By Sumaila Zaman
India and Pakistan still have a troubled and strained relationship riddled with political disputes cross-border tensions and a long history of conflict over Kashmir and terrorism. Following Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack tensions have heightened between India and Pakistan. In an interview with Arab News Khawaja Asif Pakistans Defence Minister denied news reports on a possible deal with China on advanced J-35A stealth fighter jets. He further termed the reports as media speculation.
In June 2025 international media outlets including Bloomberg reported that Pakistan was likely to become Chinas first foreign customer for the advanced J-35A stealth fighter jets a standard fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. After this report shares in Chinese defence companies specifically shares in AVC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation jumped ten per cent.
Speaking to Arab News Khawaja Asif clearly denied the reports stating “We are not buying them”. He dismissed the claims as mere media speculation adding I think its only the media…Its good for Chinese Defence sales.
Regardless several publications reported that Pakistan could be accepting the fighter jets — J-35As which are stealth fighter jets armed with the advanced PL-17 long-range air-to-air missiles — in as little as a few months from now and as late as August 2025. Among other claims there were reports of pilot training taking place in China along with assertions of the operational readiness of 30-40 aircraft. Reportedly as well China had also offered a 50% discount on a batch of 30.
Pakistan has enjoyed a strategic alliance with China for more than a decade. The relationship rests on economic military and geopolitical engagement. Their defence relationship includes many joint projects such as the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet which China and Pakistan co-produced and is currently used for combat operations by the Pakistan Air Force. Along with J-35A the Joint Stealth Combat Drone provides a major leap in tech capability beyond existing fighter platforms with stealth modern avionics and weapons systems.
It is reported that Pakistan used Chinese fighter jets PL-15 missiles and drones during Operation Sindoor. At the same time it is significant that the Chinese survey vessel Da Yang Yi Hao with advanced sensors was present in the Indian Ocean showcasing stronger ties in their strategic partnership. In addition to the Chinese military technology used in Sindoor Pakistan has shown an increase in the tactical relationship with China by the use of Chinese air defence capabilities and satellite-based ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) support during Operation Sindoor.
This reported pact surfaced up amidst Pakistans persistent struggles with its economy. The federal government just recently raised its defence budget by 20% thus announcing a total defence budget of PKR 2.5 trillion. But simultaneously it cancelled 118 development schemes worth PKR 1000 billion and cut the overall national budget by 7% (to PKR 17.57 trillion or about $62 billion). About 80% of Pakistans military equipment is acquired from China. In the recent conflicts with India Pakistan employed equipment like the J-10C fighter jets and HQ-9 air defence missiles. The expected acquisition of the J-35A stealth fighter might also significantly bolster Pakistans air and naval power; especially now that Indias own fifth generation AMCA fighter jet is predicted to only become operational around 2035.