China may have given the clearest public sign yet that it is preparing to export its J-35A fifth-generation fighter jet, with Pakistan being viewed as the most likely early recipient, the South China Morning Post reported.
The speculation began after China’s state broadcaster CCTV aired footage during its May 1 Labor Day special program. The video showed a J-35A model with the serial number 001 rolling out of a hangar. However, the aircraft carried the logo of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC, instead of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force marking.
That detail is important because AVIC is China’s major military aircraft manufacturer. Analysts cited by SCMP said the use of the AVIC acronym suggests the aircraft shown was not meant for China’s own air force, but for export.
First Full Export Model Shown
China has previously displayed small models of the J-35A at international defense exhibitions. However, this was reportedly the first time the export version, known as the J-35AE, appeared as a full operational model.
Hong Kong military commentator Liang Guoliang told SCMP that the aircraft shown on CCTV appeared to be a complete J-35AE product and was ready for export.
The J-35 series is China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter after the J-20. The J-35A is designed for land-based air force operations, while the J-35 family also includes carrier-based versions for naval use.
Why Pakistan Is Being Mentioned
Pakistan has long relied on Chinese defense technology and already operates several Chinese-origin aircraft. This includes the JF-17 Thunder, developed jointly by Pakistan and China, and the J-10C fighter jet.
Because of that defense relationship, analysts believe Pakistan could become the first foreign buyer of the J-35AE.
However, neither Beijing nor Islamabad has officially confirmed a final export deal for the J-35AE based on the information reviewed.
What Makes the J-35AE Important
The J-35AE is being viewed as China’s export-focused stealth fighter. It is expected to compete with advanced Western aircraft in markets where access to US or European fifth-generation jets is limited.
The fighter is believed to have a twin-engine layout, stealth shaping, internal weapons bays, advanced radar and modern sensor systems.
The CCTV footage showed the aircraft with a teal-coated electro-optical targeting system, known as EOTS. According to SCMP, analysts said this sensor arrangement points to a mature stealth design because it is integrated into the fuselage rather than carried as an external pod.
An internally integrated targeting system helps preserve the aircraft’s low observable profile. External pods can increase radar visibility and reduce stealth performance.
Reported Specifications
The J-35A family is widely reported to have a maximum speed of around Mach 1.8, a combat range of about 1,200 km and a flight ceiling of around 16,000 meters.
The aircraft is also expected to carry air-to-air missiles, supersonic air-to-surface missiles and precision-guided weapons. Its avionics are believed to include AESA radar, EOTS and distributed aperture sensors.
These features would place the J-35AE in the category of modern stealth fighters designed for beyond visual range combat, deep strike missions and high-threat airspace operations.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | J-35AE / J-35A |
| Type | Fifth-generation stealth fighter jet |
| Manufacturer | Aviation Industry Corporation of China |
| Role | Multirole stealth fighter |
| Length | 17.3 meters |
| Wingspan | 11.5 meters |
| Maximum take-off weight | 28,000 kg |
| Engine | WS-13 |
| Maximum speed | Mach 1.8 |
| Combat range | 1,200 km |
| Flight ceiling | 16,000 meters |
| Weapons capacity | Internal and wing-mounted weapon bays |
| Air-to-air weapons | Six medium-range air-to-air missiles |
| Air-to-surface weapons | Four supersonic air-to-surface missiles |
| Bomb load | Reportedly up to eight 500 kg deep penetration bombs, or 30 smaller wing-mounted bombs, or a mixed load |
| Radar | Active electronically scanned array radar |
| Targeting system | Electro-optical targeting system |
| Early warning system | Distributed aperture system optical early warning system |
Impact on South Asia
If Pakistan acquires the J-35AE, it would be a major upgrade for the Pakistan Air Force. It would also make Pakistan one of the first countries outside China to operate a Chinese fifth-generation fighter.
Such a move would affect the regional air power balance, especially as India continues work on its own advanced fighter programs while also operating Rafale jets and upgrading other platforms.
For Pakistan, the J-35AE could offer improved stealth, long-range targeting and stronger strike options. For China, a sale to Pakistan would help establish the aircraft’s export credibility.
No Official Confirmation Yet
Despite growing speculation, the reported export push remains unconfirmed at the official level.
China has not publicly announced Pakistan as the first customer of the J-35AE. Pakistan has also not issued a formal statement confirming an acquisition timeline, aircraft numbers or delivery schedule.
Still, the CCTV appearance has triggered fresh debate because the aircraft shown carried AVIC branding instead of a Chinese air force insignia. That has strengthened the view that China is preparing the J-35AE for the export market.
For now, the development remains a strong signal rather than a confirmed deal. However, if Pakistan does move forward with the aircraft, it could become the first foreign operator of China’s new stealth fighter.
