Pak Brigadier’s J-35A Claim Debunked: Pakistan Nowhere Near ‘Fourth Nation’ with 5th-Gen Jets
A recent assertion by retired Pakistani Brigadier Masood Ahmed Khan regarding the J-35A fighter jet has sparked widespread debate, with defense experts and analysts quickly dismissing his claim. Khan had stated that Pakistan’s acquisition of China’s J-35A would make it the world’s fourth nation to operate fifth-generation fighter jets, placing it alongside the United States, Russia, and China. However, this statement is factually incorrect, as multiple countries already possess and operate the American-built F-35 Lightning II.
F-35’s Global Presence Disproves the Claim
Khan’s claim ignores the widespread deployment of the F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter that is currently in service with several countries. Besides the U.S., nations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Norway, Israel, and South Korea actively operate the F-35. Additionally, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Poland, and Singapore have also joined the list, making it clear that Pakistan is far from being the "fourth" nation with such advanced aircraft.
Pakistan’s J-35A Acquisition and Its Capabilities
Pakistan has reportedly approved the purchase of 40 J-35A fighter jets from China, with deliveries expected within the next two years. The J-35A, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is a twin-engine stealth fighter that features advanced avionics, stealth coating, and a reported operational range of approximately 1,200 km, which can be extended with aerial refueling.
While the J-35A boasts modern stealth capabilities, experts remain skeptical about its real-world effectiveness, as the aircraft remains untested in combat. Unlike the F-35, which has undergone extensive testing and deployment, the J-35A’s performance remains theoretical at best.
Doubts Over Pakistan’s Technological Edge
Khan claimed that the J-35A would give Pakistan a significant advantage over the Indian Air Force (IAF), even stating that it would "force the IAF to sit out of any possible conflict on Kashmir." However, such statements have been met with strong criticism, given India’s ongoing air force modernization.
The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale jets—considered 4.5-generation fighters—and is in the process of upgrading its Su-30MKI fleet with advanced Virupaksha AESA radars and Astra MkIII beyond-visual-range missiles, with an estimated range of 300-350 km. Additionally, India is actively developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with prototypes expected in the coming decade.
Moreover, Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese military exports raises concerns regarding technology restrictions. China has historically downgraded the capabilities of exported systems, as seen in the J-10CE’s AESA radar and the export version of the PL-15 missile, which has a reduced range (145 km) compared to the domestic version’s 200 km+. Similar limitations could apply to the J-35A, making it less competitive than its Chinese counterpart or other global fifth-generation fighters.
Pakistan’s Position in the Fifth-Gen Race
Khan’s assertion that Pakistan would become the "fourth nation" with fifth-generation jets does not hold up against facts. With over a dozen countries already operating or acquiring the F-35, Pakistan’s entry into the fifth-generation fighter club—while a notable development—places it much further down the list. Additionally, the J-35A remains an unproven platform, whereas competitors like the F-35 and even Russia’s Su-57 have seen real-world deployments.
Ultimately, while Pakistan’s acquisition of the J-35A signals its ambitions, it does not revolutionize the regional air power balance as Khan suggests. With India strengthening its air force and developing its own stealth capabilities, Pakistan’s reliance on an untested Chinese aircraft may not provide the overwhelming advantage that Khan claims.
