New Delhi, June 20, 2025 — Growing security concerns surfaced in India’s defence circles after reports confirmed that Pakistan will receive 40 Chinese-made fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, the J-35, by the end of 2025. Indian Air Force (IAF) veterans are calling this a strategic challenge that could tip the regional air power balance in Pakistan’s favour.
The J-35, a naval variant of China’s FC-31, is set to become the most advanced fighter in Pakistan’s arsenal. The stealth fighter features radar-evading design, internal weapons bays, and modern avionics. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots have already undergone training in China, preparing for the new fleet’s induction.
Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat (Retd.) expressed alarm over the rapid timeline, noting that Pakistan is “receiving these jets ahead of expectations,” and that their integration into PAF squadrons could significantly reduce India’s technological edge.
Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd.) stated that India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project which won’t materialize before 2035 leaves a critical capability gap in India’s air defence preparedness. He urged the government to explore interim measures, including a possible G2G procurement of Russian Su-57 stealth aircraft, preferably with technology transfer provisions.
However, some defence experts warn against quick fixes. Captain Ahlawat, who had worked on the previously shelved India-Russia FGFA project, said the Su-57 platform “did not meet India’s evolving needs” and cautioned against compromising the indigenous AMCA program. “Any imported solution must be treated as a stopgap, not a replacement,” he stressed.
China’s move to supply J-35s marks the first instance of exporting fifth-generation fighters. Even if Pakistan receives a downgraded version, analysts say the radar stealth capabilities and tactical flexibility of the J-35 will force India to recalibrate its air surveillance and interception systems.
With regional tensions already high, the transfer has raised the prospect of a mini arms race. Indian officials are now under pressure to fast-track the AMCA timeline, bolster indigenous radar systems, and expand early warning infrastructure to neutralize the stealth threat.
India’s defence planners are also considering closer strategic alignments with Western aerospace firms, eyeing potential collaborations or emergency procurement options to close the widening capability gap in the near term.
