SOURCE: AFI
The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025, that the United States will provide India with the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jet has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s media and strategic circles. This development, made during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., has sparked widespread concern and alarm in Pakistani media outlets, which view the potential transfer of advanced military technology to India as a threat to regional stability and Pakistan’s security.
The Pakistani media’s reaction has been marked by a mix of panic, criticism, and calls for diplomatic action, reflecting deep-seated fears about the shifting military balance in South Asia. Below, we explore this reaction and cite specific examples from Pakistani media outlets to illustrate the extent of their concern.
During the joint press conference, Trump stated, “Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters.” This announcement, part of a broader push to deepen US-India defense ties, positions India to join an elite group of nations equipped with fifth-generation stealth aircraft, a capability previously reserved for NATO allies and close US partners like Israel, Japan, and Australia. The F-35, known for its advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities, would significantly enhance India’s air combat superiority, particularly against regional adversaries like Pakistan and China.
For Pakistan, which has historically viewed India as its primary military rival, the prospect of India acquiring the F-35 represents a game-changer. The Pakistani military relies heavily on its fleet of F-16s and JF-17 Thunder aircraft, which, while capable, are outmatched by the F-35’s stealth and technological advantages. This disparity has fueled a sense of urgency and panic in Pakistani media, which has responded with a flurry of reports, editorials, and analyses warning of the implications for Pakistan’s defense posture and regional stability.
The Express Tribune, a prominent Pakistani English-language daily, published an article on February 14, 2025, titled “Pak MoFA ‘Expresses Concern’ Over Potential F-35 Transfer.” The article highlighted Pakistan’s official response, quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesperson as saying, “Pakistan is deeply concerned over the planned transfer of advanced military technologies to India. Such steps accentuate military imbalances in the region and undermine strategic stability.” The piece also noted that policymakers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi (the military headquarters) were “shocked” by Trump’s announcement and are closely monitoring the situation, reflecting a sense of urgency and alarm.
Dawn, one of Pakistan’s leading newspapers, ran an editorial on February 15, 2025, titled “Islamabad indignant after US offers F-35 jets to India.” The editorial warned that the F-35’s stealth capabilities would render Pakistan’s air defences, including its Chinese-supplied HQ-9 systems, less effective, giving India a decisive edge in any future conflict. It described the deal as a “direct threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty” and called for an immediate diplomatic response, including engaging China and other allies to counterbalance the shift in regional power dynamics. The tone of the editorial was one of panic, emphasizing the existential challenge posed by India’s potential acquisition of the F-35.
Geo News, a major Pakistani television channel, aired a segment on February 14, 2025, titled “F-35 Deal: Pakistan’s Security at Risk.” The program featured defense analysts who expressed alarm over the deal, with one expert stating, “The F-35 will give India the ability to strike deep into Pakistani territory undetected, leaving us with little time to respond.” The segment also criticized the US for “exacerbating tensions in South Asia” and urged Pakistan to accelerate its own defense modernization efforts, including closer cooperation with China and Russia. The panicked tone was evident in the repeated warnings about the erosion of Pakistan’s deterrence capabilities.
The News International published an article on February 15, 2025, titled “F-35 for India: A Tilt in Regional Balance.” The piece argued that the transfer of the F-35 to India would “disrupt the delicate military balance in South Asia” and “hinder efforts to achieve lasting peace.” It cited Pakistan’s MoFA statement and warned that the deal could trigger an arms race in the region, with Pakistan forced to seek advanced counter-capabilities from its allies, particularly China. The article’s alarmist tone was underscored by its call for Pakistan to “act swiftly to safeguard its national interests,” reflecting a deep sense of unease.
ARY News, another prominent Pakistani television channel, aired a talk show on February 14, 2025, titled “F-35 Threat: Pakistan Must Respond.” The program featured military experts and political commentators who described the F-35 deal as a “game-changer” that would “tilt the balance of power heavily in India’s favor.” One panelist warned, “Pakistan’s air force will be outclassed, and our deterrence will be severely compromised.” The show called for an urgent review of Pakistan’s defense strategy and suggested exploring options like acquiring advanced Chinese stealth fighters, such as the J-20 or J-31, to counter the F-35 threat. The panicked rhetoric was evident in the repeated calls for immediate action.
Pakistan has long sought to maintain a degree of parity with India, despite its smaller economy and military budget. The F-35’s advanced capabilities threaten to widen the technological gap between the two nations, undermining Pakistan’s deterrence posture.
The announcement has also fueled criticism of the US, with some outlets accusing Washington of favoring India and neglecting Pakistan’s security concerns. This perception is compounded by Pakistan’s historically strained relations with the US, particularly after the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the decline in bilateral military cooperation.
Pakistan’s close alliance with China is a recurring theme in media coverage, with calls for Beijing to provide advanced military technology to counterbalance India’s acquisition of the F-35. This reflects Pakistan’s strategic reliance on China as a counterweight to India and the US.
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