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Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
China Fast-Tracks Stealth Jets to Pakistan to Counter India: Report
China is fast-tracking delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, with the first batch expected by early 2026, according to senior diplomatic and military sources cited in regional defense reports and Pakistani media. Highlighted by Defence Security Asia, the accelerated timeline reflects deepening military ties amid rising tensions after recent cross-border violence with India. The move aims to strengthen Pakistan's aerial deterrence as it seeks to counter India's air force. Newsweek has reached out to China and Pakistan's defense ministries for comment. The expedited delivery of China's next-generation stealth fighters could shift the airpower balance in South Asia. India continues to modernize its air force with platforms like the Russian Su-30MKI and French Rafale jets, but neither possesses the stealth capabilities of the J-35A. This deal also marks China's first known export of a fifth-generation fighter jet, reflecting its ambitions as a global arms supplier. Originally planned for late 2026, Pakistan is now expected to receive its first batch of J-35A fighters six months earlier, possibly by August 2025 for the initial 30 jets. This acceleration follows high-level diplomatic and military exchanges, including Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar's visit to Beijing and General Zhang Youxia's trip to Islamabad. Pakistan aims to close the qualitative airpower gap with India, which still fields non-stealth platforms. Pakistani media reports say the country's pilots are already training in China on the J-35A, signaling Islamabad's commitment to integrating the new stealth fighters into its fleet. Additionally, a recent post on X by an apparent Pakistan Air Force fan appears to show a J-35 in test flight, further fueling anticipation of the aircraft's imminent arrival. The reports say China is offering Pakistan a significant 50 percent discount on the J-35A jets, along with favorable payment terms. This is widely seen as a "reward" for Pakistan's military performance during recent tensions with India and highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. Unveiled at a major airshow in November 2024, the J-35A became China's second stealth fighter after the J-20, positioning Beijing as only the second country-after the United States-to operate multiple fifth-generation stealth aircraft types. A recent Pentagon assessment highlights China's air force as the largest in the Indo-Pacific and the third largest worldwide, boasting more than 3,150 aircraft, including roughly 2,400 combat-ready jets capable of long-range operations. Zia Ul Haque Shamshi, Retired Air Commodore, Pakistan Air Force: "India is not expected to acquire fifth-generation fighter jet capabilities within that timeframe, which will provide Pakistan with a strategic edge." Brendan Mulvaney, Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, U.S. Air Force: "It has put the Pakistani Air Force ahead of the Indian Air Force by tying Pakistan and China further." If deliveries follow this accelerated schedule, Pakistan's air combat capabilities will see a significant boost, potentially altering the regional defense landscape. Regional powers, particularly India, are expected to closely monitor pilot training, operational integration, and strategic responses in the coming months. Related Articles Chinese Navy Announces Major Warfighting MilestoneStock Market Sinks After Trump Threatens Tariffs on Apple, EUCrowd's Response to Howard Lutnick's Price Rise Question Goes ViralHow China Is Fighting Back in Its Manufacturing War With the US 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
China Fast-Tracks Stealth Jets to Pakistan to Counter India: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China is fast-tracking delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, with the first batch expected by early 2026, according to senior diplomatic and military sources cited in regional defense reports and Pakistani media. Highlighted by Defence Security Asia, the accelerated timeline reflects deepening military ties amid rising tensions after recent cross-border violence with India. The move aims to strengthen Pakistan's aerial deterrence as it seeks to counter India's air force. Newsweek has reached out to China and Pakistan's defense ministries for comment. Why It Matters The expedited delivery of China's next-generation stealth fighters could shift the airpower balance in South Asia. India continues to modernize its air force with platforms like the Russian Su-30MKI and French Rafale jets, but neither possesses the stealth capabilities of the J-35A. This deal also marks China's first known export of a fifth-generation fighter jet, reflecting its ambitions as a global arms supplier. A mockup of a Chinese Air Force J-35 stealth fighter jet is displayed to the media in Zhuhai, southern China, on Nov. 10, 2024, ahead of the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition starting on... A