SOURCE: AFI
Air Forces Monthly, a leading military aviation magazine published by Key Publishing Ltd in Stamford, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom, has revealed in its latest issue that Pakistan may not be the first recipient of China’s Shenyang J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter, which has entered Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP).
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would receive its first batch of up to 40 J-35A jets as early as August 2025, the magazine claims an unnamed country will be the initial customer, with deliveries to Pakistan likely delayed until 2026 or later, spanning two to three years for completion of the full order. This development, if confirmed, marks a significant shift in expectations for the PAF’s modernization drive and could reshape the strategic aerial balance in South Asia.
The J-35A, developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is a twin-engine, multi-role stealth fighter evolved from the FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype. Unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024, it is China’s second fifth-generation stealth platform, alongside the larger Chengdu J-20. Designed for air superiority and precision strike missions, the J-35A features advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, stealth-optimized airframe, and compatibility with long-range missiles like the PL-17. Positioned as a cost-effective export alternative to the U.S. F-35, the J-35A is intended to bolster the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) while serving as a key export product for allies like Pakistan.
Pakistan’s interest in the J-35A was formalized in December 2024, with reports indicating an order for approximately 40 jets, accompanied by a defense package including the KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft and HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems. The deal, hailed as a game-changer for the PAF, was expected to provide a temporary technological edge over the Indian Air Force (IAF), which lacks a fifth-generation fighter until its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational around 2030. Pakistani pilots reportedly began training on the J-35A in China in August 2024, with initial deliveries anticipated by mid-2025, potentially at a 50% discount, as noted in posts on X and media reports like those from Defence Security Asia.
The latest issue of Air Forces Monthly challenges these expectations, citing sources indicating that an unnamed country—possibly Egypt, Algeria, or Saudi Arabia—will be the first to receive the J-35A during its LRIP phase. The magazine, known for its exclusive coverage of global air forces, does not specify the reasons for Pakistan’s deferral but suggests that China’s prioritization of another customer could delay the PAF’s induction timeline. If true, this shift implies that the PAF’s first J-35A deliveries may not commence until 2026, with the full order of 40 jets completed over two to three years, potentially extending to 2028 or 2029.
Several factors could explain this development. China may be strategically diversifying its export markets to bolster its defense industry’s global footprint, as suggested by The Print, which noted potential interest from Egypt. Alternatively, production constraints during LRIP, coupled with the PLAAF’s own induction requirements, could limit export availability. Posts on X also highlight skepticism about Pakistan’s financial capacity to operate fifth-generation fighters, with some users suggesting budgetary constraints may have prompted the PAF to prioritize additional J-10C fighters and air defense systems over the J-35A. Additionally, the J-35A’s LRIP phase may involve rigorous testing and refinement, delaying exports to ensure reliability, especially after the PAF’s negative experience with the prematurely retired Chinese ZDK-03 AEW&C.
The unnamed first customer’s identity could have broader implications. If a Middle Eastern nation like Saudi Arabia or Egypt receives the J-35A, it may signal China’s intent to expand its defense influence beyond traditional allies like Pakistan, potentially altering regional power dynamics. For India, the challenge is to accelerate its indigenous programs, including the AMCA and Tejas Mk2, while enhancing air defenses with systems like the S-400 and indigenous MR-SAM. Posts on X express concern about India’s preparedness, with some users urging a focus on air defense and domestic production to counter the J-35A threat.
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