On June 9, 2025, shares of Chinese defence firms soared following Pakistan’s confirmation of a deal to acquire up to 40 J-35A stealth fighter jets, marking China’s first export of fifth-generation aircraft. AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Co., the J-35’s manufacturer, hit its 10% daily trading limit in Shanghai, while Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co. surged 15%, per Bloomberg.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the news on social media, following months of speculation and pilot training in China.
The J-35A, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter after the J-20. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electro-optical targeting systems, and PL-15/PL-17 long-range missiles, it offers stealth, speed (1,367 mph), and deep-strike capabilities, per defence analyst Brandon J. Weichert.
🇨🇳🇵🇰Shares of Chinese defense companies rallied Monday, after Pakistan said it intends to buy one of the Asian power’s most-advanced fighter jets as a part of major arms purchase.
Shares of AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company — the maker of China’s J-35 stealth fighter jet, which is… pic.twitter.com/1IZd7oSChH
— CN Wire (@Sino_Market) June 9, 2025Pakistan anticipates receiving deliveries by August 2025 to replace its ageing F-16s and Mirages, potentially altering South Asia’s airpower balance against India’s non-stealth Rafales and Su-30MKIs.
Reports suggest China offered a 50% discount and favourable payment terms, though Pakistan’s economic crisis raises questions about financing. Critics warn of deepening debt to Beijing. Pakistani pilots are already training in China, signalling rapid integration.
🔵🇨🇳Çin'den 🇵🇰Pakistan'a yeni tedarikler
🔸Pakistan, Çin'den 40 adet beşinci nesil J-35 savaş uçağı, KJ-500 AWACS ve HQ-19 hava savunma sistemi tedarik edecek. pic.twitter.com/oNvLbr7b7F
— Defence Turk (@Defence_Turk) June 6, 2025The deal, finalised after high-level talks including General Zhang Youxia’s November 2024 visit to Islamabad, reflects China-Pakistan’s strategic alliance amid India-Pakistan clashes, like the May 2025 Pahalgam attack. India’s air force, reliant on fourth-generation jets, faces pressure to accelerate its AMCA stealth program, expected by 2032.
Read: China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Nears Mass Production in 2025, Eyes Pakistan Export
Chinese defence stocks rallied after Pakistan claimed its J-10C jets downed Indian aircraft in May, though India denies losses. The J-35 deal validates China’s growing arms export ambitions, challenging Western dominance.
While the deal strengthens Pakistan’s deterrence, unconfirmed claims about J-10C victories and the J-35’s superiority require scrutiny. India’s larger fleet and experience may offset Pakistan’s technological leap.
