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| J-35A |
Table of Contents
Pakistan Becomes J-35A Launch Customer
Why the J-35A News Erupted Now
Why Pakistan Needs the J-35A
Introducing the J-35A Gyrfalcon
India's Countermove: Su-57 vs. F-35
Global Ripples of the J-35A
Conclusion: A New Chapter
J-35A for PAF: FAQs
Pakistan Becomes J-35A Launch Customer
Pakistan has secured its
position as the first international buyer of China's advanced J-35A fifth-generation
stealth fighter. The Pakistan Air Force will acquire forty
aircraft in a multi-billion dollar deal that marks a quantum leap in
regional capabilities. China is fast-tracking delivery, with the first thirty
jets expected by August 2025, and offering a substantial 50 percent
discount with favorable financing. PAF pilots are
already training on the aircraft in China, confirming the program's operational
readiness.
Real Also:
Why the J-35A News Erupted Now
Recent tensions between
Pakistan and India reached a critical point during a 2025 aerial clash where
PAF J-10C fighters armed with PL-15 missiles reportedly
achieved significant success against Indian aircraft including Rafales and Su-30MKIs.
This incident, later confirmed by French intelligence officials,
highlighted Pakistan’s growing air combat prowess and underscored the need for
advanced stealth fighters to counter evolving threats. This demonstration of
Chinese military technology validated Pakistan's defense strategy and
accelerated the push for next-generation capabilities. The engagement
highlighted vulnerabilities in India's fleet and directly catalyzed the J-35A
acquisition with China's accelerated delivery timeline.
Why Pakistan Needs the J-35A
Pakistan's pursuit of
the J-35A addresses critical operational gaps against India's
modernizing fleet featuring Rafale and Su-30MKI aircraft.
The PAF currently relies on aging F-16s, JF-17s and Mirages,
creating a qualitative disadvantage. The stealth fighter provides generational
advantages in sensor fusion, networked warfare, and
penetration capability. Strategically, it offers Pakistan a potential 12–14
year advantage before India's AMCA becomes
operational, while allowing phase-out of legacy systems. For China, the
deal provides real-world combat validation against advanced
adversaries, establishes a global export foothold for its flagship stealth
platform, deepens the China-Pakistan alliance, and challenges US
defense dominance in the region.
What is the J-35A Gyrfalcon
The Shenyang J-35A represents China's premier export stealth
fighter, evolving from the FC-31 prototype into distinct land-based and
carrier-based variants. Unveiled at Zhuhai 2024, it features very
low-observable stealth through advanced shaping techniques and
radar-absorbent materials. Chief researcher Wang Yongqing describes
its revolutionary role as an aerial "coordinator" that can
detect stealth targets and share data across networks. Estimated specifications
include WS-19 engines enabling supercruise, Mach 2.0 top
speed, 1,200 km combat radius, and internal carriage of PL-10 and PL-15
missiles with potential for the PL-21 AWACS-killer.
Advanced avionics feature AESA radar, electro-optical
targeting, and distributed sensor systems.
Comparison Table: 5th Generation Fighters
|
Feature |
J-35A (China) |
F-35 (USA) |
Su-57 (Russia) |
|
Stealth |
Advanced VLO |
Mature VLO |
Limited maturity |
|
Key Role |
Network coordinator |
Multirole sensor platform |
Air superiority |
|
Cost Profile |
Competitive export |
High acquisition |
Moderate |
|
Advantage |
Network integration |
Sensor fusion |
Kinematic performance |
India's Countermove: Su-57 vs. F-35
Facing the J-35A
threat, India must choose between Russia's Su-57E and
America's F-35A as interim solutions before its AMCA program
matures. The Su-57E offers cost-effectiveness at $35-40
million per unit, leverages existing Su-30MKI infrastructure, and
provides greater technology transfer flexibility from Russia. However, its
stealth capabilities remain debated. The F-35A delivers
superior technology maturity and networking but carries high costs exceeding
$80 million, stringent US operational restrictions, limited tech transfer, and
risks triggering CAATSA sanctions over India's S-400 deal. Most analysts
consider the Su-57E India's pragmatic choice given cost advantages,
existing Russian ecosystem integration, and political flexibility despite
technical compromises.
Global Ripples of the J-35A
The J-35A's introduction
triggers significant geopolitical shifts: South Asia's power balance tilts as
Pakistan gains a decade-long stealth advantage over India,
compelling massive investments in counter-stealth technology. Regional arms
racing will accelerate in AEW&C, electronic warfare,
and long-range missiles. Globally, China breaks the US monopoly on
5th-gen exports, offering alternatives to F-35 restricted nations. Air warfare
doctrines evolve toward network-centric operations and
extreme-range PL-21 missile engagements, while successful PAF
deployment serves as powerful validation for Chinese defense exports.
Conclusion: A New Chapter
Pakistan's J-35A
acquisition transforms South Asia's air power dynamics, cementing
China-Pakistan strategic ties while demonstrating Beijing's defense export
ambitions. For the PAF, it delivers critical technological parity and replaces
legacy fleets. India faces complex countermeasure decisions with global supply
chain implications. The arrival of affordable stealth technology signals a new
era of networked, long-range warfare with worldwide repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the deal confirmed?
A: Yes, by multiple sources
including PAF officials. Pilot training is underway.
Q: What's the delivery timeline?
A: First 30 jets by August
2025, full order by 2026/2027.
Q: How does it compare to India's Rafale?
A: J-35A is true 5th-gen
stealth; Rafale is 4.5-gen without inherent stealth.
Q: What weapons will it carry?
A: Internal: PL-10 & PL-15
missiles. Potential for PL-21 later.
Q: Can Pakistan afford them?
A: Yes, due to China's 50%
discount and favorable terms.
Q: Is it an F-35 copy?
A: Visually similar but China
denies copying and highlights technical differences.
Q: Will this make PAF stronger than IAF?
A: Creates 10+ year stealth
advantage, but overall balance depends on multiple factors.
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