China has unveiled its first stealth fighter jet designed specifically for export, an innovation that could expand the options for fifth-generation fighter jets for African countries, beyond the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the Russian Sukhoi Su-57.

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

China's latest move follows state media broadcasting images of the J-35AE stealth fighter configured for export, signaling what analysts see as the first overseas sale of the aircraft and Beijing's strongest offensive to date in the global stealth fighter market.

According to Military Watch magazine, the aircraft's export markings have fueled speculation that China has already found its first foreign buyer.

This presentation places the Chinese J-35AE in direct competition with the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the Russian Sukhoi Su-57.

Although the price of the aircraft remains unknown, the J-35AE could offer a new option to African countries seeking advanced air power beyond American and Russian aircraft.

North Africa becomes a key battleground

Africa has increasingly become a major battleground in the race for stealth fighter jets, particularly in North Africa where governments are investing heavily in advanced combat aviation and air defense systems.

According to industry reports, Algeria became the first known operator of a fifth-generation fighter in Africa after receiving the first deliveries of Sukhoi Su-57s from Russia in late 2025, years after apparently ordering the aircraft alongside Su-35 fighters in 2018.

Egypt has also become a major player in this competition, with a 2025 US Department of Defense report identifying Cairo among the countries interested in China's J-35 program, as Egypt continues to diversify its military acquisitions.

Cairo acquired French Rafale and Russian MiG-29 fighter jets, while also pursuing the acquisition of Su-35s before finally abandoning it, it seems, under pressure from the United States.

Nevertheless, this North African military power is also expected to receive Chinese J-10CE 4.5 generation fighter jets in 2025, thus highlighting its increasingly multi-allied defense strategy.

Meanwhile, Morocco is increasingly seen by industry analysts as the African country closest to acquiring the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, following years of strengthening defense ties with Washington.

According to some reports, Rabat could acquire 32 F-35 fighter jets from the United States in a deal worth approximately $17 billion, including maintenance and logistical support.

Morocco is also modernizing its fleet of F-16 Viper Block 72s and Gulfstream G550 surveillance aircraft equipped with Israeli systems as part of a broad military modernization effort.

Lockheed Martin owns the intellectual property rights to the F-35, meaning the U.S. military must rely on the company for many repairs and software diagnostics. (MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Security threats are reshaping the allocation of defense spending

While some African states are developing advanced fighter jets to maintain their regional military dominance and strategic deterrence, others are prioritizing the modernization of their air power to combat terrorism, armed groups, and cross-border insecurity.

Tunisia has acquired Black Hawk helicopters and surveillance aircraft from the United States, while Kenya and Nigeria have received A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft for counter-terrorism operations.

In the Sahel, Mali has acquired Russian combat helicopters, L-39 training aircraft and air defence systems following the withdrawal of French forces, while Burkina Faso and Niger have increased their purchases of drones, surveillance systems and armored vehicles in the face of rising insurgency threats.

Russia has also maintained long-standing defense ties with countries such as Uganda, which acquired Su-30MK2 fighter jets in 2011, and Angola, which began receiving Su-30K fighters from Russia in 2017, as well as Russian helicopters.