PAF J-35AE - News, Updates and Discussions

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

Yes, but for those requirements back in the 90's. It was a good and extremely agile interceptor. 2019 requirements for Pakistan military were very different and again a sea of change in May 2025 and post Iran-Israel war. That's where my focus is usually in my posts.

Get ready for another headache, Taliban are requesting AD systems from Russia. Rumor has it that it may be a couple of batteries of S-300's. Still super capable. We will now have to focus on ALL 3 borders! Requirements are changing so rapidly.

I want to share a perspective that I believe deserves more attention when we discuss Afghanistan and its relationship with Pakistan. The narrative that Afghanistan is a major problem for us, or that Afghans are inherently anti-Pakistan, is, in my opinion, largely exaggerated and shaped by certain elements within the Pakistani establishment. As someone who has reflected on this issue, I’d like to explain why I believe this perception doesn’t fully reflect reality, especially for those of us living away from the Pak-Afghan border.

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that some Afghans harbor resentment toward Pakistan. They feel Pakistan’s historical involvement, such as supporting certain groups during the Soviet-Afghan War and later contributing to the fall of the Najibullah government, has prolonged instability in their country. These grievances are real and rooted in history. However, this does not mean all Afghans, or even most, hate Pakistan. In fact, many Afghans, particularly the Pashtun communities who share deep cultural and ethnic ties with Pakistanis across the border, do not view Pakistan as an enemy. These ties are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

The current Taliban government in Afghanistan, predominantly Pashtun and rooted in Deobandi ideology, is another key point. While some see them as a threat, I believe they are not inherently hostile to Pakistan. Their Deobandi Islamic ideology emphasizes values that, with sincere and respectful dialogue, could align with a shared interest in peace. The Taliban, like any group, are not a monolith, and I believe they can be convinced to avoid actions that lead to the loss of innocent lives—something their ideology, at its core, does not endorse for the same deobandi pashtoon on this side of border.

The real issue, in my view, is the lack of serious, good-faith dialogue between Pakistan and the Taliban government. Instead of perpetuating a cycle of mistrust, we should engage them constructively. The Pakistani establishment has, at times, fueled a narrative that paints Afghanistan as a dangerous neighbor, but this only deepens divisions and ignores the potential for cooperation. By fostering open communication, we can address mutual concerns, reduce tensions, and work toward stability that benefits both nations.

I urge my fellow Pakistanis, especially those far from the border who may rely on media portrayals, to reconsider the “Afghan threat” narrative. Let’s recognize the shared history, culture, and values that connect us, particularly with the Pashtun people. Let’s push for dialogue over confrontation. Afghanistan is not the problem it’s often made out to be—it’s a neighbor with whom we can build a better future if we approach them with understanding and sincerity.

 

[Oscar]

I urge my fellow Pakistanis, especially those far from the border who may rely on media portrayals, to reconsider the “Afghan threat” narrative. Let’s recognize the shared history, culture, and values that connect us, particularly with the Pashtun people. Let’s push for dialogue over confrontation. Afghanistan is not the problem it’s often made out to be—it’s a neighbor with whom we can build a better future if we approach them with understanding and sincerity.

Kind of difficult when the neighbor was the first one to oppose your creation and actively promotes ethnic discord within your border regardless of who is in charge.

Not saying that the Pakistani elite and system dont lay grounds for enabling it but Afghan society and overall complete lack of education or balanced negotiating capabilities means its constantly going to be a case of stick stick and maybe a tiny carrot.

 

[corven]

All big powers gain influence, because they need it. Its done in modern times in 2 ways: 1: Soft Influence (trade, infrastructure, cultural) 2: Hardware (military, tech, equipment, etc)

China has been pouring billions into countries where it may never recover money from. Like Africa, Myanmar, and many others, with Belt and Road initiative. Why is that?

Its a China's way of gaining influence softly (per the Chinese culture as its not aggressive like the US / Russia can be). China also chose BRI strategy because it excelled in infrastructure. It was the easiest and soft and "more liked by others" approach compared to the US / EU's weapon systems because China couldn't compete with those at that time. This BRI strategy started around 2000's in full swing. While, the weapon sales were low on the list because China was behind times. Not because it thought "we don't need to sell weapons to others".

