Pakistan Rejects Offer to Buy Chinese J-35 Fighter Jets

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has dismissed recent media reports that Islamabad has signed a deal with China to acquire the J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.

In a televised interview, Asif dismissed the claims, saying, "I think it's just in the media. It's good for sales, China's defense sales, you know," in response to a question about the reported delivery of the jets in 2026.

The speculation has been growing following a series of unverified media reports that Pakistan is close to acquiring 40 J-35A aircraft from China, with some media outlets suggesting deliveries could begin as early as August 2025.

According to the reports, the deal was completed at a fraction of the cost, and the jets will be equipped with advanced PL-17 long-range air-to-air missiles.

The J-35A, developed by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is a stealth fighter jet that has been compared to fifth-generation platforms from the US and Russia. The fighter jet is being marketed as a cost-effective alternative to the West’s F-35 stealth aircraft.

Minister Asif’s remarks were the first direct public response from a Pakistani official to the report.

As of late June 2025, neither China’s Ministry of National Defense nor any of its affiliated defense companies had made any statements regarding the alleged deal.

Pakistan remains a major defense customer for Chinese systems, including air defense platforms, drones, and fighter jets. However, the denials suggest that no formal procurement agreement for the stealth aircraft has been reached at this stage. (red)