted in the South China Morning Post analysis. The program highlighted the aircraft's features in the context of China's aviation industry achievements, with the model rolling out amid celebrations of labor contributions.

While the clip focused on the AVIC-branded model, it builds on prior displays at defence exhibitions where smaller J-35A models were exhibited.