Is Pakistan buying Chinese J-35 stealth jets? Defence Minister Khawaja Asif makes BIG statement, says...
In June 2025, international media outlets, including Bloomberg, reported that Pakistan was likely to become China's first foreign customer for the advanced J-35A stealth fighter jets, a standard fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. After this report, shares in Chinese defence companies, specifically shares in AVC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, jumped ten per cent.
Speaking to Arab News, Khawaja Asif clearly denied the reports, stating, 'We are not buying them'. He dismissed the claims as mere media speculation, adding, 'I think it's only the media…It's good for Chinese Defence sales'.
Regardless, several publications reported that Pakistan could be accepting the fighter jets — J-35A's, which are stealth fighter jets armed with the advanced PL-17 long-range, air-to-air missiles — in as little as a few months from now and as late as August 2025. Among other claims, there were reports of pilot training taking place in China along with assertions of the operational readiness of 30-40 aircraft. Reportedly, as well, China had also offered a 50% discount on a batch of 30.
Pakistan has enjoyed a strategic alliance with China for more than a decade. The relationship rests on economic, military, and geopolitical engagement. Their defence relationship includes many joint projects such as the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, which China and Pakistan co-produced, and is currently used for combat operations by the Pakistan Air Force. Along with J-35A, the Joint Stealth Combat Drone, provides a major leap in tech capability beyond existing fighter platforms with stealth, modern avionics, and weapons systems.
It is reported that Pakistan used Chinese fighter jets, PL-15 missiles, and drones during Operation Sindoor. At the same time, it is significant that the Chinese survey vessel, Da Yang Yi Hao, with advanced sensors, was present in the Indian Ocean, showcasing stronger ties in their strategic partnership. In addition to the Chinese military technology used in Sindoor, Pakistan has shown an increase in the tactical relationship with China by the use of Chinese air defence capabilities and satellite-based ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) support during Operation Sindoor.
This reported pact surfaced up amidst Pakistan's persistent struggles with its economy. The federal government just recently raised its defence budget by 20%, thus announcing a total defence budget of PKR 2.5 trillion. But, simultaneously, it cancelled 118 development schemes worth PKR 1,000 billion and cut the overall national budget by 7% (to PKR 17.57 trillion or about $62 billion). About 80% of Pakistan's military equipment is acquired from China. In the recent conflicts with India, Pakistan employed equipment like the J-10C fighter jets and HQ-9 air defence missiles. The expected acquisition of the J-35A stealth fighter might also significantly bolster Pakistan's air and naval power; especially now that India's own fifth generation AMCA fighter jet is predicted to only become operational around 2035.
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