ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially confirmed plans to acquire China’s fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter jets, marking a significant step in the modernisation of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and potentially altering the strategic air power balance in South Asia.
The announcement came during a press briefing in Islamabad, where PAF Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Vice-Marshal Tariq Ghazi confirmed that Pakistan had signed an “initial collaborative agreement” for the acquisition of the advanced stealth platform. The statement represents the first official acknowledgement from Pakistan regarding the highly anticipated J-35 programme.
The development follows months of speculation that Islamabad could become the first foreign operator of the Chinese-made fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Analysts believe initial deliveries may begin as early as late 2026, particularly after Chinese state media recently showcased what appeared to be the export variant of the J-35.
The J-35 acquisition forms part of a broader military modernisation effort by Pakistan, which also includes additional Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, upgrades to the jointly produced JF-17 Thunder fleet, and the expansion of long-range precision strike capabilities. According to Pakistani officials, the upgrades are intended to strengthen next-generation operational readiness and strategic deterrence.
Defence analysts suggest the induction of stealth fighters could provide Pakistan with a substantial technological advantage over India in the domain of fifth-generation air combat. While India maintains a numerically larger fleet of 4.5-generation aircraft, including Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters, New Delhi has yet to operationally field a stealth fighter platform.
The move is also being interpreted within the broader context of the expanding strategic defence partnership between Pakistan and China. Beijing has steadily increased defence cooperation with Islamabad in recent years through fighter aircraft, missile systems, naval platforms, and technology transfers.
Security experts warn that the development may intensify the regional arms competition in South Asia. Some analysts believe India may accelerate efforts surrounding its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme or reconsider the acquisition of foreign fifth-generation platforms to counterbalance Pakistan’s growing capabilities.
The announcement also coincides with Pakistan’s ongoing enhancement of long-range precision weapons and naval strike systems, including cruise missile programmes and Chinese-origin Hangor-class submarines currently entering service with the Pakistan Navy.
Observers note that beyond South Asia, the acquisition could further expand Pakistan’s strategic military projection capabilities in the broader Middle East and Gulf region, particularly amid evolving regional defence partnerships.
While the exact number of J-35 aircraft involved in the agreement remains undisclosed, the confirmation itself signals a major milestone in Pakistan-China defence relations and underscores Islamabad’s ambition to transition towards fifth-generation aerial warfare capabilities.
