Lahore, August 12 - Pakistan’s reported decision to back out of a deal to procure China’s J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet marks a significant shift in its defense strategy, raising questions about the state of its military ties with Beijing and its broader geopolitical alignment. The J-35, developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, was initially positioned as a transformative addition to the Pakistan Air Force, with earlier reports suggesting Islamabad was set to acquire 40 aircraft at a discounted price of approximately $5 billion. These jets, equipped with advanced features like stealth capabilities, twin engines, internal weapons bays, and long-range PL-17 air-to-air missiles, were expected to bolster Pakistan’s airpower, particularly in the context of its rivalry with India. The deal was seen as a milestone in China-Pakistan defense cooperation, with Pakistan poised to become the first international customer for the J-35, a platform designed to compete with Western stealth fighters like the U.S. F-35.
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However, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif recently dismissed these claims in a televised interview, stating that the reported deal was mere “media speculation” and that no agreement existed for the purchase of the J-35. This public denial stands in stark contrast to earlier developments, including statements from Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in 2023 confirming negotiations and reports of Pakistani pilots training on the J-35 in China in 2024. The abrupt reversal has been attributed to a combination of strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors that appear to have reshaped Pakistan’s defense priorities. A key factor in Pakistan’s decision may be the recent four-day conflict with India, codenamed Operation Sindoor, which began on May 7, 2025, following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. During this clash, Pakistan deployed Chinese-made systems, including JF-17 fighters, CH-4 drones, and HQ-9 air defense systems, which reportedly underperformed against India’s more advanced arsenal, including Rafale jets, BrahMos missiles, and S-400 systems. This battlefield experience likely raised doubts about the reliability of Chinese military technology, particularly the untested J-35, which has faced scrutiny over its propulsion system and overall combat readiness. The J-35’s WS-13 engines, for instance, have been criticized for reliability issues, and their stealth capabilities remain unproven in real-world scenarios.
Economic constraints also played a significant role. Pakistan, currently under stringent IMF loan conditions, faces severe financial challenges, with its defense budget increasing by 20% to PKR 2.5 trillion while development projects worth PKR 1,000 billion were canceled. The $5 billion price tag for the J-35 deal, even with reported Chinese discounts, likely proved untenable. Additionally, Pakistan’s growing alignment with the United States, highlighted by Army Chief General Asim Munir’s visit to Washington and subsequent defense talks, suggests a strategic pivot. Reports indicate Pakistan is now pursuing U.S.-made F-16 Block 70 fighters, HIMARS systems, and advanced air defense platforms, signaling a preference for proven Western technology over Chinese alternatives.
The decision also reflects concerns over China’s stringent conditions for the J-35, including demands for operational oversight, which would have required Pakistan to share sensitive data and allow Chinese surveillance of the fleet. Such terms raised sovereignty concerns, especially given Pakistan’s existing arrangements with the U.S. for F-16 oversight. By backing out, Pakistan avoids antagonizing Washington, which had signaled that deepening military ties with China could jeopardize existing defense agreements and IMF support. This development represents a setback for China’s ambitions to establish the J-35 as a viable export in the global arms market. For Pakistan, it underscores a pragmatic recalibration, prioritizing economic sustainability and proven systems while navigating the complex interplay of U.S. and Chinese influence. The decision leaves Pakistan reliant on its existing fleet, particularly the JF-17 Block 3, as it seeks to modernize its air force amid ongoing regional tensions.
