Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35s stealth fighter jets from China

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35 stealth fighter jets from China, marking China’s first sale of fifth-generation warplanes to a foreign ally. The South China Morning Post reported that the jets would be delivered within two years, enhancing Pakistan’s defense capabilities and rebalancing regional dynamics. This development follows the visit of General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, to Pakistan’s General Headquarters, where discussions with COAS General Asim Munir emphasized mutual trust, regional security, and deepening bilateral defense cooperation. The J-35, China’s second fifth-generation stealth aircraft, is designed similarly to the US F-35, highlighting China’s indigenous advancements in military aviation.