Now we are in 2025, China has made leaps and bounds improvement in military weapons. As we recently saw, the Chinese weapons took out French systems with clear advantage. With that display through Pakistan, China can NOW have its focus back on weapons sales to gain influence, in addition to BRI, etc.

This is the time, Russia is too busy and will be busy for next 5 years with internal demands to cover losses. French are outclassed by Chinese weapons. That only leaves US and China on the top. Now focus will come on foreign weapons sales and I believe it already has.

You have a misunderstanding about China.
America's alliances are based on providing security protection to allied nations. If the United States withdraws the security protection for these countries, the alliance will no longer exist. The key issue is that most of the costs of the security protection provided by the United States are borne by the Americans themselves. This alliance is unsustainable. China will not do such a thing as bearing its own military expenses and letting its citizens bleed for the security of other countries.
China only cares about its own development and the improvement of living standards in China. Our One Belt One Road initiative is just to avoid the dependence of trade on a single country, while also having the desire for common prosperity for developing countries. The purpose of China's trade is to obtain materials to maintain the normal operation of our society through exchange, and China is not interested in expanding its influence abroad.
Therefore, China will only focus on the security of the areas surrounding China. It will not engage in global expansion or compete with the United States for sphere of influence. China only wants to quickly improve its scientific and technological level and military strength in order to better defend China's territorial integrity and national security. China's military industry system, as a wholly-owned state-owned enterprise, will only serve this strategic goal. For some national security purposes or diplomatic needs, some military equipment may be sold to friendly countries. Profit is not the main purpose.
For example, arms sales to Egypt are more about showing that China is a friend of Egypt and meeting some of Egypt’s security needs to facilitate the maintenance of China’s local commercial interests. That's all. Therefore, this kind of arms sale is not for the purpose of profit at all, but is more driven by commercial and diplomatic needs.

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

Kind of difficult when the neighbor was the first one to oppose your creation and actively promotes ethnic discord within your border regardless of who is in charge.

Not saying that the Pakistani elite and system dont lay grounds for enabling it but Afghan society and overall complete lack of education or balanced negotiating capabilities means its constantly going to be a case of stick stick and maybe a tiny carrot.

No doubt Afghanistan opposed Pakistan’s creation initially due to the Durand Line, claiming that areas up to Attock were part of their territory. Well, everyone knows this history, but I believe those were different times and different people. Now, if we make a genuine effort, I think these problems can be resolved, especially since the Taliban are in power. They deeply respect Deobandi scholars like Mufti Taqi Usmani, and we can also leverage senior figures or scholars from Madrassa Haqqania, as the Taliban hold them in high regard, with many having studied under them. Another thing is that if we want these negotiations to succeed, the establishment needs to step back. They don’t understand the cultural norms or the respect these madrassa teachers command. The establishment has trust issues. Pashtun tribes have resolved major issues through simple jirgas, and the Taliban still practice and respect the jirga system.

The simple truth is that the Taliban also want peace in Afghanistan and, crucially, to improve their economy. We should involve China and extend the CPEC route through Afghanistan to Central Asia, along with making trade deals. They will agree if there’s a good trade deal. Afghans also want access to a seaport for their exports. I still believe that by letting go of the past, we can achieve long-lasting peace. Both sides made mistakes—Afghanistan wasn’t the only one at fault; we made many mistakes too. For example, after the Soviet defeat, the Pakistan Army and ISI supported Hekmatyar, which fueled civil war in Afghanistan, leading to massacres in Jalalabad and Kabul. Even today, if you meet an Afghan, they recall how that civil war was prolonged and worsened due to Pakistan’s support for Hekmatyar, the “butcher.”

But now, we can seriously work toward lasting peace. As a Pashtun from the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, with many Afghan friends and even relatives, I’m telling you this. They, too, desperately need peace and trade now. The Durand Line isn’t as important to them anymore. Also, they’ve started to view the killing of any Muslim, regardless of who they are, as wrong.

