Key facts
- Pakistan is set to become the first foreign customer of China's J-35 stealth fighter.
- The J-35 is a twin-engine, carrier-capable stealth fighter with internal weapons bays.
- The US approved an upgrade deal for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets to extend their service life until 2040.
- Pakistan's acquisition of J-35s is seen as a move to maintain technological parity with India's Rafale jets.
Pakistan has signed an initial agreement to acquire up to 40 of China's J-35 stealth fighter jets, marking the country as the first international operator of the fifth-generation aircraft. This move is part of a broader modernization effort by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and includes potential acquisitions of KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft and HQ-19 air defence systems.
The J-35, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, features a twin-engine configuration, internal weapons bays, and low-observable design elements. Deliveries of the first batch are anticipated within months, with pilot training already underway in China. This acquisition is viewed as a strategic step to counter India's recent procurement of additional Rafale jets and maintain regional air power balance.
Separately, the US has approved a $686 million upgrade deal for Pakistan's existing F-16 fighter jets, which will include new data link systems and encryption gear, extending their operational capability until 2040. Pakistan has a long history of defense cooperation with China, including joint production of the JF-17 Thunder fighter.