INVC NEWS
Beijing – : A major development in South Asia’s air power dynamics is raising alarm across New Delhi. China is preparing to supply Pakistan with 40 advanced J-35 stealth fighter jets, marking the aircraft’s first-ever foreign export. Expected to be delivered by the end of this year, these fifth-generation jets bring modern stealth and sensor technology to Pakistan’s air force—a move that analysts warn could shift the aerial balance in the region.
J-35 Stealth Fighters: A Game-Changing Deal for Pakistan
The J-35 jets, derived from China’s FC-31 platform, are being transferred to Pakistan as part of an expanding defense collaboration. Despite not yet being fully inducted into China’s own air force, the aircraft will be supplied to Pakistan with an array of advanced systems including an infrared search and track system (IRST), low radar signature, and network-centric data sharing capabilities.
This transfer follows Pakistan’s setback after India’s successful military operation under “Operation Sindoor,” and is seen as Islamabad’s attempt to bolster its air force against future strategic threats.
Could India Be at Risk? Experts Weigh In
India currently does not operate a fifth-generation stealth aircraft. Experts believe the J-35 purchase poses a serious concern. According to retired Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat, the arrival of these aircraft in Pakistan is “a threat India cannot afford to ignore.” While India does have formidable fighters like the Dassault Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30MKI, stealth aircraft such as the J-35 are built to evade radar detection and deliver precision strikes—tipping the scales in surprise engagement scenarios.
How J-35 Compares to Rafale
Both the J-35 and Rafale are cutting-edge combat aircraft, but they serve slightly different combat roles. Rafale is a proven multirole platform, tested in actual conflict zones with battle-proven radar, sensors, and strike systems. It can perform air superiority missions, ground strikes, and reconnaissance with precision.
The J-35, however, is engineered with stealth as its core feature. Its radar cross-section is reportedly as low as 0.001 square meters, making it extremely difficult to detect. While Rafale has years of battlefield experience, the J-35 is still under active development and has yet to be tested under real combat conditions.
Inside the Technology of the J-35
Manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the J-35 is China’s second fifth-generation fighter after the J-20. The twin-engine jet boasts supersonic capabilities, an electro-optical targeting system, and advanced radar systems that make it comparable to the US F-35 Lightning II.
One standout feature is its ability to act as a networked command node, sharing targeting information across platforms and directing missiles via radar. Chinese defense sources claim it can function seamlessly with other stealth platforms and long-range weapons, potentially creating a highly integrated battle environment.
India’s Stealth Jet Program Still in the Works
India has placed its long-term stealth jet ambitions on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a next-gen fighter under development by DRDO and HAL. However, the AMCA is not expected to be operational before 2035, leaving a significant capability gap over the next decade.
Until then, India is likely to focus on strengthening its air defense networks, radar systems, and possibly accelerating talks with international partners for interim stealth solutions. Analysts have often pointed out that China’s rapid development of aircraft like the J-35 may be linked to alleged cyber espionage targeting US designs—a claim Beijing denies.
Regional Military Balance Under Stress
The deployment of 40 J-35 fighters to Pakistan would add a stealth advantage to a military that has long struggled to match India’s air superiority. While Indian jets remain more numerous and experienced, stealth aircraft could provide Pakistan with new tactical options in airspace intrusion, first-strike capabilities, and electronic warfare.
As tensions remain high in the subcontinent, the transfer of stealth aircraft—particularly untested ones—adds a complex dimension to South Asia’s security landscape. The move is also likely to influence regional players such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, many of whom monitor India-China-Pakistan developments closely.
What This Means for India’s Defense Roadmap
India may now face pressure to speed up either foreign acquisitions like the F-35 or Su-57, or divert more resources toward AMCA development and improving low-observable detection systems. Military planners will also need to reassess current doctrines that do not account for stealth-based intrusions.
As Pakistan expands its arsenal with the help of Chinese military technology, India must ensure its air defense systems evolve rapidly to meet this stealth-era challenge. The appearance of J-35s in Pakistan’s air force may mark the start of a new arms race in the skies above South Asia.