For those who do not know: After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, Pakistan, through the ISI, heavily backed Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hezb-e-Islami during the Afghan civil war (1992–1996). Hekmatyar’s forces were involved in intense fighting, including the shelling of Kabul, which caused significant civilian casualties (estimated tens of thousands dead in Kabul alone). The 1989 Battle of Jalalabad, where Hekmatyar’s forces (supported by Pakistan) attempted to capture the city from Najibullah’s government, was a major failure and led to heavy losses. Many Afghans, as you noted, associate Pakistan’s support for Hekmatyar with prolonging the civil war and its atrocities, which fuels lingering resentment. One more thing who think Hamid Gul was some kind of hero he was DG ISI (March 1987 to May 1989) at that time and he was rightly sacked by benazir bhutto PM on failure of battle of jalalabad where more than 10,000 peoples died most of them innocent civilians.

 

[Rational Philosopher]

Get ready for another headache, Taliban are requesting AD systems from Russia. Rumor has it that it may be a couple of batteries of S-300's. Still super capable. We will now have to focus on ALL 3 borders! Requirements are changing so rapidly.

They want to protect their skies in case of Pakistani drone intrusions going after TTP leadership I guess.

Good practice for the PAF anyway, to test innovative ways to neutralise an AD. We should use it as a testing ground.

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

It’s the people like you that have been responsible for the TTP infiltration into Pakistan “bhai bhai”.

Never in another 6 decades could you change the mentality of these afghans. Their next gen will also grow up with the same extremist mullah ideology, devoid of any formal education and will have their minds indoctrinated against pakistan by parents and teachers.

you have straight away labelled me which do not suits to any rational people but actually the issue is you dont know a thing about afghan. I can also labelled you e.g its people like you the muslims are divided and fighting each other instead of listening to the other side and understanding their point and then with peaceful dialogue solve the issues like mature people do.

They will never be our allies or brothers.

Iss comment pay zara ghaur karna..

Quran 49:10
"The believers are but brothers, so make reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy".

Sahih Muslim (Book 32, Hadith 6220)
"A Muslim is a brother to a Muslim. He should neither deceive him nor lie to him, nor leave him without assistance. Everything belonging to a Muslim is inviolable for another Muslim: his honor, his property, and his blood."

 

[Rational Philosopher]

you have straight away labelled me which do not suits to any rational people but actually the issue is you dont know a thing about afghan. I can also labelled you e.g its people like you the muslims are divided and fighting each other instead of listening to the other side and understanding their point and then with peaceful dialogue solve the issues like mature people do.

You assume that people here don't know anything about Afghans when it's 2025 and they've probably all witnessed the extremist and racist mentality of Afghans with their own eyes. It's not something you can hide behind language and cultural distance anymore.

You also blame the Pakistani establishment from fuelling this supposed hatred but it's actually the opposite, religious mullahs and the establishment have been trying to fool Pakistanis to call them brothers and this continues today, when in reality Afghans are actually worse than Hindus in their genocidal fantasies and hate. The entire issue was initiated and continues today by Afghans with supremacist ideas who continue to weaponise terrorism. Tell me why a single sane person will accept your person to become cowards in front of such people?

The reality is that Pakistanis have bled enough playing this fake brotherhood game with Afghans and their extremism. They rightfully don't trust them one bit, as the moment they get stable they pursue terrorism & war. There's not an ounce of honour in them, they take advantage of others when they are weak and beg for mercy in the name of religion when they are strong.

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

You assume that people here don't know anything about Afghans when it's 2025 and they've probably all witnessed the extremist and racist mentality of Afghans with their own eyes. It's not something you can hide behind language and cultural distance anymore.

You also blame the Pakistani establishment from fuelling this supposed hatred but it's actually the opposite, religious mullahs and the establishment have been trying to fool Pakistanis to call them brothers and this continues today, when in reality Afghans are actually worse than Hindus in their genocidal fantasies and hate. The entire issue was initiated and continues today by Afghans with supremacist ideas who continue to weaponise terrorism. Tell me why a single sane person will accept your person to become cowards in front of such people?

The reality is that Pakistanis have bled enough playing this fake brotherhood game with Afghans and their extremism. They rightfully don't trust them one bit, as the moment they get stable they pursue terrorism & war. There's not an ounce of honour in them, they take advantage of others when they are weak and beg for mercy in the name of religion when they are strong.

