China to Deliver 40 J-35 Stealth Jets to Pakistan by December
In a significant military development set to shake up South Asia’s air power dynamics, China will supply 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Pakistan by December 2025. The move positions Pakistan among a select group of nations equipped with advanced stealth technology, potentially altering the regional air superiority landscape—especially as India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), remains at least a decade away from induction.
The decision also signals a rapid acceleration in Pakistan’s defence build-up, which now includes 500-KJ early warning aircraft and HQ-19 ballistic missile defence systems, in response to its vulnerabilities exposed during military standoffs with India in recent years.
Understanding the J-35 and India’s AMCA
The J-35, developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is a carrier-capable fifth-generation stealth fighter. Though the version destined for Pakistan is the FC-31 export variant—a somewhat toned-down model—it still represents a leap in stealth, maneuverability, and avionics for Pakistan’s air force.
India’s answer to stealth technology is the AMCA, a twin-engine, all-weather, multirole fighter being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Though technically promising, the AMCA is still in its early design stages, with prototype rollout targeted for 2028–29 and full induction expected by 2035—leaving a significant capability gap in the meantime.
Pakistan’s Ambitions and Strategic Realignment
The acquisition of the J-35 jets is part of Pakistan’s broader airpower upgrade following its increased defence spending—up over 20% to $9 billion this year. Pakistan is not only leaning on China but also turning to Turkey for future procurement of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet, showcasing a shift toward a multilateral approach to strategic defence, often framed by shared political and regional alignments, including on Kashmir.
Former Indian Air Force Officer Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat (Retd.) confirmed that Pakistani pilots have already trained in China for six months, preparing for this induction. While the full capabilities of the J-35 remain classified, its deployment in Pakistani colours has raised alarm bells in Indian defence circles.
“Their pilots were training in China well in advance. The surprise is only the speed of delivery,” said Ahlawat. “Even if it’s a toned-down version, it’s a serious concern.”
India’s Capability Gap and Strategic Dilemma
With no stealth fighter in service today, India faces a pressing question: How should it bridge the gap until AMCA is ready?
Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd.) highlighted this operational vacuum. “We cannot afford to wait a decade while our adversaries modernise. We need a stopgap—something proven and available now.”
He advocated for the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter, citing compatibility with existing Indian systems and the potential for technology transfer, similar to the Rafale G2G deal.
“The Su-57 ticks more boxes than people think. We can integrate Indian weapons, train our personnel, and buy time for AMCA.”
The Debate: Su-57 vs. AMCA Mission Mode
However, Group Captain Ahlawat strongly opposed the Su-57 option. He pointed out India’s withdrawal from the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) programme—a joint venture with Russia to co-develop the Su-57—after investing $350 million and concluding it did not meet expectations.
“We walked away because we weren’t satisfied,” Ahlawat emphasized. “Russia doesn’t even have a full operational regiment of Su-57s. We don’t need a placeholder; we need to fast-track AMCA.”
He called for a “national mission-mode” approach, urging India to treat AMCA development as a top-tier strategic priority, akin to ISRO’s space programme or the nuclear submarine project.
An Urgent Wake-Up Call
Pakistan’s J-35 acquisition is more than just a new aircraft deal—it’s a strategic move designed to tilt the balance of power in the subcontinent. For India, the development serves as a stark reminder that technological superiority is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing race.
India cannot afford strategic complacency. While the AMCA represents a bold and self-reliant future, the road to 2035 is long and fraught with risk. Whether India chooses a stopgap solution like the Su-57 or doubles down on indigenous capabilities, swift action and unified political-military resolve are now imperative.
As stealth becomes the new standard in global air combat, the clock is ticking—and the skies above South Asia are becoming more contested than ever.
(With agency inputs)
