As Washington wavers on fighter jet deals and technology transfers, Beijing is quietly moving to fill the void. The export variant of China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-35AE, has emerged as a game-changing asset, drawing serious interest from Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and threatening to redraw the balance of air power across South Asia and the Gulf.
A fifth-generation contender built for stealth and strike
Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the J-35AE is the export version of the homegrown J-35A stealth fighter. This twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft is engineered to achieve air superiority and conduct precision ground strikes while remaining virtually invisible to enemy radar.
In terms of design, the J-35AE incorporates all the hallmarks of a fifth-generation fighter. It features a diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) to reduce weight, optimise airflow at high speeds, and minimise radar cross-section. Its internal weapons bay keeps ordnance concealed within the fuselage, significantly enhancing combat survivability.
WS-19 engines and AESA radar give the edge
Notably, the J-35AE is powered by a new-generation WS-19 engine, which delivers substantially greater thrust than its predecessors. The aircraft’s avionics suite includes an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and integrated sensor-fusion capabilities, offering pilots an unparalleled level of situational awareness. When compared to earlier iterations such as the FC-31 or J-31, the J-35AE is understood to be a far more mature and technically reliable platform.
Islamabad’s $4.6bn gamble on Chinese stealth
Pakistan is currently seen as the leading candidate to acquire the J-35AE. Islamabad has long-standing, deep-rooted ties with Beijing’s defence industry – over 80% of its military hardware is Chinese-made. Notably, Pakistan’s air force was the sole foreign operator of the J-10C fighter, underlining its confidence in China’s most advanced combat systems.
Defence sources suggest that Islamabad may be negotiating a deal worth approximately $4.6bn, covering 40 J-35AE jets, along with KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft and HQ-19 long-range surface-to-air missile systems. Although Pakistani officials made contradictory statements about the procurement plan throughout 2025, President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to AVIC’s facilities in September 2025 strongly suggests that high-level discussions remain ongoing.
Gulf power looks east as F-35 talks stall
Beyond Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a promising potential customer. The UAE had previously expressed a strong desire to acquire the American F-35, but the process became bogged down by political hurdles and US concerns over technology transfer. Against this backdrop, the J-35AE presents itself as the most viable alternative – offering comparable stealth technology without the stringent political conditions attached to American systems.
Some military analysts believe the UAE may even have helped fund early stages of the J-35 programme to secure priority purchasing rights. Meanwhile, Pentagon reports indicate that, aside from the UAE, countries such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia are closely monitoring the aircraft’s development as they look to modernise their air forces.
India faces a “stealth gap” as Pakistan accelerates modernisation
The potential induction of the J-35AE into Pakistan’s air force has caused considerable alarm in New Delhi. Military experts there are warning of a looming “stealth gap” that could persist for more than a decade. While Pakistan may have two squadrons of fifth-generation fighters in service by 2030, India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is not expected to reach operational status until 2035 at the earliest.
In response, India is exploring stopgap measures, including accelerating the AMCA project, acquiring additional Rafale jets from France, or revisiting the possibility of purchasing Russian Su-57 fighters. In short, the J-35AE’s entry into the export market is far more than a commercial transaction – it is a strategic variable poised to qualitatively shift the military balance in South Asia and the Middle East in the years immediately ahead.
