There was news a few days ago that Pakistan was seeking to purchase J-35 fighters, KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft, and Hongqi-19 anti-missile systems from China. This information came from an official account of the Pakistani government, so it cannot be ignored. After the armed conflict between India and Pakistan ended on May 7th to May 10th, with Pakistan achieving a comprehensive victory, it developed great confidence in China's weapon systems. Therefore, formally proposing a new round of equipment procurement is reasonable. If Pakistan were to obtain these weapons, it would indeed significantly enhance its aerial combat capabilities. However, whether China should provide them and how much to give is a very serious issue.

The J-35, as a fifth-generation fighter, is no longer considered the most advanced aircraft within China. The existence of J-36 and J-50 has put China into the sixth-generation jet era. However, outside of China, the J-35 is still regarded as one of the most advanced fighters. If placed on the South Asian subcontinent, it could overwhelm all models of the Indian Air Force. With the cooperation of the KJ-500 early warning aircraft, even if India buys F-35s, it may not be able to resist effectively. If the Hongqi-19 were deployed in Pakistan, it would basically render India's ballistic missiles powerless, thereby rendering India's nuclear deterrence ineffective. Because of their immense power, export control should be more cautious.

Now people have found that India's combat capabilities, whether in the air force or army, are far below expectations. Due to low levels of informatization and system integration, the Indian military suffered a crushing defeat. Only by relying on a counterattack with a large number of drones did they manage to cause some losses to Pakistan. Even when the Indian Air Force did its best, it couldn't match the J-10. If the Pakistan Air Force decided to go all out, the entire fighter force stationed in the west might not be safe. In this situation, the current level of equipment for the Pakistan Air Force is sufficient, so is it absolutely necessary to acquire the J-35?

From the perspective of Pakistan's national reality, it should focus more on internal issues such as economic development and resolving separatist forces' problems. It should earnestly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and maintain its smooth operation. Although India repeatedly claims that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is its national security red line and must be disrupted, this is just rhetoric. India does not possess the military strength to achieve this. On the contrary, separatist and terrorist forces pose a greater threat to Pakistan's national security and economic development. These issues cannot be solved by the J-35, early warning aircraft, or anti-missile systems. Pakistan's purchases from China should prioritize effective counter-insurgency equipment. As for the elite defense forces, being capable of restraining India's expansionism is considered reasonable and sufficient.

If Pakistan were to acquire these advanced weapons and adopt a more offensive stance toward India, it might provoke Modi's government to consider using nuclear weapons. Such consequences are something China would not wish to see. Of course, ongoing discussions between China and Pakistan about the export of these weapons, including allowing Pakistani military personnel to experience them, are both reasonable and appropriate. Although India is tough-talking, it has actually begun to doubt the effectiveness of its own equipment. The hurried approval of the fifth-generation fighter project by the Indian Ministry of Defense shortly after the conflict proves this point.

If at this moment Pakistan gives India the impression that it will soon acquire fifth-generation fighters, it will effectively curb its regional expansionist ambitions. The topic of the Hongqi-19 will make India lose confidence in its ballistic missile forces. When they boast of threatening Beijing and Chengdu with Agni missiles, their voices will be much quieter.

Discussions on related topics will also affect other countries, especially those oil-exporting countries with sufficient funds. Currently, the only two available fifth-generation fighters for export are the F-35 and J-35. Given China's restrictions on rare earth exports, whether these F-35s can be produced and how many are already uncertain. The J-35 has become the only normal supply of fifth-generation fighters. Pakistan's procurement intentions will stimulate stronger purchasing desires from other countries.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514557081555419688/

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