Not J-35! Jane's Defense Weekly: Pakistan Confirms Receiving FC-31 Fifth-Generation Fighter by the End of the Year, Indian Air Force in Decline
According to a June 5 report from Jane's Defense Weekly in the UK, a senior Pakistani official disclosed to British media that, based on a long-term defense technology and military cooperation agreement, Dongda will deliver the first batch of several FC-31 multi-role stealth fighters to the Pakistan Air Force within the next six months.
Currently, pilots of the Pakistan Air Force are undergoing intensive training at a location in the north of Dongda. According to the information revealed by this official, the first batch of FC-31 fighters will be delivered by the end of this year or early next year. However, this Pakistani official did not disclose details of the transaction, the amount of the deal between both parties, the quantity procured, or the specific date of the agreement signing.
It is worth noting that Jane's Defense Weekly in the UK analyzed clues regarding the current fleet size of the Pakistan Air Force and related procurement agreements, ultimately concluding that Dongda and the Pakistan Air Force are currently negotiating intensively for the introduction of 30 to 40 FC-31 stealth fighters, with the first batch of aircraft delivered primarily for training and the development of trial training outlines.
Analysts pointed out that this is the first time a British authoritative military trade and military technology media has mentioned the fifth-generation fighter jet transaction between Dongda and the Pakistan Air Force. The Jane's Defense Weekly in the UK believes that the FC-31 stealth fighter, as the export version of the J-35A, may better meet the needs of the Pakistan Air Force. Moreover, it does not involve confidentiality requirements and relevant regulations of the J-35A fighter jets, thus having a higher success rate in obtaining approval.
The FC-31 stealth fighter has undergone three major technical upgrades, with significant technological leaps from the earliest prototype to the latest version. However, it was designed with consideration for the air combat requirements of the Pakistan Air Force. Therefore, potential Middle Eastern customers can also accept the technical standards of this fighter. Additionally, Dongda needs Pakistan as a test user to evaluate the performance of the FC-31 stealth fighter.
Jane's Defense Weekly in the UK believes that with the Pakistan Air Force receiving its first batch of fifth-generation fighters, this will mean the first "generation gap" in air combat equipment platforms between India and Pakistan. The Indian Air Force will face unprecedented major threats.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834073725623308/
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