Chinese News slams Anduril US Defense Contractor & founder After Bashing Chinese J-35

At the Singapore Airshow, Palmer Luckey, the founder of U.S. defense contractor Anduril Industries, drew attention by publicly scrutinizing a model of China’s J-35 stealth fighter. Luckey shared a photo on social media depicting himself measuring the J-35A display model with a tape measure, accompanied by a caption that humorously questioned its stealth capabilities.

Luckey’s Airshow Stunt Sparks Controversy

He suggested that the model’s dimensions might indicate design flaws, implying it could be more detectable by radar than true stealth aircraft. This act was part of Luckey’s broader commentary on military technology, where he often highlights perceived weaknesses in competitors’ systems.

Chinese Media’s Sharp Rebuke

Chinese state media, including outlets like the Global Times, swiftly condemned Luckey’s actions as unprofessional and indicative of arrogance.

They accused him of disrespecting China’s aviation advancements and using the airshow for self-promotion rather than genuine technical analysis. The criticism portrayed Luckey as an attention-seeker, with articles emphasizing that such behavior undermines international cooperation in defense and aviation sectors. This response reflects Beijing’s sensitivity to foreign critiques of its military hardware, especially amid escalating U.S.-China tensions over technology and defense.

Background on Anduril and Luckey’s Profile

Palmer Luckey, known for founding Oculus VR before selling it to Facebook, established Anduril Industries in 2017 to focus on advanced defense technologies like AI-driven surveillance and autonomous systems. Anduril has secured significant U.S. government contracts, positioning it as a key player in modern warfare innovation. Luckey’s outspoken style, including his social media presence, often blends humor with sharp commentary on global defense issues, which has previously stirred debates. His comments on the J-35 align with Anduril’s emphasis on countering threats from adversaries like China.

Broader Implications for Defense Rivalry

The incident highlights ongoing rivalries in military aviation between the U.S. and China, with the J-35 positioned as a counterpart to American fighters like the F-35.

Luckey’s tape-measure photo went viral, amplifying discussions on social media about the authenticity of China’s stealth claims. While some viewed it as lighthearted banter, others see it as escalating propaganda wars in the defense industry. This exchange underscores the role of public figures and media in shaping perceptions of technological superiority amid geopolitical strains.