Pakistan is poised to significantly upgrade its air force with the impending acquisition of 40 Chinese-made J-35 stealth fighter jets, according to recent reports. This move marks a notable advancement in Pakistan's military capabilities and has sparked considerable discussion, particularly in neighboring India. The deliveries of these aircraft are expected to begin later this year, potentially placing Pakistan among the few nations operating fifth-generation stealth technology.
The J-35, also known as the FC-31 when configured for export, is a twin-engine, single-seat multirole fighter developed by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Unveiled in 2024, it features advanced avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and an infrared search-and-track (IRST) system. Its design incorporates stealth features, with a radar cross-section reportedly comparable to the U.S.-made F-35, making it difficult to detect by conventional radar systems. The J-35 is designed for a variety of missions, including air superiority, close air support, and interdiction. It can carry a substantial payload of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions internally and externally. The FC-31 variant that Pakistan is expected to receive is a land-based version intended for export and ground operations, differentiating it from the naval version designed for aircraft carrier operations. This version will also reportedly be equipped with the PL-17 air-to-air missile, which has a range of 400 kilometers.
From India's perspective, the acquisition of J-35 stealth fighters by Pakistan presents a new challenge. India currently does not possess a comparable fifth-generation stealth fighter in its operational inventory. While the Indian Air Force (IAF) maintains an edge in air superiority with its Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters, the introduction of stealth technology by Pakistan could potentially narrow this advantage. Indian Air Force veterans have expressed concerns regarding this development. Some experts suggest that the IAF may need to expedite the development and induction of its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program to counter the J-35.
The J-35's capabilities are seen as a potential "black box" due to limited publicly available data. However, its performance is speculated to be on par with, or even surpass, that of the U.S.'s F-35. While the J-35 has not yet been combat-tested, its advanced features and stealth capabilities could pose a significant threat in potential conflict scenarios. Its ability to share target information with other weapon systems and guide missiles further enhances its lethality.
The acquisition also highlights the strengthening defense ties between Pakistan and China. Pakistan is already a major operator of Chinese military equipment, including J-10C and JF-17 fighters. The J-35 deal solidifies China's position as a key defense partner for Pakistan and could potentially shift the balance of air power in the region. Some analysts believe that the J-35 is intended to replace Pakistan's aging F-16 fleet.
To address the emerging capability gap, India may need to upgrade its existing air defense systems and accelerate the development of its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The AMCA program is currently underway, with the first prototype expected to be rolled out by 2028. In the interim, India may also explore options for acquiring advanced air defense systems and enhancing the capabilities of its existing fighter fleet.
