Recently, rumors have been circulating that Pakistan is considering purchasing the Chinese J-35A fifth-generation fighter jets. However, the public denial by Pakistani Defense Minister Asif has put an end to this heated debate. In a television interview, Asif clearly stated that the reports were merely "media speculation" and not confirmed by the government, even hinting that it might just be part of a propaganda war. This statement not only reveals Pakistan's cautious attitude towards military procurement but also reflects its realistic considerations regarding high military expenditures against the backdrop of financial difficulties.

The J-35A, developed by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet known for its excellent stealth capabilities. Especially after the recent incident where a Pakistani J-10C fighter jet shot down an Indian Rafale fighter jet, the performance advantages of Chinese fighter jets have been further recognized by the Pakistani military. Media reports suggest that Pakistan may purchase 40 J-35A fighter jets at a discounted price, with deliveries possibly starting as early as August 2025. If true, this would be an extremely efficient deal, highlighting China's competitiveness in defense exports.

However, such a large-scale procurement plan contrasts sharply with Pakistan's current financial situation. Pakistan has been facing severe economic challenges in recent years, including shortages of foreign exchange reserves, high debt levels, and rising inflation. According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of 2025, Pakistan's total external debt has exceeded $130 billion, with foreign exchange reserves only sufficient to cover a few weeks' worth of import needs. Against this background, the substantial funds required for the procurement of advanced fighter jets would undoubtedly be a heavy burden.

Although Pakistan and China have a long history of cooperation in the defense sector, and China has always been its main supplier of military equipment, the high cost of the J-35A may exceed Pakistan's capacity to bear. It is estimated that the unit price of the J-35A could range between $70 million and $100 million, and the total cost for 40 units could reach several billion dollars, not to mention the subsequent maintenance, training, and配套 weapon system costs. Even if the so-called "discounted price" is true, Pakistan's financial situation would still struggle to support such a large-scale military procurement.

Minister Asif's denial is not only a response to media rumors but also reflects Pakistan's cautious approach to military procurement. Currently, Pakistan needs to balance national defense modernization with economic stability within a limited budget. A higher priority may be maintaining the operational capability of existing equipment rather than investing in overly advanced fifth-generation fighter jets.

Pakistan's military modernization, especially efforts to gain a strategic advantage over India, relies on the support of an economic foundation. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as the flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative, provides Pakistan with important opportunities for infrastructure development, energy development, and economic diversification. However, the progress of the CPEC is constrained by Pakistan's domestic economic challenges and security issues, and the returns from the project have not yet fully translated into fiscal strength. Only through deepening cooperation on the CPEC and enhancing economic vitality and fiscal revenue can Pakistan possibly raise enough funds to invest in high-end military equipment like the J-35A.

If Pakistan wants to establish a comprehensive military advantage over India, it not only needs advanced fighter jets but also systematic resource integration, including the comprehensive upgrading of training, logistics, and intelligence systems, all of which depend on sustained economic growth. The successful advancement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor may become the key to Pakistan overcoming its financial bottlenecks and achieving military modernization.

Pakistan's interest in the J-35A undoubtedly reflects its recognition of China's advanced defense technology, but its financial difficulties force it to carefully consider its procurement decisions. Minister Asif's public denial reveals the contradiction between Pakistan's military ambitions and economic realities. As he said, there is a "gap" between rumors and reality, and behind this gap lies a real portrayal of Pakistan's difficult trade-offs under limited resources. However, the plan for a large-scale procurement of the J-35A is unlikely to materialize in the short term.



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