Pakistan Signs Agreement to Acquire Chinese J-35 Stealth Jets
Pakistan has signed an initial agreement to acquire the Chinese Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter jet, marking a significant step toward enhancing its air combat capabilities with fifth-generation technology. The announcement was made by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during a press briefing in Islamabad, one year following a notable air engagement with India.
PAF Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal Tariq Ghazi, confirmed the agreement but withheld details on the number of jets or financial aspects. Earlier in June, Pakistan disclosed that China proposed supplying 40 J-35 aircraft, alongside KJ-500 early-warning planes and HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems.
In addition to the J-35 deal, Ghazi revealed plans to expand and upgrade the PAF’s fleet. These include procurement of the Chengdu J-10C fighters and significant modernization of the existing JF-17 fleet, which Pakistan co-produces with China. The upgrades are considered essential milestones toward achieving comprehensive fifth-generation fighter capabilities within the next few years.
The acquisition is also linked to Pakistan’s participation in Turkey’s Kaan fifth-generation fighter project, which was confirmed shortly before last year’s aerial confrontation with India. The new platforms are expected to incorporate advanced technologies such as hypersonic boost-glide vehicles, improving Pakistan’s offensive air capabilities substantially.
Experts analyze that the induction of J-35 stealth jets is likely to shift the balance of air power in South Asia. India currently operates a sizeable fleet of 4.5-generation aircraft, including advanced jets from France and Russia, but has not yet inducted any fifth-generation stealth fighters. This development could compel India to reconsider its tactical posture and potentially accelerate procurement of additional stealth fighters such as the Russian Su-57.
Regional security analyst Amalendu Misra from Lancaster University highlighted that this technology transfer will considerably enhance the China-Pakistan strategic partnership. Retired Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Vijainder Thakur commented that the addition of J-35 jets would elevate the PAF’s threat potential, challenging India’s numerical superiority in the region.
Pakistan’s collaboration with China in defense matters is viewed as part of a broader strategy to project military strength beyond South Asia, with deployments already extended to the Middle East, including a recent fighter squadron placement in Saudi Arabia.
However, some analysts caution that Pakistan must balance its growing reliance on Chinese military hardware while maintaining favorable relations with the United States. The operational life of Pakistan’s aging American-made F-16s is being extended with approved upgrades, reflecting the delicate diplomatic ties Pakistan navigates between major powers.
Analysts speculate that the initial batch of J-35 stealth fighters could be delivered to Pakistan before the end of 2024, signaling a new era in the country’s air defense capabilities.