Pakistan has officially confirmed that it will purchase J-35 stealth fighter jets from China. The announcement was made through a post by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Facebook, which confirmed the country’s intent to buy 40 J-35 fighter jets.
This news, first reported by Bloomberg, comes as part of a larger defense package that includes the KJ-500 early warning aircraft and HQ-19 missile defense systems.
The J-35 is China’s newest fifth-generation fighter jet, developed by AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Following the announcement, shares of the company jumped by their daily limit of 10% on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, marking the third day in a row of gains.
Another defense company, Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology, also saw its shares rise by as much as 15%, reflecting strong market confidence after the news.
The deal is seen as a boost to China’s defense exports and a sign of growing military cooperation between China and Pakistan. With this Pakistan becomes the first country to purchase the J-35 stealth fighter, signaling a shift in regional military power.
Pakistani officials said their Air Force pilots are already in China undergoing training on the J-35. Deliveries of the jets are expected to begin in August. The new jets will replace older aircraft in Pakistan’s fleet, including American-made F-16s and French-made Mirages.
The J-35 jet is known for its stealth design, long-range strike capability, and advanced technology. It will greatly enhance Pakistan’s air power. Defense analyst Brandon J. Weichert explained that the J-35’s stealth capabilities make it hard to detect by enemy radar, which allows it to enter enemy airspace without being seen.
The J-35 is equipped with advanced sensors, and radar systems, and can carry long-range missiles like the PL-15 and PL-17. It can reach speeds of up to 1,367 miles per hour. This makes it not only fast but also deadly in combat situations. This aircraft will give Pakistan the ability to carry out deep strike missions and respond more effectively to any threat.
The deal also comes growing military tensions between India and Pakistan. Last month, Pakistan claimed that Chinese-made J-10C jets helped shoot down six Indian fighter planes, including French-made Rafales. India denied the report, stating that its forces had conducted successful airstrikes inside Pakistani territory in response.
China’s Ministry of Defense has not released an official statement regarding the deal, but its defense sector is already seeing strong results. The rising share prices of major defense companies suggest that investors are optimistic about future arms sales.
This deal is not only about weapons. It is about partnerships and power. It shows how China is strengthening as an global arms supplier. It also shows how Pakistan is turning more toward China for defense support.
At the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, China officially revealed the J-35 to the public. Since then, there have been rumors of deals with multiple countries, but Pakistan is the first to confirm its purchase. With deliveries expected in just a few months, both countries are moving fast to finalize the agreement and complete training for Pakistani pilots.
The addition of the KJ-500 early warning aircraft and the HQ-19 missile system will further boost Pakistan’s defense system. These systems will improve Pakistan’s ability to detect and respond to threats in real time and strengthen its air and missile defense network.
