Defense cooperation between China and Pakistan has further escalated, with the Pakistan Air Force set to receive its first batch of China’s J-35A fighter jets in August this year. Pakistani pilots have already completed operational training in China, and the new aircraft are expected to be combat-ready no later than the third quarter of 2025.
J-35 is China’s most advanced fighter jet and has not been massively supplied to China’s own air forces yet.
This deal highlights China’s special support for Pakistan. China not only offered Pakistan a 50 percent discount on the price, but also provided a deferred payment option.
China offered the deal after the visit at Beijing of Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as a reward for the Pakistan Air Force’s outstanding performance in the recent India-Pakistan “May 7 Air Conflict.”
Furthermore, both sides announced plans to strengthen cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, including $25 billion in infrastructure investment.
Source: Epoch Times, June 8, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/6/8/n14527142.htm