J-35 Fighter Jet May Head To Pakistan As India Accelerates AMCA Push

New images surfacing on Chinese social media Weibo have stirred speculation about the J-35 fighter jet's production status. Painted in a green primer coat-often a sign of early production-the aircraft has been identified by defence watchers as possibly the first serial production model of the fifth-generation stealth jet.

Though unconfirmed by official Chinese sources, the appearance of the J-35 has reignited interest in the stealth platform, especially among Pakistani defence circles. Local media in Pakistan claim the country could receive its first batch of J-35 fighter jets as early as 2026.

Aviation analyst Rupprecht Deino said that the J-35 remains under development and is most likely intended for China's own air force, not foreign deployment-at least not yet.

Still, excitement is building in Islamabad. Some reports suggest that China may fast-track the delivery of the J-35 to Pakistan, potentially even offering it at a steep discount or as part of military aid. The motivation? Some speculate it could be a reward for Pakistan's role in promoting Chinese-origin jets and missiles like the J-10CE, JF-17, and PL-15 during recent exercises, including Operation Sindoor.

Yet, as speculation intensifies, one unavoidable question looms: How will Pakistan, struggling with an economic crisis and dependent on IMF aid, finance such advanced weaponry? Could the J-35 be gifted, subsidised, or become part of a deeper strategic pact with China?

Meanwhile, in a direct response to the growing Chinese air power, India is pressing ahead with its own fifth-generation stealth fighter program. On the same day the J-35 images emerged, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cleared the execution model for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. The indigenous program is expected to significantly boost India's air power and place it in the elite group of nations operating stealth fighters.

Currently, only the US and China operate fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-35 and the J-35. India's AMCA aims to join that league, signaling a regional arms race where air dominance is becoming the ultimate high ground.

For the unversed, the J-35 fighter jet, developed by SAC under AVIC, is a land-based evolution of the earlier FC-31 Gyrfalcon. Initially built without PLA endorsement, the jet has matured over years of testing. The J-35A flew for the first time on September 26, 2023, and is expected to boast cutting-edge features like AESA radar, electro-optical targeting systems, and potentially helmet-mounted displays.

Engine-wise, it's believed to use WS-13E engines, possibly moving toward WS-19 in future builds. While specs remain unofficial, open sources peg its takeoff weight at 28 tons and a combat radius between 1,200 to 1,900 kilometers.

As the J-35 fighter jet nears possible induction, the skies over South Asia are poised for a new era of stealth, strategy, and shifting allegiances.