SOURCE: AFI
The Aviation Industrial Corporation of China (AVIC) recently stirred attention by posting a photo on social media featuring a Pakistani pilot seated in the cockpit of a J-35 stealth fighter jet, accompanied by the caption “Buyers give good reviews.” The image, shared on June 17, 2025, shows the pilot wearing a flight suit adorned with a Pakistani flag patch, hinting at a potential deepening of military ties between China and Pakistan. This move has sparked speculation about Pakistan’s interest in acquiring the advanced fifth-generation fighter, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The J-35, also known as the J-31 or FC-31 in its earlier iterations, is China’s second stealth fighter program, developed by AVIC as a competitor to advanced aircraft like the U.S. F-35. Designed for multi-role capabilities, the J-35 features advanced stealth characteristics, supercruise potential, and a sophisticated avionics suite, making it a formidable addition to any air force. The aircraft is believed to be tailored for export markets, with Pakistan emerging as a key potential buyer due to its long-standing military collaboration with China.
The photo, posted with hashtags like #JF35A???? (JF35A overseas debut) and #2025????? (2025 Paris Air Show), suggests that the J-35 may have been showcased internationally, possibly at the Paris Air Show. The pilot’s confident thumbs-up gesture and the visible Pakistani flag patch indicate that AVIC is leveraging this imagery to market the aircraft, emphasizing positive feedback from prospective users.
The image underscores the growing military and technological cooperation between China and Pakistan, often described as “all-weather allies.” Pakistan has historically relied on Chinese defense exports, including fighter jets like the JF-17 Thunder, co-developed with AVIC. The potential acquisition of the J-35 would mark a significant upgrade, enhancing Pakistan’s air combat capabilities against regional rivals, particularly India.
For China, exporting the J-35 to Pakistan aligns with its strategy to expand its influence in South Asia and counterbalance India’s growing military prowess. The J-35’s stealth features and advanced systems could provide Pakistan with a qualitative edge, though its operational readiness and export variant specifications remain under scrutiny. The aircraft’s integration into the Pakistan Air Force would likely be supported by joint training programs and technology transfers, further deepening bilateral ties.
The AVIC post has generated buzz on social media, with some users praising the collaboration, while others question the J-35’s maturity as a combat platform. China has yet to fully deploy the J-35 within its own People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), raising doubts about its reliability for export. Analysts suggest that the aircraft showcased may be a prototype or a modified version tailored for international buyers, with performance details still undisclosed.
India, Pakistan’s primary regional adversary, is likely to view this development with concern. The Indian Air Force has been modernizing its fleet with indigenous platforms like the Tejas and plans for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), alongside imports like the Rafale. The potential introduction of the J-35 could intensify the aerial arms race in the region, prompting India to accelerate its own fifth-generation fighter programs.
While the photo signals progress, several challenges remain. The J-35’s export version would need to meet Pakistan’s budgetary constraints and operational requirements, potentially leading to a scaled-down configuration compared to the PLAAF variant. Additionally, integrating the aircraft into Pakistan’s existing infrastructure and pilot training programs will require significant investment and time.
AVIC’s marketing strategy appears aimed at attracting other buyers beyond Pakistan, with the “good reviews” claim suggesting successful demonstrations or trials. However, without official confirmation from either Beijing or Islamabad, the deal remains speculative. Future announcements, possibly at international airshows or bilateral defense talks, could clarify the extent of Pakistan’s involvement.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.