Gabriel Honrada
China's J-10 fighter jets perform during an air show in a file photo. Image: Xinhua
China is arming Pakistan and Azerbaijan with high-tech fighter jets, missile shields and surveillance aircraft — a bold play to redraw the balance of power in South Asia and the Caucasus.
This month, Breaking Defense reported that Pakistan confirmed China’s offer of 40 fifth-generation Shenyang J-35 stealth fighters, KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft and HQ-19 air defense systems.
The deal was first leaked in December 2024 and now publicly credited by Islamabad to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomacy.
Also known as the FC-31, the J-35 is developed for both China’s air force and navy and made its debut at Airshow China 2024. It features stealth shaping similar to that of the US F-35 Lightning II. Deliveries to Pakistan are expected within the next few months.
The announcement follows a separate US$4.6 billion agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, in which Baku will procure 40 JF-17 fighter jets co-manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC).
China’s defense exports to Islamabad signal deeper strategic alignment amid growing regional competition. As Pakistan pursues advanced capabilities, the deal highlights China’s growing presence in global arms sales, particularly among states seeking alternatives to Western defense suppliers.
Defense Security Asia notes in an article this month that the J-35, HQ-19 and KJ-500 represent a considerable leap in Pakistan’s air defense capabilities.
According to the report, the J-35 fifth-generation fighter armed with PL-17 missiles boasting a range of over 400 kilometers enables Pakistan to target high-value Indian aerial assets from beyond visual range.
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