You have understood so much wrong from my posts. I have told you there are people who hates pakistani and beleive me they are in the same percentage as in pakistan pakistani hates afghanistan. both thinks the other for innocent civilian bled. you think our establishment farishtay hain sab? inki wajah say unkay laakhon nahi tau hazaron main aam loug nahi maray? aur main kya kah raha yahan? kya hum nay qayamat tak hi larhna hai? ye nafrat kam nahi karni dono sides pay? asal baat ye bhai jaan ap lougon ko waqayi main afghan aur afghanistan kay culture soch ka nahi pata.. iss wajah say apko samajh nahi aa rahi kay aman kyun nahi ho raha? dono sides say gandh mach rahi hai.. you have the biggest leverage on them by maulana samiul haq? usko kis nay maara kaisay marwaaye? samiul haq ko taliban apnay baap say zyada respect detay thay.. agar uskay through dialogue hota tau taliban us say kiya huwa waada mar kay b na torhtay? but usko kyun nahi amada kiya ya use kiya gaya for lasting peace?

Khair i will say keep fighting for until the end of times.

 

[Rational Philosopher]

Okay keep fighting for until the end of times.

No one will love another person who curses their mothers, sisters, family and wishes death upon them. If it has to be an endless fight, most people will choose that. I don't need to list out the common hateful words their average person uses here at this point everyone knows it. And everyone knows its not a minority but their general mentality, especially after letting millions live throughout their villages and cities.

As long as they continue in this behaviour, no sane person will accept it. You should look at the perspective of other provinces, they don't share the same ethnicity and culture as them like you do to say its not a big issue, so why should they be forced to accept their abuse? Is that a fair demand?

 

[corven]

Hi,

In my experience---low profit is a disaster for the sales of the product---but chinese are not selling just for the sake of selling---. They are building an association---.

Results are right in front of us---the J10 CE---JF17 BLK3's & the PL15---.

The J10's and the PL15's at basically no cost to us---but look---what have they done to the prestige of the chinese---.

Made the whole billion plus chinese nation wake up to the realization that their weapons can do the job---.

So---how much profit is that recognition worth---.

So what does low profit mean---. It means that at zero profit---your factories are still operating---your people still employed and making a living

Hyundai and Kia charge an arm and a leg---cheap cars but same price or more than honda & toyota---.

China sometimes does push and nudge us towards a certain product---just like the F7PG---.

Your opinion is a good perspective. "Made the whole billion plus Chinese nation wake up to the realization that their weapons can do the job---." But I have a different opinion on this sentence.
1. China has a strict procedure for weapon finalization. There will definitely be a finalized live-fire test.
2. After the military accepts it, it will be re-tested with live ammunition. If it fails the test, it will be returned to the R&D unit for re-development.
3. Some friendly countries' military purchases, such as Pakistan, must have been purchased after live ammunition shooting for J10CE and PL15. They are not Indians who are busy taking kickbacks.
4. China's military confrontation with the Americans in the East China Sea and the South China Sea has never stopped. Looking at some of their arguments, we can draw some conclusions. For example, on the budget issue of E7, his Secretary of Defense Hegseth believed that the survival rate of this early warning aircraft in a war against China is very low and should be cancelled---that proves that PL17/21 is an effective weapon. 17 generals jointly opposed Hegseth's approach, believing that they would not be able to deal with the Chinese Air Force's stealth fighters - which in turn proves the reliability of the J20's stealth performance. By the way, we can also conclude that the F35/F22's radar system is far from as effective as they publicly boasted.
Therefore, we are always confident in our weapons. There is no need for an actual battle to test the effectiveness of weapons. They have been affirmed in the shooting range, experienced friends, and enemy evaluations.
An actual battle merely confirmed this fact.

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

No one will love another person who curses their mothers, sisters, family and wishes death upon them. If it has to be an endless fight, most people will choose that. I don't need to list out the common hateful words their average person uses here at this point everyone knows it. And everyone knows its not a minority but their general mentality, especially after letting millions live throughout their villages and cities.

