Pakistan has planned to buy 40 jets of advanced stealth fighter aircraft J-35 from China. This information was received from a media news on Monday. If this plan materialises, it will be the first export of China’s latest jet.
Hong Kong’s ‘South China Morning Post’ According to the news, this sale will be the first case of Beijing exporting fifth generation jet aircraft to a foreign partner.
‘South China Morning Post’ Citing Pakistani media reports, it said that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has approved the purchase of 40 aircraft, which are expected to be delivered within two years. According to this, these aircraft will replace Pakistan’s old fleet of American F-16 and French Mirage fighter planes.
Despite the serious economic crisis being faced by Pakistan, the process of purchasing new aircraft is being taken forward.
There has been no official confirmation of this in Beijing, nor is there any mention of such a deal in the government media here. J-35 is mainly considered a fighter jet for Chinese aircraft carriers. The aircraft was displayed at the annual air show held in Zhuhai city last month, which was attended by top PAF officials. China is currently the only country in the region that has developed stealth aircraft.
‘South China Morning Post’ According to the news, PAF chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu had said in January that ‘‘the foundation for acquiring J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid.’’
China and Pakistan share deep military ties. China is helping in the modernization of all three wings of Pakistan’s army. China has modernized its own armed forces with billions of dollars in defense spending. China has helped Pakistan to jointly develop and operate the J-17 Thunder fighter aircraft.
Santosh
