J-35AE vs. F-35: How Pakistan’s New Stealth Fighter Could Change Military Dynamics in Asia

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A Chinese stealth fighter that could rival the U.S. F-35 has entered the export market. Pakistan appears likely to be the first buyer.

On May 8 (local time), state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) aired a program showing a J-35 bearing the China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) logo and the serial number ‘0001.’ The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported this is the first public sighting of a fully operational export version of the J-35.

Military analyst Pu Qianxiao said the aircraft appears to be an upgraded air‑force variant — the J-35AE — rather than a carrier-capable model. He pointed to the paint scheme and serial number as indicators of an export configuration, and noted that the landing gear looks set up for runway operations while the final paint finish has not yet been applied.

Pu predicted the J-35 family could shake up the global advanced‑fighter market and emerge as a strong competitor to the F-35.

The SCMP expects the jet to be delivered to Pakistan — currently the only known overseas buyer — by the end of the year. Pakistan’s air force signed an initial cooperation agreement on the J-35 the day before. In June last year, China proposed selling Pakistan 40 J-35s.

During clashes with India in May last year, Pakistani forces reportedly used a Chinese J-10CE to shoot down an Indian Rafale. Introducing J-35s would further strengthen Pakistan’s airpower.

The SCMP also said Pakistan’s ability to project military power into the Persian Gulf could expand. With ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran, Pakistan last month deployed a squadron of fighters, including JF-17s, to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense agreement.

On May 8 (local time), state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) aired a program that showed a J-35 marked with the China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) logo and serial number ‘0001.’

Military analyst Pu Qianxiao said this model differs from earlier versions and likely represents an upgraded air‑force J-35A variant (J-35AE), not the naval carrier version. He added that the paint scheme does not match current air‑force or navy liveries.

Pu noted that carrier variants require landing gear designed to withstand hard deck landings, whereas this jet’s gear appears optimized for airport operations. The aircraft also lacks a final paint coat. He pointed to the serial number 0001 on the airframe — which differs from service examples — as further evidence that this is likely an export model.

Pu said China’s domestically developed fifth‑generation J-35 family will be a major export focus and could stir the global advanced‑fighter market. If exports go ahead, he expects the J-35 to pose a serious challenge to the U.S. F-35.

The South China Morning Post reported this is the first public appearance of an export-ready, fully operational J-35 and that, since Pakistan is the only known foreign buyer so far, deliveries are likely to reach Pakistan by year-end.

Pakistan’s air force signed an initial cooperation agreement on the J-35 the day before but did not disclose specific contract details. Pakistan previously said China had proposed selling it 40 J-35s in June last year.

During clashes with India in May last year, Pakistani forces reportedly used a Chinese J-10CE fighter to shoot down an Indian Rafale. Introducing the J-35 would further bolster Pakistan’s air capabilities.

The SCMP said Pakistan’s capacity to extend military power into the Persian Gulf could also increase. As fighting involving the U.S., Israel and Iran continues, Pakistan last month dispatched fighter units, including JF-17s, to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense pact.