China's military weapons

China/Military

Pakistan’s reported J-35 deal shows Chinese stealth fighter is ready for global market: analysts

China’s sale of fifth-generation jets to South Asian ally could recalibrate regional dynamics and Pakistan-India rivalry, observers say

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Analysts say Pakistan’s procurement of Chinese J-35 fighter jets could put it ahead of rival India’s air force. Photo: Xinhua

Enoch Wong

Published: 11:00pm, 21 Dec 2024

Pakistan’s reported procurement of J-35 jets from China signals that the stealth fighter is ready to enter the international market, potentially helping to finance development of more advanced weaponry for the People’s Liberation Army, analysts say.

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The sale would mark Beijing’s first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally and is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Pakistan’s rival, India.

Pakistani broadcaster 24 News HD reported last week that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had approved the purchase of 40 of the aircraft, which are expected to be delivered within two years to replace the country’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters.

Another national television network, BOL News, reported in July that PAF pilots had officially begun training for the J-31 stealth fighter jet in China. The J-31 is called the J-35.

These developments came months after Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said in January that “the foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid”.

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The stealth fighters will join the PAF’s growing arsenal, which includes several dozen Chinese-made J-10CE medium multi-role combat aircraft delivered two years ago.