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.

 

[BonPlan]

2. Localize the WS-13 engine.
Work with China to assimilate the WS-13 turbofan

It takes so many time and money for China to do this ! Only 5 country in the world mastered these engine technology. Don't imagine they will help you or made a present !

Keeping the engine technology, ie sensitive spare parts, is the same kind of tie than USA with your F16 fleet : they keep a control over you. Not unusual after all.

 

[maverik]

Indians and surprise attack?

The amount of overwhelming force you need to take out major Pakistani airbases and assets will require pretty much all of their IAF assets and ground assets......it is not possible to hide that much movement/planning. There will be always signs here and there. The new EO satellites for Pakistan ensure that they will be able to catch. I am sure Chinese are monitoring these chuts 24/7 anyway because you really won't be able to tell if they are going to attack Pakistan or make the move against Chinese.

Modi and his cahoots are a failed nation. They have been blasted left and right on the international front. Only the begging French can give them protocol because they need to fleece 40 billion euros out of the shit eating Indians. Rubio blasted them to kingdom them and US navy didn't give two shits about killing Mofo Indians. While Pakistan got the US and Iran sign the peace deal.

So yea, these are absolute loser mad men with nothing to show. So whenever they will do something stupid, i can guarantee it will be with some noise and that's where your tactics and planning with J-35s comes in. All must be up in the air immediately and take out pre-determined targets without haste.

The way the Taliban are probing our air defense with their so-called "rudimentary drones" these shitty indians will launch attacks from Afghanistan. We have apparently learned nothing from the past attacks on Mehran and Kamra bases. While the PAF has never underestimated India, they seem to be underestimating the threat from Afghanistan. May God keep us safe, but our hesitant behavior is an invitation for disaster

 

[Be dazzled]

Afghans now have L39s guarding their skies. Time for the PAF to behave and be scared.

 

[That_Guy]

Afghans now have L39s guarding their skies. Time for the PAF to behave and be scared.

No, they don't.

They have models of L39s sitting pretty in bunkers, nothing more.

The footage they showed of it flying? Literally video game footage.

Afghanistan does not have any ability to restore even a basic turboprop trainer, they simply do not have the spare parts.