China Nears First Export Sale of J‑35 Stealth Fighter Jets to Pakistan
China appears close to finalizing its first overseas sale of the Shenyang J‑35 fifth‑generation stealth fighter jet, with Pakistan positioned as the likely initial customer and deliveries expected to begin as early as 2026, according to reporting on Beijing’s defense export efforts.
According to Source, Beijing has offered Islamabad a package that includes up to 40 J‑35 aircraft, forming a central part of a broader proposed arms cooperation that also encompasses airborne early warning aircraft and advanced air defenses.
Export Push for China’s J‑35
The Shenyang J‑35 is China’s newest fifth‑generation fighter, developed as a carrier‑capable stealth platform alongside the J‑20 and tied to export variants often linked with the FC‑31 designation.
China’s government and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) have been positioning the J‑35 for export after advancing production and testing, including recent first flights in 2026 as part of ongoing development.
Pakistan’s government publicly acknowledged an offer from China that included 40 J‑35 fighters alongside a Shaanxi KJ‑500 airborne early warning and control aircraft and HQ‑19 surface‑to‑air missile systems. The announcement appeared on official social channels in June 2025, though it was later removed.
If concluded, this would be the first confirmed export of the J‑35 family to a foreign air force.
Pakistan’s Position and Orders
Reports from late 2025 and early 2026 suggest Pakistan remains the front‑runner for the J‑35 export order, in line with earlier statements that the country planned to acquire up to 40 jets by 2030.
Past reporting indicated that Pakistan Air Force pilots were already training on the platform in China and that initial deliveries could begin within months of a contract signing.
The deal reflects Islamabad’s broader effort to modernize its air combat fleet alongside other acquisitions such as Chinese‑built J‑10 multirole fighters.
Regional and Strategic Context
The possible J‑35 sale to Pakistan marks a notable moment in China’s efforts to expand its defense export footprint. Until now, China’s foreign customers have focused on legacy and fourth‑generation platforms like the JF‑17 Thunder or the J‑10 series.
For Pakistan, acquiring a fifth‑generation fighter would represent a significant leap in capability, even as analysts caution timelines and costs could shift over the longer term.
The deal is unfolding amid broader shifts in South Asian defense relationships, including Pakistan’s engagement with Western suppliers and regional tensions that have influenced procurement priorities.
What Comes Next
Industry watchers will be looking for formal contract announcements and export clearance from Beijing’s government. Final signatures and financing arrangements could determine whether initial aircraft enter service with the Pakistan Air Force in 2026, or if timelines extend into the late 2020s.
China’s bid to export a fifth‑generation stealth fighter highlights both its growing aerospace industry and the strategic partnerships Beijing is building beyond its borders. Delivery and sustainment contracts in the years ahead will shape how the J‑35 competes in a crowded global fighter market.
