Latest news with #FC-31
The Print
a day ago
- Business
- The Print
All about J-35A, the Chinese fifth-generation stealth fighter Pakistan plans to acquire
Pakistan, the reports suggest, placed its official order in December 2024, with delivery of over 30 fighters anticipated between August 2025 and early 2026. Islamabad is said to have finalised the purchase of up to 40 of these stealth fighters from China. If the delivery takes place, it will mark the first international export of the aircraft which was unveiled in Zhuhai Air Show in November last year. New Delhi: The Chinese imprint on Pakistan armed forces is set to deepen further as reports suggest that Beijing is fast-tracking the delivery of its fifth-generation J-35A stealth fighter jet to its long-time ally. The deal is being hailed in the two countries as a game-changer for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The aircraft will complement and enhance the PAF's modernisation drive, which includes recent inductions of the JF-17 Block III and J-10CE fighters. Currently, India is pursuing its own project to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet–the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA). On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the approval of the AMCA programme execution model. Developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the J-35 is a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter evolved from the FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype—a once privately funded project aimed at the export market after SAC lost the J-XX program bid to Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. First introduced as the 'F-60' at a Beijing innovation contest in September 2011, the FC-31 took to the skies on 31 October 2012. Although initially outside China's official military development stream, growing interest from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the PLA Navy prompted the FC-31's transformation into two formal variants: a land-based J-35A for the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and a carrier-based version for the PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF). As of now, China is the only country besides the US (F-22 and F-35) to field two operational fifth-generation stealth fighters—the Chengdu J-20 'Mighty Dragon' and the Shenyang J-35. While the J-20 is tailored for long-range air superiority, the J-35A offers multirole versatility with a lighter footprint and greater export potential. Also Read: From non-delivery of fighters to constant delays & 'black sheep', IAF chief speaks out Copy cat? The J-35A is reported to come with next-generation avionics, sensor fusion systems, and a weapons payload capacity of up to 8,000 kg—2,000 kg internally and 6,000 kg externally. What catches the eye is the striking similarity it shares with the F-35 that often led to the accusation of the Chinese copying the American stealth fighter, a charge that has stuck with the Asian powerhouse given its notoriety of cloning technology either borrowed or stolen from Russia and the West. While both the J-20 and J-35A feature stealth and advanced avionics, they serve distinct roles. The J-20, with its larger airframe, more powerful WS-10C or future WS-15 engines, and extensive sensor suite, is designed for long-range air dominance. In contrast, the J-35A offers multirole agility and is tailored for medium-range missions. The J-20 remains China's flagship stealth platform, while the J-35A opens new possibilities for China's defense exports and allied force multipliers. The arrival of the J-35A in Pakistan will be a defining moment in South Asia's military landscape. Analysts suggest that the new stealth fleet could give the PAF a 7–14 year advantage in fifth-generation capability over India, depending on the AMCA timeline. The platform's success will depend heavily on seamless integration with Pakistan's existing infrastructure and China's continued support in training, logistics, and maintenance. Once operational, the aircraft will not only elevate Pakistan's aerial combat abilities but also underscore China's growing influence as a global defense supplier and stealth aircraft innovator. Aditya Shrikhande is an intern who graduated from ThePrint School of Journalism. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: In wake of Jamnagar crash, a look at chequered legacy of IAF's SEPECAT Jaguar
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
China's Fujian carrier on sea trials, J-35 stealth fighters begin testing
China's most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has completed its eighth and reportedly most 'intensive' sea trial, according to state media CCTV. Video of the carrier sailing from Shanghai's Jiangnan Shipyard into open waters was shared by the broadcaster on Sunday local time, with maritime traffic restrictions issued in the surrounding area. The Fujian is the Chinese navy's third aircraft carrier and the first to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a key feature that allows for the launch of heavier and more advanced aircraft. With a displacement of over 80,000 tonnes, it is the largest conventionally powered warship in the world. The carrier was launched in June 2022 and began sea trials in May 2024. CCTV reported that the carrier's fifth-generation stealth fighters, known as the J-35, have also undergone tests. While it did not confirm whether the jets were launched from the Fujian, prior sea trials have shown indications, such as tyre marks, that limited 'touch-and-go' operations may have taken place. What is the J-35 