Pakistan Agrees to Acquire Chinese J-35AE Stealth Fighters

The Pakistan Air Force has signed an initial collaborative agreement to acquire the J-35AE, a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Unveiled by China as a cost-effective alternative to the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the J-35AE features twin afterburning turbofan engines, internal weapons bays, and AESA radar. The aircraft is designed for versatility, operating from both land bases and aircraft carriers.

Pakistan is the launch customer for the export version of the aircraft, with reports indicating the air force approved the acquisition of nearly 40 fighters. Pakistani pilots began training in China in mid-2025, and the first batch of aircraft is anticipated by late 2026 or early 2027. The deal is part of a broader modernization strategy that includes purchasing additional Chengdu J-10C fighters and upgrading co-produced JF-17s.

Deputy Chief of Air Staff Tariq Ghazi announced the plans during a press conference in Islamabad. While Pakistan has confirmed the agreement, Chinese officials have not yet publicly detailed the full scope of the deal. The acquisition is expected to shift the regional air power balance in South Asia, providing Pakistan with deep-strike and stealth capabilities to counter India's fleet of 4.5-generation fighters. China is also targeting Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as potential customers.