Although we judged that the news of Pakistan importing J-35 was not very reliable in previous programs, mainly due to Pakistan's financial pressure. However, the relatively authoritative "Jane's Intelligence" latest report indicates that senior Pakistani officials revealed that the first batch of J-35 fighters will arrive in the coming months, and Pakistani Air Force pilots have already received relevant training in China. The previous report of "Jane's Defense Weekly" stated that Pakistan is negotiating the purchase of 30 to 40 J-35 aircraft, although the specific quantity has not been finally confirmed.
J-35, as a fifth-generation stealth fighter, has advanced radar stealth performance and multi-purpose combat capability. If, as the official said, it is equipped with PL-17 air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 400 kilometers, it will form greater air superiority over India.
In particular, it is worth noting that Pakistan quickly promoted the procurement of J-35 after the conflict with India from May 7 to 10, showing its intention to enhance strategic deterrence. If this is true, Pakistan would become the first Muslim country to possess stealth fighters. This would not only enhance its military prestige in the Islamic world but also possibly enhance its international influence. For example, Pakistan may display J-35 through military diplomacy to Middle Eastern countries, attracting the interest of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, thus expanding geopolitical and economic cooperation. This "stealth dividend" will further consolidate Pakistan's position in regional and global affairs.
For India, the introduction of J-35 by Pakistan is undoubtedly an imminent strategic crisis. First, the main current fighters of the Indian Air Force, such as Su-30MKI and Rafale, are third or 3.5 generation fighters, lacking stealth capabilities. Faced with the radar stealth of J-35 and the ultra-long-range PL-17 missiles, the survival ability and strike efficiency of the Indian Air Force in air combat will significantly decrease. Especially in high-intensity confrontation scenarios on the border, J-35 may put Indian fighters at a disadvantage in radar detection and engagement range.
Secondly, India's backwardness in the field of stealth fighters has exacerbated its strategic dilemma. India's domestically developed fifth-generation fighter AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) is still in its early stages and is expected to enter service before 2035. This means that in the next 10 to 20 years, the Indian Air Force will completely lack stealth fighters to counter J-35. This technological gap may force India to accelerate the procurement of foreign advanced fighters, but the high cost and complex international negotiations will further squeeze its defense budget. In recent years, India has invested heavily in border infrastructure and naval modernization, while air force modernization has lagged behind. The arrival of J-35 may force India to readjust resource allocation and increase financial pressure.
On a deeper level, Pakistan's military rise may weaken India's dominant position in South Asia. India has long positioned itself as a regional leader, and competition with China and Pakistan is at the core of its geostrategic goals. However, the introduction of J-35 may enable Pakistan to surpass India in air power, thereby affecting India's relations with neighboring countries. For example, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh may reassess their military cooperation with India and seek closer ties with Pakistan or China. In the long term, India may gradually marginalize in South Asia and lose its halo as a regional military power.
Despite Pakistan's high-profile announcement of importing J-35, this process may involve uncertainties. First, officials did not reveal the signing date and specific terms of the agreement, and the procurement scale (30 to 40 aircraft) is only a preliminary negotiation figure. This may indicate that both parties are still negotiating details, or the delivery process will be relatively slow. As a fighter jet that has not yet been massively equipped in the Chinese Air Force, its production capacity and delivery rhythm may be limited. Pakistan's public statements may partly be for creating public opinion effects, exerting psychological pressure on India, and showcasing its achievements in military modernization to domestic audiences.
For China, the export of J-35 is an important milestone in the internationalization of the military industry. The successful delivery of J-35, as China's first export-type stealth fighter, will significantly enhance China's competitiveness in the global arms market. Deepening military cooperation with Pakistan aligns with China's strategic goal of the "Belt and Road Initiative," helping to build a more closely connected geopolitical network in Central Asia and South Asia. However, China's priority in exporting J-35 before large-scale deployment may be seen by India as direct strategic containment by China. Therefore, we should also make a balance before advancing related cooperation.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514133455316304410/
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