According to the renowned British publisher Jane’s, Beijing will begin delivering Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation fighter jets to the Pakistan Air Force “in the coming months.”
The publication cites a “senior official in the Pakistani government” who also confirmed that Pakistani pilots are already being trained in China. No further details about the potential deal were disclosed.
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The J-35 is a twin-engine fifth-generation fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) based on the FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype. It is being marketed as an export alternative to the J-20. The aircraft features low radar signature, can carry a wide range of weapons, and is expected to be equipped with PL-17 missiles with a range of up to 400 km.
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Although the agreement details have not been disclosed, reports suggest that 30 to 40 aircraft could be delivered. If confirmed, this would mark the first international sale of China’s latest fighter jet. The J-35 is likely to be Pakistan’s response to the growing capabilities of the Indian Air Force, including its Rafale acquisition and domestic AMCA fighter development.
Given regional tensions, the delivery of the J-35 will have a significant impact on the regional balance of power. During the recent brief conflict between India and Pakistan, Islamabad claimed that its Chinese-operated J-10CE fighters shot down several Indian Air Force jets, including some of the latest French Dassault Rafales. Last week, (https://t.me/AviaCT/33404) India’s Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan confirmed the loss, without specifying a number.
Today, reports emerged that China has started delivering two variants of the fifth-generation J-35 fighter jet:
• J-35A for land-based operations.
• J-35B version for PLA Navy aircraft carriers. In published images, this variant differs from the J-35A by having a reinforced nose landing gear with dual wheels, folding wings, and a tailhook.
An export version for the Pakistan Air Force may be designated as J-31.
Source and images: Janes | X @Defence_Index. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
