ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force is finalising arrangements to induct thefirst batch of Shenyang J-35 Gyrfalcon stealth fighters from China in 2026,multiple defence sources confirmed on Sunday.
The twin-engine, fifth-generation multirole aircraft will significantlyenhance Pakistan’s air combat capabilities with advanced stealth features,supercruise ability, and sensor fusion technology comparable to leadingWestern platforms.Senior officials indicated that initial deliveries willcomprise at least one squadron, with provisions for local maintenancefacilities under the ongoing strategic partnership with China.
The induction timeline aligns with the People’s Liberation Army Air Forcereceiving its own naval variant of the J-35, highlighting the deepeningmilitary cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing.Analysts view theacquisition as a direct response to India’s delayed Advanced Medium CombatAircraft programme, which remains in the prototype development phase withservice entry projected beyond 2030.
The J-35 is expected to provide Pakistan superior beyond-visual-rangeengagement and electronic warfare capabilities, reshaping air power balancein South Asia.Defence planners emphasised that the platform will integrate seamlesslywith existing JF-17 and J-10C fleets while offering enhanced survivabilityagainst modern integrated air defence systems.
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The development underscores China’s emergence as a leading exporter ofcutting-edge military aviation technology to close allies.
Source:www.defence.pk/pdf/threads/pakistan-air-force-to-receive-j-35-stealth-fighters-by-2026.756890/”>https://www.defence.pk/pdf/threads/pakistan-air-force-to-receive-j-35-stealth-fighters-by-2026.756890/
