Pakistan to acquire 40 Chinese stealth fighters to compete with the US F-35

In a move that could reshape the regional defense landscape, Pakistan is reportedly set to acquire 40 advanced Chinese J-35 stealth fighters. If the deal goes through, it will be China’s first export of its latest fifth-generation fighter jet to a foreign country.

This acquisition comes as Pakistan looks to modernize its aging fleet, which currently includes American-made F-16s and French Mirage fighters. The J-35, which is expected to replace these older jets, could provide Pakistan with a major technological advantage in its ongoing competition with India and its rival jets, including the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The sale of the J-35 to Pakistan marks a significant development in China-Pakistan defense ties, with Beijing becoming an increasingly crucial partner for Pakistan’s air defense needs. The J-35 is China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter, following the more well-known J-20.

It is a multi-role, twin-engine, single-seater aircraft capable of executing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The jet’s primary role is to achieve and maintain air superiority, targeting enemy fighters, bombers, and surface air defense systems. The J-35’s stealth capabilities and advanced features make it a formidable opponent for modern combat aircraft.

The agreement, which could see the first 40 jets delivered within two years, comes at a time when Pakistan is dealing with significant economic challenges.

Despite this, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has prioritized the acquisition, seeing it as essential for keeping pace with regional rivals. The J-35 is expected to provide Pakistan with a technological edge for the next 7 to 8 years, helping to bridge the gap before India’s AMCA enters service around 2035.

The J-35 deal also strengthens the defense relationship between China and Pakistan, with both nations working more closely on military technology and defense cooperation. This shift in regional dynamics is significant, as China’s first export of fifth-generation jets could signal a new era in the balance of power between India and Pakistan.

With its advanced stealth technology and formidable combat capabilities, the J-35 is poised to challenge the dominance of aircraft like the US-made F-35 and India’s upcoming AMCA, making it a game-changer in the region’s air power competition.