From Rafale to Ruin? Pakistan’s New J-35A, HQ-19, and KJ-500 May Tip Air Power Balance Against India
The aid initiative, arriving just weeks after renewed military tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, underlines the expanding depth of the China-Pakistan strategic military alliance amid escalating regional instability.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In a bold and highly strategic move, China has extended a sweeping military aid package to its closest South Asian ally, Pakistan, featuring the stealth-capable fifth-generation J-35A fighter jets, the HQ-19 long-range anti-missile system, and the KJ-500 AEW&C platform—systems that could dramatically recalibrate the regional balance of power.
The aid initiative, arriving just weeks after renewed military tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, underlines the expanding depth of the China-Pakistan strategic military alliance amid escalating regional instability.
“This Chinese military package for Pakistan marks a significant diplomatic and defence milestone under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. High-tech defence assets will exponentially elevate the Pakistan Air Force’s capabilities and missile defence posture in accordance with the demands of modern high-intensity warfare,” stated the Pakistani government in an official announcement.
As part of the broader deal, Islamabad has also confirmed the deferment of a $3.7 billion loan, providing much-needed financial relief at a time when Pakistan is grappling with mounting fiscal challenges and external debt obligations.
China’s support extends beyond military assets, with tech conglomerate Huawei pledging to train over 100,000 Pakistani youth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology (IT), reinforcing Beijing’s “Digital Silk Road” agenda across South Asia.
Shenyang J-35A
The centrepiece of the military package is the J-35A stealth fighter, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), and believed to be a carrier-capable variant tailored for export—featuring advanced stealth shaping, internal weapons bays, and superior avionics.
Pakistan is expected to receive its first batch of these stealth fighters in the coming months, as confirmed by senior Pakistani defence officials, marking the nation’s formal entry into the elite group of fifth-generation airpower operators.
A total of 40 J-35A units are slated for delivery under the current deal, making the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) the second foreign operator of a Chinese fifth-generation fighter platform after the J-20’s exclusive service in the PLAAF.
“PAF pilots are currently undergoing training in China to operate and integrate the J-35A platform into frontline squadrons,” confirmed a senior Pakistani government official in comments to global defence outlet Janes.
Reports further indicate that Pakistan’s variant of the J-35A will be equipped with the ultra-long-range PL-17 air-to-air missile—a missile estimated to have a range exceeding 400 kilometers, designed specifically to eliminate high-value enemy assets beyond visual range.
The PL-17, also referred to as the PL-XX in some circles, is believed to incorporate a multi-mode seeker combining active radar, infrared homing, and satellite navigation, enabling in-flight retargeting and terminal-phase precision strike capabilities.
This would grant the J-35A a significant tactical edge in targeting Indian AWACS aircraft, refuelling tankers, and electronic warfare platforms from well outside the engagement envelope of Indian fighters like the Su-30MKI and Rafale.
Pakistan had signaled its intention to acquire the J-35A as early as 2024, when Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar stated publicly that the Chinese stealth fighter would soon be operational within the PAF fleet.
“Negotiations are underway for the acquisition of the J-35A, which will soon become a vital component of the Pakistan Air Force,” Marshal Zaheer had declared in an earlier statement.
The “Chinese THAAD” HQ-19
Complementing the stealth fighters, China is also supplying Pakistan with the HQ-19 missile defence system—a long-range, high-altitude ballistic missile interceptor system often described as the “Chinese THAAD.”
The HQ-19 is designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and possibly hypersonic threats at altitudes between 70 to 150 kilometers, well above the effective range of most conventional surface-to-air missile systems.
Like the U.S.-developed THAAD system by Lockheed Martin, the HQ-19 employs a “hit-to-kill” kinetic interception mechanism, destroying incoming threats via direct collision rather than explosive warheads.
This acquisition is seen as Pakistan’s direct response to India’s growing arsenal of long-range stand-off weapons such as the supersonic BrahMos and the air-launched SCALP-EG cruise missiles—both used by the Indian Air Force during the recent escalation.
The HQ-19, developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) under Project 863, is equipped with a powerful AESA-based X-band radar system capable of tracking and engaging missile threats at distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers.
Estimates place its interception envelope between 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers in range and 70 to 150 kilometers in altitude—enabling exoatmospheric interception well outside traditional defensive perimeters.
The system is believed to be capable of targeting high-speed threats during their terminal phase, including ballistic missile reentry vehicles and hypersonic glide vehicles, giving Pakistan a potential strategic bulwark against Indian missile superiority.
Shaanxi KJ-500
Also included in the defence package is the Shaanxi KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft, a third-generation airborne surveillance and command system developed from the Y-9 tactical airlifter platform.
Unlike the earlier KJ-200 with its “balance beam” radar, the KJ-500 employs a fixed dorsal disc-shaped radome housing three AESA radar panels arranged in a triangular layout—providing uninterrupted 360-degree coverage without mechanical rotation.
The KJ-500’s radar suite is capable of simultaneously tracking 60 to 100 aerial targets at ranges up to 470 kilometers, including stealth aircraft and high-speed maneuvering threats.
Its integrated Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems enable detection, classification, and analysis of enemy radar and communication signals in real-time.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 77 tonnes, a length of 34 meters, and a 38-meter wingspan, the KJ-500 can operate continuously for up to 12 hours, powered by four WJ-6C turboprop engines with six-blade composite propellers.
Its operational range of 5,700 kilometers makes it suitable for extended patrols over both land and maritime theatres—providing a vital force multiplier in network-centric combat environments.
The aircraft’s smaller footprint compared to its predecessor, the KJ-2000, allows operations from shorter and less prepared airstrips, offering flexibility in deployment across contested or remote theatres.
Pakistan is expected to use the KJ-500 as a command node in conjunction with its JF-17, J-10C, and upcoming J-35A fleets, enhancing integrated kill-chain effectiveness against regional airspace intrusions.
Three variants of the KJ-500 exist: the baseline KJ-500 for the PLAAF, the naval KJ-500H for PLANAF operations, and the KJ-500A, which includes in-flight refuelling capability for extended endurance.
Together, the delivery of the J-35A stealth fighters, the HQ-19 long-range missile shield, and the KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft represents a monumental leap in Pakistan’s defence posture—transforming its ability to deter and respond to future Indo-Pacific conflicts.
As China continues to counter U.S. and Indian influence across the region, this package not only deepens Beijing-Islamabad defence alignment but signals a clear escalation in the race for fifth-generation air dominance in South Asia.
Over the past five years, China has solidified its position as the largest supplier of military hardware to Pakistan, accounting for approximately 81 percent of Islamabad’s total arms imports, underscoring Beijing’s role as Pakistan’s most steadfast strategic ally.
This reinforces China’s influence in South Asia’s complex geopolitical landscape.
