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Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied reports that the country has signed a deal with China to acquire J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. Speaking in a televised interview, Asif said there is no agreement between Pakistan and China for the purchase of the jets.
“I think it is only in the media. It is good for sale, Chinese defence sales, you know,” said Khawaja Asif in response to a question about the reported delivery of the J-35A jets in 2026.
Reports had claimed a discounted deal
Earlier media reports claimed that Pakistan was set to acquire 40 J-35A aircraft from China as early as August this year. The reports suggested the deal was being finalised at nearly half the standard export price, and that China was offering a major discount under what some described as a “flash sale.”The J-35A is a twin-engine, multi-role, fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is equipped with long-range PL-17 missiles and an AESA radar system, and has been seen as China’s competitor to the U.S. F-35.
Contradictory details from defence sources
Despite the minister’s denial, defence sources earlier said that the Pakistan Air Force had approved the J-35A acquisition and that pilot training had begun in China. The proposed agreement was also reported to include liberal payment terms, with the first deliveries expected by August 2025.Pakistan’s economic constraints raise questions
The reported deal came at a time when Pakistan is under economic pressure. The federal government recently raised its defence budget by 20% to PKR 2.5 trillion. At the same time, it cancelled 118 development projects worth PKR 1,000 billion and reduced the overall national budget by 7% to PKR 17.57 trillion ($62 billion).China remains key defence supplier
About 80% of Pakistan’s military inventory comes from China. Systems such as the J-10C fighter jets and HQ-9 air defence systems were used by Pakistan during its most recent conflict with India. The addition of the J-35A was expected to further boost Pakistan’s air strength, especially with India’s AMCA fifth-generation fighter project expected only by 2035.For now, official confirmation of any J-35A deal remains absent.
