Even at half the price, is this Chinese jet proving costly for bankrupt Pakistan

In a flash sale–like deal for Pakistan, China is reportedly offering a 50% discount on the J-35A, its most advanced fighter jet, to its 'iron brother.' The aircraft is marketed as an alternative to the U.S.'s F-35. The deal for 40 jets comes at a time when Pakistan’s economy is faltering.

Pak Finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s announcement of a 20% hike in the country’s defence budget to ₹2.5 trillion, which comes amid the advanced weapons deals. On the other hand the government has cancelled 118 development projects worth ₹1,000 billion (PKR).

The Shehbaz Sharif government has slashed the national budget by 7% to 17.57 trillion rupees ($62 billion) for the current fiscal with minimal resistance from the political circles.


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The J-35A, a twin-engine, multi-role fighter equipped with PL-17 missiles and advanced AESA radar, promises to enhance Pakistan’s air superiority and strike capabilities. Pakistan Air Force has already approved the purchase, and various agencies have reported that pilots are already training in China.

The western neighbour’s approximately 80% of weapons arsenal is made up of Chinese weapons. Pakistan used Chinese weapons such asJ-10C fighters and HQ-9 air defence systems against India in the recent conflict. The 40 J-35A fighter jet deal in addition to the 50% discount also comes with liberal payment terms with deliveries starting as soon as August.

India has opposed to loans to Pakistan

Earlier this year, Pakistan secured an $800 million loan from the Asian Development Bank. This followed a $1 billion tranche from the International Monetary Fund, part of a broader $7 billion bailout programme. The latest IMF bailout package is the country's 28th in the past 35 years.

India has publicly opposed both, arguing the funds could be diverted to support terrorism rather than their intended development use.

Pakistan Foreign minister Ishaq Dar is busy trying to portray his country as a stabilising force and India as the aggressor. He has been engaging with Gulf states, EU and the UN to counter the terrorism narrative against Pakistan.

These efforts include back-channel talks and leveraging the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to secure economic lifelines from Beijing. During a recent visit to China, Dar thanked Beijing for its support during the India-Pakistan conflict, highlighting it as an “iron-clad” relationship.

(With inputs from TOI)