SOURCE: AFI
In a strategic move that underscores a shift in Middle Eastern defence procurement, Saudi Arabia has turned its back on China’s much-touted J-35 stealth fighter jet. This decision was dramatically highlighted at the G20 Summit in mid-November, just as Beijing was celebrating its supposed advancements in aerospace at the Jew High Air Show.
Despite Beijing’s bold claims of interest from wealthy Middle Eastern buyers, the G20 summit revealed a different story. The UK, Italy, and Japan engaged with Saudi Arabia to discuss its inclusion in a collaborative sixth-generation fighter jet project, effectively sealing a deal expected to be finalized by year’s end. This development not only undermines China’s narrative of dominance in the global arms market but also casts doubt on the credibility of its military technology, particularly the J-35.
This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision for Saudi Arabia. Over the years, Riad has shown a measured interest in Chinese military hardware, purchasing some items and participating in joint military exercises. However, these were seen as strategic diversifications rather than a commitment to Chinese arms. By March-April of this year, Saudi Arabia was already in confidential talks with Western powers, indicating a long-term strategy to bolster its military capabilities with superior technology.
The J-35, while cheaper than its Western counterparts like the F-35, failed to impress. At the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia in February 2024, the FC-31, a predecessor to the J-35, was showcased without garnering any orders. This lack of interest speaks volumes about the perceived quality and reliability of Chinese aviation technology in the region.
China’s defense industry faces significant hurdles in the Middle Eastern market, primarily due to its dependency on imported components. From 2019 to 2023, a staggering 77% of China’s weapon components were imported from Russia, with additional reliance on France and Ukraine. This dependency questions China’s claims of self-reliance and technological prowess.
Moreover, the performance issues of Chinese military hardware have been well-documented. For instance, Chinese drones like the CH-4 have encountered numerous operational failures in regions like Libya and Yemen. Similarly, air defense systems such as the HQ-9 struggled against competitors in live tests, leading to substantial contracts going to South Korea and other Western suppliers instead.
Saudi Arabia’s decision to join the UK-Italy-Japan consortium for a sixth-generation fighter program is part of a broader vision for sustainable national security. It’s about integrating into a Western military ecosystem, gaining technology transfers, and developing its own defense industry. This approach not only provides immediate military benefits but also positions Saudi Arabia for a post-oil economic landscape.
This snub by Saudi Arabia is a wake-up call for China’s defense sector. The market for high-end military equipment in the Middle East is intensely competitive, with nations like South Korea and Turkey making significant inroads. China’s strategy of offering cheaper alternatives hasn’t translated into the expected market dominance, especially when quality and performance under scrutiny reveal significant gaps.