PAF J-35AE - News, Updates and Discussions

[Pakistanithinktank]

I don't know who the first customer of the FC-31/J-35 export version is? I don't know if any customer has placed an order.

A month ago.
The news I got was: "CATIC has not placed an order yet."
It means, "There are no FC-31/J-35s in production for any foreign customers."

Speculatively, many defense analysts anticipate that Pakistan will begin receiving the J-35A fighter jets in 2026. Deliveries are expected in progressive batches, initially 3, then 6, followed by 12, culminating in a total acquisition of approximately 32 to 40 units.

 

[Deino]

I honestly expected this forum to be mature enough to dismiss the baseless rumor about the U.S. offering F-22s or F-35s to Pakistan. Anyone seriously entertaining this idea either lacks a basic understanding of U.S.-Pakistan relationship or isn’t aware of the broader geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.

Well, I totally agree with you, but let me just change your post a bit:

„I honestly expected this forum to be mature enough to dismiss the baseless rumor about the claims, Pakistan will get J-35 this year or claims, even with PL-17 … or claims Pakistan could get anything for free from China! Anyone seriously entertaining this idea either lacks a basic understanding of any international relationship!“

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

Well, I totally agree with you, but let me just change your post a bit:

„I honestly expected this forum to be mature enough to dismiss the baseless rumor about the claims, Pakistan will get J-35 this year or claims, even with PL-17 … or claims Pakistan could get anything for free from China! Anyone seriously entertaining this idea either lacks a basic understanding of any international relationship!“

J-35A are not coming this year.

China isn’t likely to give Pakistan free aid or unconditional bailouts. It may offer loans, but often at commercial rates, and expects strategic or economic returns such as land leases, resources, or influence over key infrastructure.

China generally avoids involvement in Pakistan’s internal political instability, unless it threatens Chinese interests or personnel. It prefers stability, but won’t pick sides.

If a major India-Pakistan war breaks out, China is unlikely to get directly involved militarily unless its own interests are attacked or the Taiwan issue escalates in parallel. Like all nations, China puts its own survival and stability first.

 

[Michael]

J-35A are not coming this year.

China isn’t likely to give Pakistan free aid or unconditional bailouts. It may offer loans, but often at commercial rates, and expects strategic or economic returns such as land leases, resources, or influence over key infrastructure.

China generally avoids involvement in Pakistan’s internal political instability, unless it threatens Chinese interests or personnel. It prefers stability, but won’t pick sides.

I basically agree with these opinions.
Your prediction about China is correct, but your analysis differs somewhat.

If a major India-Pakistan war breaks out, China is unlikely to get directly involved militarily unless its own interests are attacked or the Taiwan issue escalates in parallel. Like all nations, China puts its own survival and stability first.

This view does not conform to Chinese logic.

From a strategic perspective, the long-standing stalemate and delicate balance between India and Pakistan is most advantageous to China. Unless the Chinese government wants to take matters into its own hands to resolve certain issues, China will not allow any party to upset this balance.

If a large-scale war were to break out between India and Pakistan, and either side were to pose a serious threat to the other's survival (with the possibility of national extinction), China would directly intervene militarily. This has no inherent connection with relations between China-Pakistan or China-India.

Of course, before resorting to direct military intervention, China will prioritize non-military means such as diplomacy and economic measures. Military action will only be taken if non-military means prove ineffective.

 

[rafale]

Some claim it maybe Egypt.

Egypt is literally a playground for Israelis and Western spies..........why would China want to give its J-35 over there?

Further, Israel would do anything to cut the fangs of the egyptians........i highly doubt Egypt would be able to receive J35s.......

 

[ety]

I basically agree with these opinions.
Your prediction about China is correct, but your analysis differs somewhat.

This view does not conform to Chinese logic.

From a strategic perspective, the long-standing stalemate and delicate balance between India and Pakistan is most advantageous to China. Unless the Chinese government wants to take matters into its own hands to resolve certain issues, China will not allow any party to upset this balance.

If a large-scale war were to break out between India and Pakistan, and either side were to pose a serious threat to the other's survival (with the possibility of national extinction), China would directly intervene militarily. This has no inherent connection with relations between China-Pakistan or China-India.

Of course, before resorting to direct military intervention, China will prioritize non-military means such as diplomacy and economic measures. Military action will only be taken if non-military means prove ineffective.

India is an undeclared enemy of China, threatens China's security in the west.

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

I basically agree with these opinions.
Your prediction about China is correct, but your analysis differs somewhat.

This view does not conform to Chinese logic.

From a strategic perspective, the long-standing stalemate and delicate balance between India and Pakistan is most advantageous to China. Unless the Chinese government wants to take matters into its own hands to resolve certain issues, China will not allow any party to upset this balance.

