Pakistan Secures Deal for 40 Chinese J-35 Stealth Fighters, Bolstering Air Power and Allies
In a strategic move, Pakistan has reportedly inked a agreement with China to procure 40 units of the advanced, stealth J-35 fighter jets. This marks a significant milestone for China, as it debuts its first generation-five combat aircraft in the global market. The deal opens up vast international markets and further strengthens the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has signed off on the purchase, as per Army Recognition’s report from Thursday, December 5, 2024, titled "Pakistan May Acquire Chinese 5th Generation J-35 Fighters to Rival Indian Air Power." The jets are expected to start arriving within the next two years, replacing PAF’s aging fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage aircraft.
The J-35, also known as the J-31 in its export variant, is a stealth, fifth-generation fighter aircraft manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 1.8, it is designed for air superiority missions, as well as ground and maritime strikes. Its advanced features include state-of-the-art stealth technology, modern avionics, and multi-mode armaments, making it a formidable contender in the global fighter jet market.
Analysts at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, such as Briant Hart, believe that China’s export of the J-35 signals its readiness to compete in the global market. This deal offers China an opportunity to offset the development costs of the J-35 and support the production of next-generation stealth fighters like the Chengdu J-20.
Pakistan’s decision to acquire the J-35 is seen as a strategic advantage over its main rival, India.
