In less than two years, the air capabilities of Pakistan are set to have a major boost with the procurement of 40 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets Shenyang J-35, developed by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
Quoting Pakistani broadcaster 24 News HD, South China Morning Post reported that the deal, which could potentially alter the military dynamics in South Asia and give Pakistan an edge over India in aerial capabilities, would make Islamabad the first exporter of this fifth-generation jets. These fighter jets are expected to replace Pakistan's ageing fourth-generation F-16s and French Mirage fighters.
Designed primarily for multirole combat, the J-35 fighter aircraft features advanced stealth capabilities and is aimed at enhancing air superiority and improving the effectiveness of ground attack missions.
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Media reports had earlier said Pakistan Air Force pilots had begun training for J-31 stealth fighter jet (the land-based version of J-35) in China.
The J-35A's information and system architecture was designed for seamless interoperability, providing strong standalone combat capabilities and enabling coordination with other battlefield equipment, which will open up new possibilities for future missions, news agency Xinhua had quoted Wang Yongqing, chief expert at the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, as saying.
Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu had, in January, said “the foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid”.
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The reports of Pakistan's plans to acquire China’s latest fighter jets come in the backdrop of the visit of top PLA General Zhang Youxia to Pakistan last month, during which he held one-on-one talks with Pakistan’s Army chief Gen Asim Munir.
China has delivered four advanced naval frigates to the Pakistan Navy in the last few years to enable it to play a bigger role along with its navy in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.
Meanwhile, there were reports that said Pakistan's move to acquire the fighter jets may prompt the US to offer India the F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter, with enhanced stealth, situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability.
