Has China Given the First Sign It’s Ready to Export Its J-35A Fighter Jet to Pakistan?

In a significant development for China's defense industry, state broadcaster CCTV has provided the first public glimpse of the export variant of its J-35A fighter jet, strongly suggesting Pakistan as the primary recipient. The footage, aired during a special program, featured a J-35A model clearly marked with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) logo, distinguishing it from the versions used by the People's Liberation Army Air Force. This deliberate display signals a new phase in China's military aviation ambitions, moving beyond domestic use to actively pursue international markets for its advanced fifth-generation fighter technology.

Hong Kong military commentator Liang Guoliang has affirmed that the aircraft shown represents the "complete product" of the J-35AE, indicating its readiness for export. The inclusion of a teal-coated electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) is particularly noteworthy. This advanced sensor integration, internally housed within the fuselage, is a hallmark of stealth fighter design, preserving the aircraft's low-observable characteristics that would be compromised by external pods. The presence of such sophisticated technology underscores the maturity and export potential of China's indigenous fighter jet program.

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the plane shown on CCTV was the J-35AE “complete product” that was “ready for export”.

From the perspective of the South China Morning Post, this unveiling is more than just a showcase of military hardware; it represents a strategic move by China to expand its influence and technological partnerships in the global defense arena. While Pakistan has long been a key defense ally, the potential export of a fifth-generation fighter jet signifies a deepening of this relationship and a significant boost to Pakistan's air power capabilities. This development is closely watched by regional and global powers, as it could alter the military balance in South Asia and beyond. The emphasis on the "complete product" and advanced features like the EOTS suggests that China is not just offering a basic airframe but a fully realized, technologically advanced combat platform ready for immediate deployment by its international partners.

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The EOTS is internally integrated into the fuselage, indicating a typical layout for a stealth fighter because using an electro-optical pod would compromise its stealth capabilities. Therefore, it is considered a complete product.