If a large-scale war were to break out between India and Pakistan, and either side were to pose a serious threat to the other's survival (with the possibility of national extinction), China would directly intervene militarily. This has no inherent connection with relations between China-Pakistan or China-India.

Of course, before resorting to direct military intervention, China will prioritize non-military means such as diplomacy and economic measures. Military action will only be taken if non-military means prove ineffective.

I respectfully disagree. It’s hard to imagine China directly involve into a conflict. When it comes to India-Pakistan tensions, the real issue isn’t just across the border, it’s internal. For Pakistan, the biggest obstacle isn’t India; it’s the elite class and establishment that benefit from keeping the conflict narrative alive. They talk about peace, but there’s little genuine intent. The India-Kashmir debate is convenient, it keeps the public distracted from economic problems.

India plays a similar game. Whether it’s BJP or Congress, both have used anti-Pakistan rhetoric to rally voters and win elections. In the end, the power brokers on both sides stay comfortable, while it’s the ordinary people, especially in Pakistan, who bear the brunt of the economic fallout.

 

[Deino]

J-35A are not coming this year.

China isn’t likely to give Pakistan free aid or unconditional bailouts. It may offer loans, but often at commercial rates, and expects strategic or economic returns such as land leases, resources, or influence over key infrastructure.

China generally avoids involvement in Pakistan’s internal political instability, unless it threatens Chinese interests or personnel. It prefers stability, but won’t pick sides.

If a major India-Pakistan war breaks out, China is unlikely to get directly involved militarily unless its own interests are attacked or the Taiwan issue escalates in parallel. Like all nations, China puts its own survival and stability first.

I‘m well aware on this and totally agree with you, but please tell this loud and clear all the fan-boys who claim what I said and then bash others - including a stupid even foreign spy - they would nothing!

 

[Michael]

India is an undeclared enemy of China, threatens China's security in the west.

This is merely a propaganda viewpoint. It provides a justification for China's assistance to Pakistan.

However, in China's actual strategic layout, India poses no threat whatsoever to China's strategic security. A careful examination of China's troop deployments along the border region will reveal this fact.
1. Along the China-India border, there is a significant disparity in the number of troops deployed by both sides.
2. Since the PLA's major military reforms in 2016, other units have undergone significant changes. However, the border defense forces of the PLA Ground Force along the China-India border were the last to begin reforms and still retain light infantry units. In terms of combat effectiveness in warfare, these units are the weakest.
3. In the PLA's weapons and equipment modernization plan, the border defense forces along the China-India border are also the last to be updated.

I respectfully disagree. It’s hard to imagine China directly involve into a conflict. When it comes to India-Pakistan tensions, the real issue isn’t just across the border, it’s internal. For Pakistan, the biggest obstacle isn’t India; it’s the elite class and establishment that benefit from keeping the conflict narrative alive. They talk about peace, but there’s little genuine intent. The India-Kashmir debate is convenient, it keeps the public distracted from economic problems.

India plays a similar game. Whether it’s BJP or Congress, both have used anti-Pakistan rhetoric to rally voters and win elections. In the end, the power brokers on both sides stay comfortable, while it’s the ordinary people, especially in Pakistan, who bear the brunt of the economic fallout.

We are not talking about the same topic.

What I am saying is that if a large-scale war breaks out between India and Pakistan... China's possible response...

But you are talking about internal conflicts within India and Pakistan. These issues make it difficult for a large-scale war to break out between India and Pakistan.

This is not the same issue. China has no interest in the internal affairs of either country, and we have no desire to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

I‘m well aware on this and totally agree with you, but please tell this loud and clear all the fan-boys who claim what I said and then bash others - including a stupid even foreign spy - they would nothing!

From what I’ve heard and this could be pure speculation, 3 J-35A jets are supposedly scheduled for delivery to Pakistan on January 5, 2026 (Kashmir Day), and another 6 on August 14, 2026. Personally, I find this hard to believe, the more realistic timeline would be toward the end of 2026.

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

This is merely a propaganda viewpoint. It provides a justification for China's assistance to Pakistan.

However, in China's actual strategic layout, India poses no threat whatsoever to China's strategic security. A careful examination of China's troop deployments along the border region will reveal this fact.
1. Along the China-India border, there is a significant disparity in the number of troops deployed by both sides.
2. Since the PLA's major military reforms in 2016, other units have undergone significant changes. However, the border defense forces of the PLA Ground Force along the China-India border were the last to begin reforms and still retain light infantry units. In terms of combat effectiveness in warfare, these units are the weakest.
3. In the PLA's weapons and equipment modernization plan, the border defense forces along the China-India border are also the last to be updated.

We are not talking about the same topic.

What I am saying is that if a large-scale war breaks out between India and Pakistan... China's possible response...

But you are talking about internal conflicts within India and Pakistan. These issues make it difficult for a large-scale war to break out between India and Pakistan.

