English
China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter J-35 is set to enter the international market. China’s close friend could be the first buyer of this fighter. Recently, Pakistan’s government agreed to purchase the Chinese J-35 fighter which will be Beijing’s first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally, which could redefine the balance of power in the region. India’s concern is likely to increase with Pakistan getting this aircraft.
Pakistani media reported last week that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has approved the purchase of 40 aircraft, which will replace the country’s ageing fleet of US F-16 and French Mirage fighter jets. The Chinese fighter jets are expected to be delivered within two years.
In July this year, Pakistani news network Bol News reported that PAF pilots had officially started training for the J-31 stealth fighter jet in China. The version of the J-31 sold abroad is called the J-35. In January this year, Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar said that ‘the foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter has been laid.’
The acquisition of stealth fighter jets is expected to further enhance the strength of the Pakistan Air Force. Just two years ago, several Chinese J-10CE multi-role fighter jets were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force. Brendan Mulvaney, director of the US Air Force’s China Aerospace Studies Institute, told the South China Morning Post that he sees this development as a clear shift away from the West, the US and France and towards China.
Mulvaney said the move ties Pakistan closer to China and gives the Pakistani Air Force an edge over the Indian Air Force. How well they can fly and fight with Chinese jets is a different matter, he said. The performance of the jet will depend on how Beijing provides it with appropriate weapons and support systems. “The jet may be great, but if it doesn’t have the weapons, sensor suite and command, control, computer intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technology (C4ISR), it means nothing,” Mulvaney said.
