In November 2024, China introduced the J-35, its second fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This single-seat, twin-engine supersonic aircraft is designed for multirole missions and is equipped with advanced technologies such as an active electronically scanned array radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and infrared search-and-track capabilities. China’s state-affiliated Global Times compared the J-35 to the U.S. F-35, the world’s most expensive fighter jet, highlighting its role in modern stealth and counter-stealth air combat designed to dominate aerial engagements and neutralise enemy air defences. Pakistan, already operating Chinese-made J-10C and JF-17 jets, is expected to acquire 40 J-35 fighters. Deliveries could begin later this year, placing Pakistan among the few nations with operational stealth fighter aircraft. Although Islamabad is likely to receive the FC-31 variant of the J-35 – a slightly downgraded export model – it will still significantly enhance its stealth capabilities. India currently lacks such an aircraft. This growing gap raises concern for India’s defence establishment. The acquisition of stealth jets by Pakistan could shift the regional airpower equation, especially as India’s own fifth-generation project, the AMCA, remains in development.
Despite limited data on the J-35's actual performance, many analysts suggest it could rival or even outperform the F-35. However, the J-35 is yet to prove itself in real-world combat. In August 2024, images of two J-35 variants surfaced — one designed for carrier-based naval operations and another tailored for conventional land-based missions. Pakistan is expected to receive the latter, featuring nose-mounted infrared tracking systems. China Daily reported that the aircraft can integrate with other weapon systems, including ground-based missiles, by sharing target coordinates and even guiding external munitions to engage threats — underscoring the J-35’s networked warfare capabilities. The standout feature, however, remains its stealth. With a reported radar cross-section of only 0.001 square metres — comparable to the F-35 — the J-35 would be exceptionally difficult to detect, especially by India’s current air defence systems. This stealth advantage could delay India’s ability to spot and intercept these jets near its borders, giving Pakistan a critical edge in future aerial conflicts. India, on the other hand, is still at least a decade away from deploying its homegrown stealth fighter. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) expects the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to be operational by 2034. The increasing presence of stealth jets on both China’s and Pakistan’s rosters could leave India vulnerable during simultaneous hostilities on multiple fronts, putting immense pressure on its air defences.
To close this widening gap, India must urgently invest in upgrading existing air defence systems and accelerate the induction of fifth-generation fighter aircraft — indigenous or otherwise. The Defence Ministry recently greenlit the AMCA’s development, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approving the 'execution model'. But experts warn the aircraft won’t be available for combat duties before 2035. This delay could prove costly. While India currently maintains air superiority over Pakistan — aided by its acquisition of French Rafale fighters — that lead could shrink as Pakistan integrates the J-35 (or FC-31) into its air force. By 2031, India is expected to operate over 60 Rafales across land and sea. Still, this advantage might not be enough to counter Pakistan’s stealth capabilities. Retired Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat told NDTV that any variant of the J-35 in Pakistan’s fleet is a “worrying” development. He stressed that while India had considered foreign fifth-gen jets like the F-35 and Su-57, the only viable long-term solution is the AMCA — and it needs to be fast-tracked with a focused, national effort.