In a groundbreaking development, China is reportedly negotiating with Pakistan for the sale of 40 advanced stealth fighter jets, marking a major shift in the regional defense landscape. If finalized, the deal would make Pakistan the first country outside of China to operate the J-35A stealth fighter jets, a multi-role aircraft that represents China’s most advanced military technology. This would also be the first time China exports its cutting-edge J-35A aircraft, highlighting the increasing defense cooperation between the two nations.
The J-35A is China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, following the J-20, and is designed for air superiority and multi-role missions. This acquisition comes at a time when Pakistan is looking to modernize its aging fleet, which includes US-made F-16s and French Mirage fighters. The deal, valued at an estimated 40 aircraft, could significantly boost Pakistan’s air defense capabilities, giving its military access to advanced stealth technology, a game-changer in regional power dynamics.
China’s Advanced Stealth Aircraft: The J-35A
The J-35A is a twin-engine, supersonic fighter jet built for both land and sea missions. Designed for stealth operations, it can perform a wide range of combat tasks, including air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes, and can neutralize a variety of aerial threats, including fifth-generation fighter jets, bombers, and cruise missiles. The J-35A’s design closely resembles the US F-35, with the main difference being its twin-engine configuration compared to the single-engine F-35.
The aircraft has been developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and is poised to become a vital part of both the Chinese Air Force and Navy, similar to the US F-35, which has three variants for different branches of the US military. The J-35A, however, is poised to be deployed for a range of tasks from maintaining air superiority to countering threats in both offensive and defensive operations.
Economic Considerations Amid Pakistan’s Financial Struggles
Despite Pakistan’s severe economic crisis, which has left the country reliant on bailout packages from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the government appears determined to move forward with this high-profile deal. The procurement of the J-35A jets raises questions about how such a massive deal will be financed, especially given Pakistan’s overwhelming debt to China. Defense experts speculate that China may extend further loans to Pakistan, exacerbating its debt crisis, which has led many to believe that Pakistan may eventually have to sell national assets to settle its obligations.
While China has not yet officially confirmed the sale, reports suggest that talks between top military officials from both countries are ongoing. Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu has mentioned in interviews that the acquisition of stealth fighter jets, including the J-35A, is part of Pakistan’s long-term defense modernization plan.
China-Pakistan Defense Cooperation
The defense ties between China and Pakistan have steadily grown stronger over the years, with China already supplying Pakistan with a range of advanced military equipment. This includes the J-17 Thunder fighter jet, developed jointly by the two countries, and several naval frigates. The latest deal for the J-35A, however, would mark a significant milestone in this military partnership.
Chinese Army General Zhang Youxia visited Pakistan in November, shortly after the unveiling of the J-35A stealth fighter, to hold closed-door discussions with Pakistan’s military leadership. The meetings reportedly focused on strengthening defense cooperation and addressing regional security challenges, particularly concerning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure project that passes through disputed territories, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Balochistan.
Growing Chinese Influence in Pakistan
In recent months, there have been reports of China pushing for a greater military presence in Pakistan, particularly to protect its interests in the CPEC region. Pakistan has already deployed thousands of military personnel to safeguard Chinese workers and investments. Sources suggest that China intends to send over 20,000 security personnel to Pakistan to further secure its investments and projects under the CPEC framework, raising concerns about Pakistan’s sovereignty and the growing influence of Beijing in the region.
While the final terms of the J-35A deal remain uncertain, the potential acquisition of these advanced fighter jets could reshape Pakistan’s air defense capabilities and further solidify the strategic alliance between Pakistan and China, which continues to grow in importance as both countries face challenges in their respective regions.
Conclusion
The acquisition of 40 J-35A stealth fighter jets from China would mark a monumental shift in the defense dynamics of South Asia. For Pakistan, it could be a game-changer in modernizing its military fleet, while for China, it represents the first export of its most advanced aircraft. As both countries navigate a complex geopolitical environment, this deal underscores the deepening military ties between Beijing and Islamabad, despite the challenges posed by Pakistan’s economic struggles and debt crisis.
Sources By Agencies
