The Times of Islamabad reported on April 13 that Pakistan is planning to sign a $12 billion defense agreement with China, which Pakistan claims will grant it a decisive advantage in countering India. According to the report, this cooperation involves the procurement of 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters, six KJ-500 early warning aircraft, and multiple HQ-19 strategic missile defense systems. The agreement also covers precision-guided weapons, pilot training, and technology transfer. The first batch of J-35A fighters is expected to be delivered by mid-2026, making Pakistan the first country to acquire Chinese stealth fighters. Analysts believe that under this agreement, the weapon systems will form a networked air combat system, enabling Pakistan to establish a networked air power architecture to fill gaps in surveillance, strike capability, and strategic defense—potentially reshaping the aerial military landscape in South Asia. Regarding fifth-generation fighters, India currently has no comparable aircraft in service; its domestically developed project remains in early testing stages and will not enter service until at least after 2035. With this acquisition, Pakistan may gain a significant edge over India’s “Rafale” fighters and aging Su-30MKI aircraft in beyond-visual-range combat, creating a capability gap that India may struggle to close for at least the next decade. In terms of early warning aircraft, India currently operates only three Phalcon (Ferkin) and two Netra systems. Through this deal, Pakistan will gain early warning detection and command-and-control coverage with a range extending up to 470 to 550 kilometers, enhancing its ability to conduct stealth operations to some extent. On missile defense, the acquired HQ-19 system possesses exo-atmospheric interception capabilities, capable of countering ballistic and cruise missile threats—outperforming India’s five S-400 missile regiments. India cannot easily replicate this capability with its current systems. Experts point out that once fully deployed, this integrated system could enhance Pakistan’s overall operational effectiveness in networked warfare by 45%–55% within 36 months, while India’s defense modernization remains hampered by delivery delays, cost overruns, and dependence on Western equipment due to export restrictions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862531731799043/
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