Pakistan will receive the FC-31 variant of the J-35. It’s the land-based version designed for export and ground operations, distinct from the naval version meant for China’s aircraft carriers. The model is equipped with an infrared search-and-track system mounted on its nose and can link with other weapon systems to share target data.
Why It matters for India
India currently has no fifth-generation stealth jet in its arsenal. That’s a major concern, say defence analysts. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat (Retd.) told NDTV, “It is worrying news… any version of the J-35 in Pakistani colours is going to raise concerns for our side.”
While India enjoys superiority with its Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters, the arrival of stealth aircraft in Pakistan could narrow this gap significantly. Ahlawat added that India had considered acquiring either the F-35 or Russia’s Su-57 but said, “These are bad choices. The only good choice is AMCA.”
J-35’s capabilities: What we know so far
The J-35, also called the J-35A, is China’s second fifth-generation fighter after the J-20. Built by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the jet made its public debut at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024 and later featured in model form at the 2025 Paris Air Show.
This twin-engine, supersonic jet includes features such as an active electronically scanned array radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and a radar cross-section of just 0.001 square metres. That makes it nearly invisible to conventional radars, a capability on par with the U.S. F-35.China Daily reports that the aircraft can “share targets’ position with other weapon systems” and can also use its radar to guide other munitions to those targets. Global Times quoted an unnamed expert who said the J-35 gives an advantage in “first detection, first strike,” and in securing “operational advantages.”
China’s design push: Inspired or stolen?
What’s stirred international interest is the J-35’s uncanny resemblance to the American F-35 Lightning II. While analysts speculate on whether China borrowed design elements from stolen U.S. data, platforms like The War Zone have noted that copying the F-35 would be nearly impossible due to its complexity.
In 2009, the U.S. government confirmed a cyber intrusion targeting its F-35 programme. Frank Kendall, then Pentagon acquisitions chief, admitted in a 2013 Senate hearing, “I’m reasonably confident that classified information is safe, but not all confident about the unclassified information.”
A year later, a Los Angeles grand jury indicted Su Bin, a Chinese businessman, for helping PLA hackers steal over 630,000 files relating to the F-22, F-35 and C-17 aircraft.
A wake-up call for India’s AMCA programme
India’s answer to the stealth gap is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution model in May, but the jet isn’t expected to fly before 2035.
Until then, experts are urging urgent upgrades to India’s air surveillance and defence systems. India’s current detection radars may struggle to pick up stealth aircraft like the J-35 until they are too close for comfort.
China’s ambitions: Mass production on the horizon
Wang Yongqing, chief designer at the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, told Global Times that the J-35A was created under an “air-sea twin configuration” and “one aircraft, multiple variants” model. This allows for faster development and cheaper production.
“Many of our research achievements can be applied across different variants, such as sensors, onboard equipment, and avionics systems,” he said. “This will correspondingly reduce future maintenance costs and improve logistical efficiency.”
Wang compared the J-35A’s battlefield role to a basketball point guard: “The J-35A not only demonstrates outstanding ‘scoring ability,’ but also effectively coordinates other battlefield assets for joint operations.”
With Pakistan preparing to field a fifth-generation fleet and China ready to mass produce, India finds itself on the back foot. And the clock is ticking.
The AMCA remains India’s only viable option to restore parity. But the stealth gap is real — and it’s already looming over the subcontinent.