As long as they continue in this behaviour, no sane person will accept it. You should look at the perspective of other provinces, they don't share the same ethnicity and culture as them like you do to say its not a big issue, so why should they be forced to accept their abuse? Is that a fair demand?

mere bhtt pyaray bhai..topic derail ho raha hai..agar iss topic pay baat karni hai tau koyi naya thread bana dein we can discuss that there. rahi baat kay abuse hate kartay maine uska inkaar nahi kiya aur wo kyun kartay uska b kuch jawab diya hai apko laikin main aadhi zindage islamabad lahore mai guzaari hai.. kya same pakistani afghaniyo say nafrat nahi kartay ? gaaliyan tau punjab walo say zyaada koyi deta hi nahi.. even bangladeshiyon ko jis tarah hakeer nazar say mazaak urha kay aur gandi gaaliyan de jaati jab b cricket ka match hota apko b pata and mujhay b pata..taali aik hath say nahi bajti.. but still i think we can attained peace and i will say establishment ye chez civilian pathano kay hawalay kar dein aur saath main trust b kar lein..agar peace na karwa diya tau mujhay sooli pay latka dena.. i will still say i know them better than you.. tirah border lagta aur humaray taaluk hain aatay jaatay thay.. baaki achay buray har jagah har qaum main hotay.. khair lets come to the thread topic.

 

[Rational Philosopher]

Your opinion is a good perspective. "Made the whole billion plus Chinese nation wake up to the realization that their weapons can do the job---." But I have a different opinion on this sentence.
1. China has a strict procedure for weapon finalization. There will definitely be a finalized live-fire test.
2. After the military accepts it, it will be re-tested with live ammunition. If it fails the test, it will be returned to the R&D unit for re-development.
3. Some friendly countries' military purchases, such as Pakistan, must have been purchased after live ammunition shooting for J10CE and PL15. They are not Indians who are busy taking kickbacks.
4. China's military confrontation with the Americans in the East China Sea and the South China Sea has never stopped. Looking at some of their arguments, we can draw some conclusions. For example, on the budget issue of E7, his Secretary of Defense Hegseth believed that the survival rate of this early warning aircraft in a war against China is very low and should be cancelled---that proves that PL17/21 is an effective weapon. 17 generals jointly opposed Hegseth's approach, believing that they would not be able to deal with the Chinese Air Force's stealth fighters - which in turn proves the reliability of the J20's stealth performance. By the way, we can also conclude that the F35/F22's radar system is far from as effective as they publicly boasted.
Therefore, we are always confident in our weapons. There is no need for an actual battle to test the effectiveness of weapons. They have been affirmed in the shooting range, experienced friends, and enemy evaluations.
An actual battle merely confirmed this fact.

Actual battle test may not be for a confirmation for the Chinese industry or population but to the rest of the world in terms of possible defence markets as well as sending a message to any adversary, that Chinese weapons are capable and effective.

It will replace Russia as the major western alternative and build deterrence psychologically.

 

[MH.Yang]

I agree with everything but the part about "satisfy PLA". When you can earn billions of dollars in profit AND satisfy your own military better, because with more profits, you can put more $$ into R&D, no country will say no to that. It just doesn't happen. Doesn't matter if its China or anyone else.

In case you don't know, Pakistan's purchase of the J-10C was specially approved by the Chinese government and was so cheap that it was almost unprofitable for the company. Pakistan's order won't incentivize export enthusiasm, but Iran's might.

 

[Rational Philosopher]

In case you don't know, Pakistan's purchase of the J-10C was specially approved by the Chinese government and was so cheap that it was almost unprofitable for the company. Pakistan's order won't incentivize export enthusiasm, but Iran's might.

What Pakistan offers to China in significant marketing to the world as a credible alternative to western tech, even more-so than Russian, has a greater value than the profit margin of Pakistan's orders alone. It's setting Chinese defence industry up for the long haul at a global scale.

 

[MH.Yang]

What Pakistan offers to China in significant marketing to the world as a credible alternative to western tech, even more-so than Russian, has a greater value than the profit margin of Pakistan's orders alone. It's setting Chinese defence industry up for the long haul at a global scale.

You're right, but those only appeal to the Chinese government. And the executives of those corporations are only responsible for corporate profits. They are state-owned enterprises, and while they must fulfill the political tasks set by the Chinese government, how much profit they can turn in each year is more relevant to their future. Don't confuse national interests with personal interests.

In fact, the J-10C production line is very dangerous right now. They were ready to shut it down completely last year after they finished all the orders for the PLAAF.

I have been suggesting that Pakistan or Iran buy the J-10C line for this very reason. The cost should be very low and the possibility of continuing to buy J-10Cs is preserved.