Chinese SAC - FC-31/J-35 5th Gen Stealth Aircraft

[Ali_Baba]

A short video was posted today on a Douyin account affiliated with CCTV, featuring an interview with military expert Shao Yongling. The discussion touched upon potential future upgrade plans for the J-35A.
Specifically, it mentioned the possibility of developing a two-seat variant of the J-35A—designed not as a trainer, but for MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) missions.
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IMO.
Since the PLAAF already possesses the J-20S for such missions, it is less likely that they would procure a MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) command aircraft based on a two-seat variant of the J-35A. However, the PLAN (PLA Navy) might consider it.
As for the broader export market, such a possibility does exist.
Of course, CCTV frequently features somewhat unreliable commentary—particularly in the military sphere, where remarks from certain "experts" are often questionable. We shouldn't place too much weight on them.
@Deino

Given the small size of the plane, while they may make it work as it needs to, it will probably end up looking odd/ugly.

 

[Deino]

Given the small size of the plane, while they may make it work as it needs to, it will probably end up looking odd/ugly.

Well ... maybe like this AI-image?

 

[Michael]

Given the small size of the plane, while they may make it work as it needs to, it will probably end up looking odd/ugly.

China’s J-20S—or a potential two-seat variant of the J-35—is designed exclusively as a command platform for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) or as a command aircraft for aerial combat formations. It completely disregards the function of trainer aircraft.
This operational role dictates that the rear-seat pilot does not require an expansive field of view; consequently, there is no need for the rear seat to be positioned at an elevated level, as is the case with the Su-57D. ------ This is one of the reasons why many people say the Su-57D fighter jet is rather unattractive.

Well ... maybe like this AI-image?

My personal speculation is that if SAC truly has such a plan, we might still have to wait a few years.

A fighter jet designed for this type of role has high electrical power requirements. The current WS-21 engine may struggle to meet these power demands, so it would likely require the arrival of the WS-19 engine.