ISLAMABAD: Reports emerging from specialised defence outlets indicate thatPakistan is set to procure up to forty fifth-generation Shenyang J-35stealth fighter jets from China, with an additional option for thirty moreunits. This development, highlighted in multiple analyses, could markChina’s inaugural export of a stealth-capable platform to a foreign ally.The acquisition aims to modernise the Pakistan Air Force fleet amidevolving regional security dynamics. Sources suggest initial deliveriesmight commence as early as 2026, potentially altering South Asia’s aerialbalance significantly.
The J-35, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, represents atwin-engine medium-weight stealth fighter evolved from the earlier FC-31prototype. It features advanced low-observable characteristics, sensorfusion, and multi-role capabilities suitable for air superiority andprecision strikes. According to defence assessments, the platformincorporates enhanced avionics and compatibility with long-range missileslike the PL-15 and PL-17 variants. This technological leap would enablepenetration of sophisticated air defences, a capability previously limitedamong regional air forces outside major powers.
Pentagon’s annual report on Chinese military developments, released in late2025, explicitly notes Beijing’s formal offer of up to forty J-35 units toIslamabad. The document underscores how such transfers elevateSino-Pakistani cooperation into the fifth-generation domain. Analystsinterpret this as Beijing’s strategy to position Pakistan as a primarypartner in countering perceived imbalances, particularly againstadversaries equipped with fourth-generation plus platforms such as theRafale and associated systems.
Historical context reveals deepening defence ties between China andPakistan, exemplified by joint production of the JF-17 Thunder and recentinductions of J-10C fighters. Over thirty-six J-10C units have already beendelivered since 2020, equipping multiple squadrons. The proposed J-35integration builds on this foundation, potentially financed throughextended credit lines linked to broader economic corridors. Sucharrangements have historically supported major acquisitions, spreadingcosts over fifteen to twenty years.
Regional implications are profound, with experts forecasting a temporaryqualitative edge for the Pakistan Air Force lasting potentially a decade ormore. India’s ongoing efforts toward indigenous fifth-generationprogrammes, like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, remain indevelopmental phases with operational maturity projected beyond themid-2030s. Meanwhile, existing inventories rely on non-stealth platforms,creating a window where low-observable operations could complicatedefensive planning and escalation thresholds.
Training aspects further substantiate progress, as reports indicatePakistani pilots have commenced familiarisation courses in China. Thispreparatory step aligns with patterns observed prior to previousinductions, suggesting contractual milestones have been achieved despiteoccasional official denials framing discussions as media speculation.Defence Minister statements in mid-2025 dismissed imminent deals, yetsubsequent intelligence assessments affirm ongoing negotiations.
Export variant designations, occasionally referred to as J-35A or J-35E,incorporate tailored modifications for international operators. Theseinclude optimised maintenance protocols and integration with existing fleetarchitectures. Compatibility with airborne early warning systems like theKJ-500 and long-range surface-to-air defences further enhances networkedwarfare potential, transforming individual platforms into components of abroader system-of-systems approach.
Economic considerations notwithstanding Pakistan’s fiscal constraints, thedeal’s structure reportedly incorporates favourable terms, including phasedpayments and potential offsets in local assembly or component production.Facilities in Kamra have previously hosted co-production lines, indicatingpossible expansion to support sustainment and upgrades. This modelreinforces long-term interdependence while bolstering domestic aerospacecapabilities.
Read Top Stories
Strategic observers note that China’s willingness to export stealthtechnology signals confidence in its industrial maturity andcounter-intelligence measures. Unlike previous generations restricted todomestic service, the J-35’s outward orientation positions Beijing as acompetitor in the global high-end arms market. Pakistan’s role as launchcustomer could pave pathways for additional clients, reshapingproliferation dynamics in sensitive regions.
In conclusion, while official confirmations from Islamabad or Beijingremain pending as of early 2026, converging reports from intelligencedocuments, specialised media, and industry observations paint a consistentpicture of an advancing procurement. The potential induction of forty J-35fighters, with options for expansion, stands poised to redefine aerialdeterrence equations in South Asia for years ahead.
Source:https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/pentagon-china-j35-stealth-fighter-offer-pakistan-south-asia-airpower/
Tags: Pakistan, China, J-35, Stealth Fighter, Pakistan Air Force, Pentagon
ogimageimage-name
