After acquiring J-10 fighter jets from China, the Pakistani military has now expressed interest in acquiring Chinese stealth fighter jets. General Zaheer Ahmed Babar, Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, inspected a combat base where he disclosed the latest developments in the acquisition of these fighter jets during a speech. Although no official contract has been signed, this indicates Pakistan’s enthusiasm and expectations for purchasing Chinese stealth fighters. It also indirectly signals to China to swiftly finalize the contract and provide the J-31 stealth fighter jets to Pakistan. If the deal goes through, Pakistan will become the first overseas customer for China’s stealth fighter, impacting India, which would then seek its own stealth aircraft to compete. The J-31 fighter jet has undergone significant changes and is considered more mature and reliable compared to its earlier version, making it highly desirable for Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s financial state could pose a challenge to acquiring the J-31 due to its high maintenance costs. In the meantime, Pakistan is continuing to acquire the less expensive J-10s. The J-31/FC-31 fighter jet is believed to have been developed through Chinese espionage, and it shares design aspects with the American F-35. It has a range of 2,000 kilometers, a maximum take-off weight of 28 tonnes, an operational ceiling of 15 kilometers, and a top speed of 2,205 kilometers per hour. It has an internal weapons bay and can also carry guided and unguided missiles externally. A naval variant, called the J-35, is in development for carrier-based operations. Additionally, China is developing the FH-97A Loyal Wingman drone to accompany its stealth fighter J-20.
January 7, 2023
Source: Middle East North Africa Financial Network