Chinese SAC - FC-31/J-35 5th Gen Stealth Aircraft

[K2RULEZ]

Yeah man, you would think they could throw a few jets PAF's way heh!?

Pakistan needs to prioritise the PFX route rather than holding out for off the shelf acquisition like the J-35. The reality is that the J-35 isn't arriving in PAF service anytime soon. Frankly, there is a very real possibility it might not come at all due to geopolitical, financial or foreign export prioritization factors.

I’ll admit, I’ve always been skeptical of the PFX project. Jumping straight into building an advanced 4.5+ quasi-stealth platform is a massive technological leap for our domestic aviation sector. However, the most logical path forward is to approach China for assistance in a Joint Venture framework. Much like the JF-17, but with one non negotiable condition, the fighter must be tailored ground-up to Pakistan’s specific operational requirements and doctrines.

Looking at the projected capabilities, the PFX concept carries immense potential:

Sensors & Avionics: A liquid-cooled Gallium Nitride (GaN) AESA radar offering superior heat dissipation, longer detection ranges, and robust electronic countermeasures (ECCM).

Propulsion: Powering the platform with the WS-21 turbofan, giving it the required thrust-to-weight ratio and electrical output to run high-draw avionics suites.

Deep Weapons Integration: Full, unhindered integration with our domestic strike inventory, including standoff weapons, precision glide bombs, and air-launched cruise missiles like the Ra'ad-II, Taimoor ALCM and nuclear weapons.

If a platform like this materializes, the PAF stands to gain unprecedented operational freedom.

Rapid, localized integration of new domestic weapons without needing external source code approvals. High fleet availability and localized MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities.

If time is on the PAF’s side, a dedicated JV project producing a PFX quasi-stealth multirole fighter needs to be given serious priority over chasing early batch import options like the J-35. Self reliance in air dominance is worth the developmental grind.

 

[Deino]

 

[Cipher212]

Pakistan needs to prioritise the PFX route rather than holding out for off the shelf acquisition like the J-35. The reality is that the J-35 isn't arriving in PAF service anytime soon. Frankly, there is a very real possibility it might not come at all due to geopolitical, financial or foreign export prioritization factors.

I’ll admit, I’ve always been skeptical of the PFX project. Jumping straight into building an advanced 4.5+ quasi-stealth platform is a massive technological leap for our domestic aviation sector. However, the most logical path forward is to approach China for assistance in a Joint Venture framework. Much like the JF-17, but with one non negotiable condition, the fighter must be tailored ground-up to Pakistan’s specific operational requirements and doctrines.

Looking at the projected capabilities, the PFX concept carries immense potential:

Sensors & Avionics: A liquid-cooled Gallium Nitride (GaN) AESA radar offering superior heat dissipation, longer detection ranges, and robust electronic countermeasures (ECCM).

Propulsion: Powering the platform with the WS-21 turbofan, giving it the required thrust-to-weight ratio and electrical output to run high-draw avionics suites.

Deep Weapons Integration: Full, unhindered integration with our domestic strike inventory, including standoff weapons, precision glide bombs, and air-launched cruise missiles like the Ra'ad-II, Taimoor ALCM and nuclear weapons.

If a platform like this materializes, the PAF stands to gain unprecedented operational freedom.

Rapid, localized integration of new domestic weapons without needing external source code approvals. High fleet availability and localized MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities.

If time is on the PAF’s side, a dedicated JV project producing a PFX quasi-stealth multirole fighter needs to be given serious priority over chasing early batch import options like the J-35. Self reliance in air dominance is worth the developmental grind.

Let us be a tad realistic and accept that this is never happening. Pakistan would struggle to make a meaningful upgrade on a Block 3 JF-17, let alone design and manufacturer a 5th generation fighter.

Regardless of how much of it is just off the shelf Chinese parts.


Just pray that we have enough funds to purchase a sizeable batch of J-35s.

 

[K2RULEZ]

Let us be a tad realistic and accept that this is never happening. Pakistan would struggle to make a meaningful upgrade on a Block 3 JF-17, let alone design and manufacturer a 5th generation fighter.

Regardless of how much of it is just off the shelf Chinese parts.


Just pray that we have enough funds to purchase a sizeable batch of J-35s.

You didn't even read my post so there is no point reacting. I suggest you read it all over again before putting words in my mouth.

 

[Cipher212]

You didn't even read my post so there is no point reacting. I suggest you read it all over again before putting words in my mouth.

If you meant completely outsourcing the creation of a tailor made Stealth fighter as per Pakistani requirements then that ain't happening either.

Ain't nobody affording that.

 

[K2RULEZ]

If you meant completely outsourcing the creation of a tailor made Stealth fighter as per Pakistani requirements then that ain't happening either.

Ain't nobody affording that.

People like you also used to say the same thing with the JF-17. We know how that turned out.

 

[Cipher212]

People like you also used to say the same thing with the JF-17. We know how that turned out.

Different time. Different economy, different cost of doing things in China. Go search up the cost of the JF-17 program in 1995 and do a little estimation on what a tailor made FGFA would cost developed according to our needs by CAC/SAC.

Then compare that to buying the J-35 off the shelf.

Also tell me who in China will take up this project when they are require elsewhere to build up chinas military.

 

[K2RULEZ]

Different time. Different economy, different cost of doing things in China. Go search up the cost of the JF-17 program in 1995 and do a little estimation on what a tailor made FGFA would cost developed according to our needs by CAC/SAC.

Then compare that to buying the J-35 off the shelf.

Also tell me who in China will take up this project when they are require elsewhere to build up chinas military.

The Chinese aren't giving the J-35.

 

[NGAD IS THE BEST]

The Chinese aren't giving the J-35.

Why? what is the reason that China is not willing to sell J-35 to Pakistan?

 

[K2RULEZ]

Why? what is the reason that China is not willing to sell J-35 to Pakistan?

China views this as sensitive technology, so we shouldn't expect it in the near future. This could easily take many years. It also makes sense that they would prioritise their domestic requirements first.

 

[NGAD IS THE BEST]

China views this as sensitive technology, so we shouldn't expect it in the near future. This could easily take many years. It also makes sense that they would prioritise their domestic requirements first.

Sir with due respect this is the only export oriented stealth from day one and there are lots of alternatives for avionics/AESA/EW/engine etc etc that are not top tier in the Chinese military but I'm agree with you that J-35 will not come early, my best guesstimate is J-35 will arrive in 2028-2030 time-frame

 

[Cipher212]

The Chinese aren't giving the J-35.

Please share the source for this information you have obtained.

PAF has already stated they will procure.c