PAF J-35AE - News, Updates and Discussions

[Pakistan First]

It may be a controversial take, but I'd rather see the PAF focus on consolidating and completing its ongoing modernization programs than rushing to induct another highly sophisticated platform.

The J-10C fleet is still well below the numbers required for meaningful operational impact. The JF-17 program and PFX are both progressing, while the domestic weapons ecosystem and industrial base are still evolving. More importantly, the manufacturing infrastructure and technology assimilation process are far from complete.

On top of that, the J-35A has only recently entered service with the PLAAF and PLAN. Like any new fighter, it will need time to mature operationally, receive upgrades, and prove its long-term reliability before it becomes an ideal export candidate.

My priorities for the PAF would be:

1. Expand the J-10C fleet to operationally meaningful numbers.
Aim for roughly 100 aircraft (around five squadrons). The PAF still has several squadrons flying aging Mirages, F-7s, and older F-16A/B MLU variants that will need replacement over the coming years. These aircraft are approaching the end of their useful service lives and should be replaced with modern platforms.

2. Localize the WS-13 engine.
Work with China to assimilate the WS-13 turbofan and secure the long-term future of the JF-17 program. I recently saw photos of PAF personnel working on an aircraft engine, and I hope it relates either to the WS-13 with Chinese cooperation or an upgraded RD-93 variant.

3. Upgrade the JF-17B fleet.
Bring the twin-seat JF-17Bs up to Block III or a future PFX-compatible standard so they can serve as advanced 4.5-generation fighter trainers instead of procuring platforms like the L-15.

4. Explore industrial cooperation with Türkiye.
Evaluate whether the HÜRJET, powered by a future WS-13 or RD-93MA-class engine, could be assembled or manufactured in Pakistan as a long-term replacement for the K-8 trainer fleet.

5. Strengthen ground-based air defence.
Continue investing in SHORAD systems and robust counter-drone capabilities. Recent conflicts have demonstrated that layered air defence and anti-UAV systems are becoming just as critical as acquiring new fighter aircraft.

For now, I'd prioritize investing in domestic industrial capability, logistics, engine technology, and weapons integration. Give the J-35 time to mature, allow its costs to stabilize, and let operational lessons from Chinese service shape the export version before making a procurement decision.

100 J-10C is just non-practical. Its not going to happen. JF-17 started producing 2 decades ago. PAF initially had aimed for 250 fighter jets to replace all old legacy fighters. But we could procure around 150 so far with the resources that we had. Still there's a squadron or two of F-7PGs in service. JF-17 is even co-produced, it rolls out locally in Kamra and costs even less. Lots of billions of dollars needed for number of J-10Cs you mentioned. We got lot of areas where money needs to go including a big share would go towards ARFC, then army aviation is been neglected for long, then naval helicopters needs to come etc. Just do the math. No budget for that many J-10Cs. I honestly expect one more squadron of J-10C. I don't see J-10C going any further than 40 in PAF fleet. Our legacy aircrafts won't be replaced one to one. Fighter jet numbers around the world airforces have reduced over past few decades dramatically due to number of factors. Fighter jet costs on average have gone up drastically because of extreme complexity and Advanced Avionics. Secondly, Unmanned systems takes lot of resources too and they are now part of airforces. They take a lot of resources and man-power, training and pilots, crew for maintenance etc. So in many cases its possible that old mirage could be just replaced by a MALE drone that's too capable of launching stand off missile into enemy territory. So point is there will never be one to one replacement for legacy aircraft with a 4.5 gen aircraft. It just can't happen.

Also there's no chance that chinese engine to be used in turkish aircrafts. There's geopolitics involved here, there's some history bw two countries and there are actually lot of factors why it can't happen, market competition isn't even among them. Turkey is NATO after all.