This is not the same issue. China has no interest in the internal affairs of either country, and we have no desire to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

I have already answered your question.

China won’t directly get involved. That’s the final answer.

 

[ety]

This is merely a propaganda viewpoint. It provides a justification for China's assistance to Pakistan.

However, in China's actual strategic layout, India poses no threat whatsoever to China's strategic security. A careful examination of China's troop deployments along the border region will reveal this fact.
1. Along the China-India border, there is a significant disparity in the number of troops deployed by both sides.
2. Since the PLA's major military reforms in 2016, other units have undergone significant changes. However, the border defense forces of the PLA Ground Force along the China-India border were the last to begin reforms and still retain light infantry units. In terms of combat effectiveness in warfare, these units are the weakest.
3. In the PLA's weapons and equipment modernization plan, the border defense forces along the China-India border are also the last to be updated.

I know there are only small number of PLA stationed in Tibet compared to very large number of Indian troops on the other side. But, many Indians including many in power still harbor the idea that India should seize Tibet from China or at least make Tibet an independent buffer zone. That shouldn't be taken lightly.

 

[arjunk]

However, if PAF gets 5th-Gen fighters first, then they can quietly kill all the air defense systems of IAF. After that, they can fly unscrupulously in the sky of New Delhi... This is not in line with China's strategy.

The balance of power is not as you think it is.

The Indians have 5,000 brahmos missiles, Pakistan cannot afford 10,000+ interceptors for all of these.

Pakistan will only be able to hold these Brahmos attacks off for a few days under the current circumstances.

However with J-35 PAF is able to neutralize Indian AD and hunt Brahmos batteries and storage. This restores the balance of power. Remember, the Indians still have a massive economical and naval advantage as well as at least a 1:2 advantage in their army's quantity.

Without J-35s, in a future war Pakistan will escalate to nuclear weapons extremely quickly, and I'm sure it's not in China's interest to be irradiated with nuclear fallout either.

 

[arjunk]

This is merely a propaganda viewpoint. It provides a justification for China's assistance to Pakistan.

However, in China's actual strategic layout, India poses no threat whatsoever to China's strategic security. A careful examination of China's troop deployments along the border region will reveal this fact.
1. Along the China-India border, there is a significant disparity in the number of troops deployed by both sides.
2. Since the PLA's major military reforms in 2016, other units have undergone significant changes. However, the border defense forces of the PLA Ground Force along the China-India border were the last to begin reforms and still retain light infantry units. In terms of combat effectiveness in warfare, these units are the weakest.
3. In the PLA's weapons and equipment modernization plan, the border defense forces along the China-India border are also the last to be updated.

India may not be a major priority threat relative to the US, but it still occupies and/or claims Chinese territory. That makes India an adversary.

That is, unless you're of the view that China should cede South Tibet and eastern parts of Ladakh to India. In that case you can consider India a neutral neighbour.

 

[Michael]

I know there are only small number of PLA stationed in Tibet compared to very large number of Indian troops on the other side. But, many Indians including many in power still harbor the idea that India should seize Tibet from China or at least make Tibet an independent buffer zone. That shouldn't be taken lightly.

India may not be a major priority threat relative to the US, but it still occupies and/or claims Chinese territory. That makes India an adversary.

No one is taking this lightly. We are fully aware of India's ambitions. Of course, we are also aware of India's capabilities. Tibet is a distant fantasy for them.

PLAGF's troop strength along the China-India border is indeed very limited. However, China has deployed a significant number of PAP troops in Tibet. In contrast, those Tibetans influenced by religious ideology pose a far greater threat than the Indian military. Fortunately, thanks to China's sustained efforts in Tibet over the years, the situation has improved significantly.

Sorry, we've strayed off topic. Let's conclude this discussion.

The Indians have 5,000 brahmos missiles, Pakistan cannot afford 10,000+ interceptors for all of these.

I know that many Pakistanis are greatly influenced by the Indian media. Therefore, I am not prepared to discuss the issue of BrahMos with you.

However with J-35 PAF is able to neutralize Indian AD and hunt Brahmos batteries and storage. This restores the balance of power. Remember, the Indians still have a massive economical and naval advantage as well as at least a 1:2 advantage in their army's quantity.

The FC-31 and BrahMos are two completely unrelated issues. Whether or not the PAF has the FC-31 has nothing to do with India's BrahMos.

If Pakistan really wants to defend against BrahMos, dedicated electronic warfare aircraft and air defense systems are the best choice.

However, I believe that a better approach would be to strengthen education on total war awareness. China has a system called “人民防空 (People's Air Defense).” Pakistan should study this system carefully.

Without J-35s, in a future war Pakistan will escalate to nuclear weapons extremely quickly, and I'm sure it's not in China's interest to be irradiated with nuclear fallout either.

You go from one extreme to another.
This kind of thinking is not healthy.