mockup of a Chinese Air Force J-35 stealth fighter jet is displayed to the media in Zhuhai, southern China, on Nov. 10, 2024, ahead of the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition starting on Nov. 12. More Kyodo/AP Photo What to Know Originally planned for late 2026, Pakistan is now expected to receive its first batch of J-35A fighters six months earlier, possibly by August 2025 for the initial 30 jets. This acceleration follows high-level diplomatic and military exchanges, including Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar's visit to Beijing and General Zhang Youxia's trip to Islamabad. Pakistan's Strategic Ambitions Pakistan aims to close the qualitative airpower gap with India, which still fields non-stealth platforms. Pakistani media reports say the country's pilots are already training in China on the J-35A, signaling Islamabad's commitment to integrating the new stealth fighters into its fleet. Additionally, a recent post on X by an apparent Pakistan Air Force fan appears to show a J-35 in test flight, further fueling anticipation of the aircraft's imminent arrival. Pakistan received first one 'J35A Gyrfalcon' (Pakistan Flag coloured). Test flight successfully conducted in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan together with Chinese Pilots. — Pakistan Air Force (@TheRealFalcons5) May 22, 2025 The reports say China is offering Pakistan a significant 50 percent discount on the J-35A jets, along with favorable payment terms. This is widely seen as a "reward" for Pakistan's military performance during recent tensions with India and highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. A Pakistani Air Force fighter jet flies over during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday, March 23, 2024. Pakistanis celebrated their National Day with a military parade that's showcasing... A Pakistani Air Force fighter jet flies over during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday, March 23, 2024. Pakistanis celebrated their National Day with a military parade that's showcasing nation's elite army units and high-tech weaponry, including short, medium, and long-range missiles, tanks, fighter jets and other hardware. More AP Photo Regional Airpower Unveiled at a major airshow in November 2024, the J-35A became China's second stealth fighter after the J-20, positioning Beijing as only the second country—after the United States—to operate multiple fifth-generation stealth aircraft types. A recent Pentagon assessment highlights China's air force as the largest in the Indo-Pacific and the third largest worldwide, boasting more than 3,150 aircraft, including roughly 2,400 combat-ready jets capable of long-range operations. What People Are Saying Zia Ul Haque Shamshi, Retired Air Commodore, Pakistan Air Force: "India is not expected to acquire fifth-generation fighter jet capabilities within that timeframe, which will provide Pakistan with a strategic edge." Brendan Mulvaney, Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, U.S. Air Force: "It has put the Pakistani Air Force ahead of the Indian Air Force by tying Pakistan and China further." What Happens Next If deliveries follow this accelerated schedule, Pakistan's air combat capabilities will see a significant boost, potentially altering the regional defense landscape. Regional powers, particularly India, are expected to closely monitor pilot training, operational integration, and strategic responses in the coming months.
South China Morning Post
27-01-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Chinese military leaders urge war readiness ahead of Lunar New Year
Published: 6:09pm, 27 Jan 2025 Top Chinese military officials pledged to fight corruption and strengthen war readiness while visiting People's Liberation Army troops ahead of Lunar New Year . General Zhang Youxia , first-ranked vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), China's top military decision-making body, recently inspected a unit of the Information Support Force in the northeastern city of Shenyang, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday. General He Weidong , the second-ranked vice-chairman of the CMC, visited troops stationed in Beijing last week, according to another Xinhua report. The visits by the country's No 2 and No 3 military officials are part of a tradition of extending greetings to the troops before the holiday, also known as Spring Festival, which falls on Wednesday. President Xi Jinping, who chairs the CMC, inspected the PLA's Northern Theatre Command, headquartered in Shenyang, on Friday. He was accompanied by Zhang. While there, Xi extended Lunar New Year greetings to the troops and called for maintaining national security and social stability. At the Information Support Force unit, Zhang called for the 'continued deepening of political rectification', referring to efforts to improve political conduct and loyalty within the military. '[We should] strengthen discipline, enforce rules … further solidifying the political character of following the [Communist] Party's command and loyalty to the party,' Zhang said, according to the report.
