Is it cheating? Pakistan is developing four stealth fighters at once, even more ambitious than China!
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) recently unveiled its strategy for fifth-generation fighter development. The PAF had already initiated its fifth-generation fighter program as early as 2021, also known as the "Transformative Modernization" initiative. Multiple options are under consideration, including a deeply upgraded stealth variant of the JF-17 Thunder, seen as a foundational step toward more advanced platforms; an indigenous advanced fifth-generation fighter developed by Pakistan; the Turkish-developed Khaan fighter through collaboration with Turkey; and China’s J-35AE stealth fighter.
The PAF emphasizes that preliminary cooperation mechanisms have already been established with China regarding the J-35AE, but Pakistan will not limit itself solely to this project. Instead, it will advance gradually based on actual needs, keeping multiple options open.
This kind of audacity—trying to lift the Earth with just a chopstick—is truly worthy of study by countries around the world. Despite having nothing in hand, appearing like a beggar, yet speaking with the confidence of a billionaire.
In reality, Pakistan is unlikely to receive any stealth fighter—let alone the J-35AE—in the next few years. China's production capacity must first meet domestic requirements, leaving no extra resources for export aircraft at present.
Currently, the most pressing task for the Pakistan Air Force is not chasing stealth fighters, but mastering the J-10CE and the entire Chinese combat system, consolidating foundational capabilities, addressing shortcomings, increasing procurement of J-10CEs (36 aircraft simply aren’t enough), and enhancing electronic warfare and information warfare capabilities—for example, by acquiring the KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft.
Even India’s Air Force doesn’t possess a single stealth fighter—why is Pakistan in such a rush?
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872920424027268/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.