BEIJING: Pakistan plans to acquire 40 of China’s latest J-35 stealth fighter jets, which, if realised, will be the first export of China’s fifth-generation fighter jet to an ally. According to a report by Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, exports will change China’s equations in regional relations, especially with Pakistan’s enemy India.
Hong Kong newspaper in its report has quoted Pakistani media reports as saying that Pakistan Air Force has approved the purchase of 40 Chinese fighter planes. When these aircraft are delivered over the next two years, they will replace the aging American F-16 and French Mirage fighter aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force.
Despite the poor economic condition of Pakistan, the decision to bring new aircraft has been taken. However, China has not mentioned any such deal in its official media. However, when the planes were displayed at China’s prestigious annual air show in Zhuhai last month, which was attended by top Pakistan Air Force officials, speculation of such a deal was rife. According to the report published in the Post, in January, Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar had said that there are plans to acquire J-31 stealth fighter jet. China and Pakistan are each other’s allies in every situation, their military relations are becoming a mystery. The J-31 Thunder fighter jet, on which Pakistan is currently most dependent, was jointly developed with China.
Last month, General Zhang Yuxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Army, visited Pakistan and held talks with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. General Zhang visited Pakistan just as 300 Chinese troops arrived in Pakistan to participate in anti-terrorism exercises. According to Pakistani media reports, China is pushing to allow its security companies to protect 20,000 Chinese workers working in its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor-CPEC-project. At present, attacks on these Chinese employees by terrorist groups in Pakistan have increased. Pakistan has deployed more than 30,000 military and paramilitary forces to protect these Chinese workers. Pakistan is avoiding pressure from Beijing to deploy Chinese troops, citing its sovereignty concerns.
