Pakistan to Obtain 40 Chinese J-35 Stealth Fighters: A Strategic Military Move
Pakistan is set to acquire 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighter jets, marking the first transfer of fifth-generation jets from China to a foreign nation. The deal is expected to shift regional military dynamics, particularly against India. The J-35 operates similarly to the US F-35 but with a single-engine design. The deal follows high-level military discussions between Chinese and Pakistani generals.
Pakistan is poised to procure 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighter jets, as reported by the South China Morning Post, with deliveries expected to be completed within two years. This acquisition marks China’s inaugural transfer of fifth-generation aircraft to an international partner and is anticipated to recalibrate regional military standings, particularly in relation to India. The announcement follows a recent visit to Pakistan by high-ranking PLA General Zhang Youxia, who discussed military collaborations with General Asim Munir, the Chief of Pakistan’s Army.
The J-35 is a modernized variant of China’s J-20, designed predominantly for deployment on aircraft carriers. It features a single-engine configuration, distinguishing it from the US’s twin-engine F-35. Historically, the land-based version, known as J-31, has been pivotal in discussions surrounding China’s advancement in stealth technology, which currently remains unparalleled in the region.
In a prior article by the Global Times, it was emphasized that the J-35A is adept in operations requiring stealth and counter-stealth capabilities, focusing on achieving air superiority, neutralizing enemy fighters and surface-to-air defenses, and intercepting various airborne threats.
The military partnership between China and Pakistan is robust, with extensive collaboration in modernizing the Pakistani military across all branches. Notably, both nations have joint ventures, such as the development of the J-17 Thunder fighter jet, and China has recently supplied advanced naval frigates to enhance Pakistan’s maritime capabilities in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
The procurement of J-35 fighter jets by Pakistan reflects a significant shift in the regional military landscape, especially given the strategic competition with India. The deal also exemplifies the strengthening ties between China and Pakistan, historically referred to as all-weather friends, indicating a deepening military collaboration that is likely to influence power dynamics in South Asia. As China emerges as a leading producer of stealth technology, this acquisition signals a forward march for Pakistan in enhancing its aerial capabilities against regional adversaries.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s acquisition of 40 J-35 stealth fighter jets from China is a pivotal development that underscores the evolving military cooperation between the two nations. This agreement not only elevates Pakistan’s defense capabilities but also represents China’s growing influence in arms exports. The deal is likely to alter the balance of power in South Asia, particularly in relation to India’s military posture, thereby heightening geopolitical tensions in the region.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
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