fighter jet? The J-35, also referred to as the FC-31 in earlier development stages, is China's carrier-based fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, it is intended to match the capabilities of the American F-35C. The jet features low-observable stealth characteristics, twin engines, an internal weapons bay, and advanced avionics, making it suitable for carrier operations in high-threat environments. Manufacturing of the J-35 began in the late 2010s following early prototype tests of the FC-31, which first flew in 2012. The navy's version, modified for catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested recovery, has undergone extensive redesigns, including reinforced landing gear, folding wings, and upgraded radar systems. The J-35 is a key component of China's push to develop a modern, blue-water navy capable of projecting power far beyond its shores. Once fully operational with the Fujian, the combination is expected to significantly boost the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) capacity for long-range missions and offshore defence. Earlier reported indicate that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has approved the purchase of 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jets at the end of last year, expected to be delivered by early 2026. This agreement marks China's first export of such advanced military technology and is a significant milestone in the defense partnership between the two nations. These stealth fighters are expected to replace Pakistan's ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters. China military spending and modernisation drive China has been steadily increasing its military spending over the last few years, maintaining its position as the world's second-largest defence spender after the United States. For 2025, Beijing has announced a 7.2 per cent rise in its defence budget, bringing total military expenditures to approximately $266 billion. For reference, the US' defence budget for the same year is $895 billion and Russia $126 billion. India, meanwhile, has allocated around $75 billion for its 2025 defence budget. China also boasts the world's largest navy. The budget hike comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, and as trade tensions continue with the US.
India.com
26-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan is just a pawn to stop India, real players are .... Know who is Asim Munir's silent supporters?
Pakistan is just a pawn to stop India, real players are .... Know who is Asim Munir's silent supporters? Pakistan is a failed country, unstable, divided and plagued by extremist ideologies and surrounded by internal rebellion, economic crisis and political instability, Pakistan is on the verge of collapse. But some countries are still protecting Pakistan for their own benefit. If Pakistan did not get help from some countries, this Islamic country would have been reduced to dust long ago. According to various reports, Indian Army is preparing a strategy to give a strong reply to Pakistan at the right time following the Pahalgam terror attack. Many strategic steps have already been taken, including the suspension of the Indus Treaty. But these actions of India are preliminary and are only indicators for the time being. India is definitely going to do something big. According to experts, there are many layers to this question. But when it comes to increasing Pakistan's military capabilities, China and Turkey are at the forefront. Therefore, when India addresses Pakistan, talks about fixing accountability in this terrorist incident, New Delhi will also have to address the involvement of China and Turkey. Xi Jinping, has continuously helped Pakistan with weapons, provided technical assistance and made economic investments. Due to which the Pakistani army has increased its capabilities. Apart from this, Pakistan has given those areas of PoK to China, which gives it strategic advantages against India. Like Shaksgam Valley this was earlier with Pakistan, but decades ago Pakistan handed it over to China, which gave Beijing an opportunity to put additional pressure on India. Apart from this, the other country helping Pakistan is Turkey. Pakistan is not only getting military help from Turkey, but also ideological help. Turkey always teaches Pakistan new chapters of Jihad. It pushes it further into the well of Islamic fundamentalism and this further strengthens Pakistan's ambitions. In 1998, a report in New York Times said that China had helped Pakistan the most in making the nuclear bomb. China prepared the blueprint for Pakistan's nuclear weapons, provided components and without it, Pakistan's nuclear weapons program would not have come into existence. China is providing weapons to Pakistan If only China had been supplying weapons to Pakistan against India, the situation would not have been so dire. Because the quality of Chinese weapons has always been in question. For example, its fighter jet FC-31 has been called useless by many experts. At the same time, the submarines that China gave to Pakistan at a huge discount in 2021 also failed on operational standards. But the real cause of concern for India is Turkey. The aim of Turkey's 'Asia Anew Initiative' is also to strengthen relations with India's neighboring Islamic countries in the name of Islam. It has handed over weapons to Pakistan. After China, Pakistan buys the most weapons from Turkey, which have an 'Islamic touch'. It would have been laced with the syrup of jihad, on the basis of which Pakistan keeps jumping in front of India despite being a failed and decadent nation.
