Pakistan currently has 20 Chinese J-10C and JF-17 fighter jets. It is reportedly going to buy 40 J-35s, which are considered as powerful as the US F-35 fighter jet.
J-35 Stealth fighter Jet
China unveiled its second 5th generation stealth fighter J-35 in November 2024. This fighter jet, used for multi-purpose missions, has a twin-engine, single-seater supersonic jet and advanced avionics. It is equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, electro-optical targeting system, and infrared search and track system.
The Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times compared the Chinese J-35 fighter jet to the US F-35 fighter jet, which is the world's most expensive fighter jet. It operates stealthily to gain and maintain air superiority while eliminating attacks in the sky.
When will pakistan get the Chinese J-35
Pakistan currently has 20 Chinese J-10C and JF-17 fighter jets. It is reportedly going to buy 40 J-35s, the first unit of which is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. If this happens, pakistan will join the exclusive club of operating stealth fighter jets.
Why should india worry
India does not currently have any stealth fighter jets. So Pakistan's purchase of a fifth-generation fighter could change the balance of air power unless New delhi gets ahead of Islamabad on this issue.
The J-35 is considered a 'black box' due to its lack of data capabilities, but it is said to be a fighter jet similar to or even better than the US F-35. However, the J-35 has not yet participated in any war. The first glimpse of the J-35 as the FC-31 appeared in august 2024. It has two variants, one naval and the other used for conventional ground operations and export.
What is special about J-35
According to China Daily's report, this jet can share target status with other weapon systems like surface-to-air missiles and can use its radar to guide other weapons to bring down the target. Its biggest feature is its ability to attack silently.
The J-35 reportedly has a radar cross-section of 0.001 square meters, which is comparable to the US F-35. This means it will take india longer to detect this jet when it comes near its border.
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