BIG Trouble for India as Pakistan plans to buy 40 J-35 Chinese stealth fighter jets, it can destroy…, China to…

The jets are expected to be delivered within two years and to replace its ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters.

New Delhi: In a major move to strengthen its defense force, the Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan government is mulling to procure 40 jets of advanced Chinese stealth fighter J-35. If the deal gets materialised, it will mark the first export of China’s latest jet.

According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post report, the sale would mark Beijing’s first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally. The deal is likely to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to India.

Pakistan Air Force had approved the purchase of 40 aircraft, the Post quoted Pakistan media reports stated. The jets are expected to be delivered within two years and to replace its ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters. The acquisition of new aircraft was pursued despite the serious economic crisis faced by Pakistan.

However, it is important to note that there is no official confirmation in Beijing or mention of such a deal in the official media in Beijing, though speculation is rife since the J-35, primarily regarded as a jet fighter meant for Chinese aircraft carriers, was exhibited at the prestigious annual air show at Zhuhai city last month attended by top PAF officials.

The land-based version of J-35 was called J-31, according to previous reports. China is currently the only country in the region to have developed stealth aircraft.