Pakistani Air Force to strengthen its arsenal with Chinese stealth fighter jet
Pakistan's senior air force official recently announced plans to
procure Chinese stealth fighters, potentially making Pakistan the first foreign
nation to purchase 5th generation fighters from China. During an induction
ceremony for new military equipment, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu
revealed the intention to acquire Chinese FC-31 Gyrfalcon fighters.
The FC-31 is China's second indigenous stealth fighter, currently
in development for service on Chinese aircraft carriers and eyeing the export
market. While the United States has traditionally been the sole operator of
stealth aircraft, China has rapidly expanded its fleet with the Chengdu J-20
and the FC-31.
Pakistan
Air Force base hosts induction and operationalization ceremony
Pakistan, historically a user of American-sourced F-16s, is
exploring this strategic shift toward Chinese stealth fighters, potentially
enhancing its air capabilities. The move aligns with Pakistan's deepening
military cooperation with China, characterized as an "all-weather"
relationship.
The FC-31, designed to compete with multi-role fighters like the
F-35, has similarities in aesthetics to the American stealth fighter. Powered
by Russian-sourced RD-93 engines (with plans for domestically-sourced WS-13s),
the FC-31 is expected to offer improved low-observability compared to older 4th
generation aircraft.
Pakistan
and the UAE air forces’ chiefs explore ways to strengthen cooperation
While not directly comparable to the F-35 or F-22 in terms of
stealth technology, the FC-31 presents a significant advancement in
low-observability and could outperform older 4th generation aircraft in a
modern conflict. The potential acquisition underscores Pakistan's evolving
defense strategy and deepening ties with China.
Source: https://nationalinterest.org/