Pakistan is moving closer to becoming the first foreign operator of China’s fifth-generation Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter, following confirmation that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has signed an initial collaborative agreement to acquire the aircraft. While an exact delivery schedule has not been officially announced, multiple defense reports indicate that the first aircraft could begin arriving between late 2026 and 2027.
The J-35 acquisition represents one of the most significant modernization efforts in the history of the PAF. Once inducted, the stealth fighter is expected to complement Pakistan’s existing fleet of J-10C, JF-17 Block III, and F-16 fighters, providing the country with a fifth-generation capability for the first time.
Pakistan to Become the First Export Customer
The Pakistan Air Force announced in May that it had entered into an “initial collaborative agreement” with China for the procurement of the J-35, making Pakistan the aircraft’s launch export customer. The agreement follows earlier statements by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu regarding Pakistan’s intention to induct a fifth-generation fighter into service.
Although reports have suggested that initial deliveries could begin before the end of 2026, officials have not publicly confirmed a fixed induction timeline. Some defense analysts assess that deliveries may instead extend into 2027 as the aircraft continues to enter service with China’s own military.
A Fifth-Generation Capability
The twin-engine J-35 is designed as a low-observable multirole fighter featuring stealth shaping, internal weapons bays, advanced sensor fusion, and modern avionics. The aircraft is expected to perform air superiority, precision strike, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and network-centric combat missions.
Reports also suggest the aircraft could eventually be integrated with advanced Chinese beyond-visual-range missiles, significantly enhancing the PAF’s long-range air combat capabilities, although official weapons configurations for export aircraft have not been disclosed.
Modernizing the Pakistan Air Force
The J-35 forms part of a broader modernization effort by the Pakistan Air Force. Over the past several years, the PAF has inducted the J-10C multirole fighter, expanded its JF-17 Block III fleet equipped with AESA radar, and pursued additional investments in airborne early warning, electronic warfare, and integrated air-defense capabilities.
The addition of a fifth-generation platform would provide Pakistan with a stealth component capable of operating alongside existing fourth- and 4.5-generation fighters in networked operations.
Training and Infrastructure
Reports indicate that Pakistani pilots have begun familiarization and training activities related to the future induction of the aircraft, while preparations are reportedly underway to support the infrastructure required for operating a stealth fighter fleet. However, the full scope of these preparations has not been officially disclosed.
Regional Significance
The J-35’s induction is expected to attract considerable attention across Asia, as Pakistan would become the first country outside China to field the aircraft. Defense analysts believe the acquisition reflects the growing defense cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad and underscores China’s increasing role as a supplier of advanced military aviation technology.
While many details—including delivery schedules, aircraft numbers, and final weapons packages—remain subject to official confirmation, the J-35 program represents one of the most closely watched fighter acquisitions in the region and a major milestone in Pakistan’s long-term airpower modernization.
