Janes, the world’s leading defense intelligence publication, has confirmed that Pakistan is set to receive China’s advanced J-35A stealth fighter aircraft—an export variant of the Shenyang FC-31 ‘Gyrfalcon’—with deliveries expected to begin within months.
A senior Pakistani government official told Janes that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will be among the first international operators of China’s fifth-generation combat aircraft. “The aircraft will begin arriving within months,” the official stated, also confirming that PAF pilots are currently undergoing training in China to fly the J-35A. Details regarding the number of aircraft or the terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
The J-35A, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, represents a significant leap in stealth technology and combat capabilities for the PAF. Equipped with low-observable features, advanced sensors, and multirole versatility, the J-35A is designed to perform a wide range of missions while remaining undetectable to enemy radar.
According to Janes Defence News, this acquisition marks a pivotal advancement in Pakistan’s airpower strategy, placing it among the few nations globally operating fifth-generation fighters. The deal further solidifies Pakistan’s strategic defense partnership with China, especially in the area of next-generation military aviation.
As regional air forces move toward fifth-generation platforms, the induction of the J-35A is expected to provide the PAF with a decisive edge in future aerial combat scenarios.
Pakistan’s Satisfaction with J-10CE Performance
This latest procurement comes at a time when Pakistani defense officials have expressed high satisfaction with the performance of the Chinese-origin J-10CE fighters. According to defense sources, the J-10CE proved its operational effectiveness during the recent escalation with India, showcasing its precision strike capabilities and real-time battlefield readiness. The success of the J-10CE has reportedly reinforced Pakistan’s confidence in Chinese aerospace technology and paved the way for more advanced acquisitions like the J-35A.
As Pakistan moves to integrate the J-35A into its fleet, it is clear the PAF is positioning itself as a formidable force in the region’s evolving fifth-generation air warfare environment.
