Pakistan Air Force to Gain “12-14 Year” Edge Over India with J-35A Fighter Acquisition

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Pakistan’s bold move to secure up to 40 J-35A fifth-generation fighter jets from China is set to reshape the regional air power equation, granting its air force a formidable edge over its long-standing rival, India.

Retired Air Commodore Zia Ul Haque Shamshi, a former senior officer of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), asserts that the acquisition of the advanced J-35A will leave the Indian Air Force (IAF) lagging behind, giving Pakistan a technological upper hand for the next 12 to 14 years.

“India is not expected to acquire fifth-generation fighter jet capabilities within that timeframe, which will provide Pakistan with a strategic edge,” he stated.

Last year, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) sent shockwaves through the region with strong indications of its intent to acquire the cutting-edge J-35A stealth fighter, a next-generation war machine developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu further fueled anticipation, declaring that the J-35A would soon take its place in the PAF’s arsenal, signaling a transformative leap in Pakistan’s aerial warfare capabilities.

“Negotiations have been conducted for the acquisition of the J-35A, which will soon become part of the Pakistan Air Force,” he said during an event last year.

Recently, Pakistani media reported that the PAF has already sent a group of its pilots to China for training on the J-35A fighter jet, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to integrating fifth-generation fighter technology into its fleet.

The J-35A is China’s second stealth fighter after the J-20 “Mighty Dragon.”

While the J-20 remains exclusive to the Chinese Air Force, the J-35A has been developed with potential export customers in mind.

This latest acquisition will further expand the presence of Chinese-made fighter jets in Pakistan’s air force inventory, which already includes the J-10C and the jointly developed JF-17.

Reports that Pakistani pilots have begun training on the J-35A indicate that Islamabad is on a definitive path toward fielding fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

This move has raised concerns in neighboring India, which continues to rely on 4.5-generation fighters such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale jets.

India now faces the prospect of dealing with not just China—whose air force already operates the J-20—but also Pakistan, which appears set to introduce its own fifth-generation fighters.

According to analysts, Pakistan’s acquisition of the J-35A, as reported by its media, is likely intended to replace its aging fleet of American-made F-16s and French-built Mirage 5 aircraft.

If confirmed, this procurement could significantly alter the balance of air power in the region and pose a new strategic challenge for India.

The J-35A is expected to enhance Pakistan’s tactical flexibility, allowing its air force to conduct deeper penetration missions into enemy airspace.

China has been actively promoting the J-35A for export, even establishing a dedicated office to attract potential foreign buyers.

Unlike the J-20, which Beijing has restricted from export—similar to how the U.S. limits sales of the F-22 Raptor—the J-35A is being positioned as a viable alternative for international customers.

The J-35A stands as a formidable force in modern aerial warfare—a single-seat, twin-engine, medium-sized stealth fighter engineered for dominance.

Boasting cutting-edge low-observability technology and cost-effective operational efficiency, it is poised to challenge the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.

Reports indicate that China is gearing up for the J-35A’s integration into carrier-based operations, positioning it as a direct rival to the U.S. Navy’s F-35B and F-35C variants developed by Lockheed Martin.

Though its full technical specifications remain shrouded in secrecy, the aircraft’s Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) has reportedly surged from 25,000 kg to 28,000 kg, hinting at increased firepower and endurance.

Powering this stealth marvel are WS-19 engines, each delivering a staggering 12 tons of thrust—an upgrade that solidifies its place as a next-generation powerhouse in the skies.

The fighter jet is equipped with two internal weapons bays, each capable of carrying two medium-range air-to-air missiles.

Additionally, it features external hardpoints for various bombs and missiles, enhancing its multirole combat capabilities.

Pakistan’s decision to procure the J-35A is poised to reshape the regional air power equation, compelling India to accelerate its own efforts to develop or acquire fifth-generation fighter jets.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA