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Pakistan has given green signal to the plan to buy 40 J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets from China. This step is going to take the competition in the defense sector between India and Pakistan to new heights. According to the report, these fighter jets will be delivered to Pakistan in the next two years. The J-35 is an upgraded version of China’s J-31, designed for sale in the international market. Chinese experts claim that through these aircraft, Pakistan can be 12 years ahead of India in its air power.
Features of J-35 and Pakistan’s plan
J-35 stealth fighter jets are equipped with modern avionics, advanced stealth technology and multirole capabilities. These aircraft are capable of establishing air superiority as well as attacking land and sea targets. According to the report of South China Morning Post (SCMP), these jets will replace Pakistan’s old American F-16 and French Mirage fighter jets.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has already started training its pilots in China for the J-35. Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Siddu said in January that all the groundwork towards purchasing the J-35 had been completed. According to retired PAF officer Zia Ul Haq Shamsi, the deployment of J-35 could give Pakistan a strategic edge over India for the next 7 to 14 years.
Defense relations between China and Pakistan
The export of the J-35 will be China’s first fifth-generation fighter jet to its friendly nation. This deal has been signed as part of the deep military relations between China and Pakistan. Earlier, both countries jointly developed and operated JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. J-35 has also been considered suitable for Chinese aircraft carriers.
This plan of Pakistan has been taken forward despite its economic crisis. Even though Beijing has not officially confirmed the deal, the presence of top PAF officials at China’s Zhuhai Air Show hints in this direction.
India’s indigenous fighter jet project
In contrast to this initiative by Pakistan, India is focusing on its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. This is an ambitious plan to develop indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets. According to the report of the Parliament’s Defense Standing Committee, delivery of the AMCA is expected to begin in the next decade. However, DRDO is facing technical and time-related challenges in this project.
Regional balance of power and challenges
Pakistan’s purchase of J-35 could affect the balance of power in South Asia. Defense experts believe that these aircraft can give immediate advantage to Pakistan, but in the long term, operation and maintenance will prove to be a big challenge. On the other hand, India’s indigenous project can give it self-reliance and long-term strategic advantages.
SCMP expert Brendan Mulvaney has described this step as a sign of Pakistan’s distance from Western countries and inclination towards China. However, he described the J-35’s effectiveness as dependent on weapons, sensors and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) provided by China.
Pakistan’s economic situation and criticisms
Despite its deteriorating economic condition, Pakistan is pursuing this expensive defense deal. According to the recent report of the World Bank, China has the highest share in the total foreign loan given to Pakistan. In 2023, China had given a loan of $29 billion to Pakistan. Whereas Saudi Arabia’s share is $9.16 billion.
This defense deal is facing many criticisms amid Pakistan’s debt-ridden economy and large population struggling with hunger. Experts believe that maintaining expensive aircraft could increase long-term financial pressure for Pakistan.
future strategic vision
While Pakistan is dependent on China to strengthen its air fleet, India is developing its indigenous capabilities. This competition not only in the military sphere, but also reflects strategic priorities between self-reliance and foreign dependence.