5th Generation Fighter Jet: The Russia–Ukraine war and the escalating Iran–Israel–US conflict have reshaped the global geopolitical landscape. As the world moves towards a more volatile and militarised phase, several countries have intensified the use of advanced weaponry, drones, and long-range missiles.
Amid escalating tensions, China recently unveiled a new variant of the fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter jet. This multi-role fighter is designed to compete with the United States’ F-35 Lightning II in the international weapons market, with the first customer likely to be Pakistan.
India finds itself navigating a complex security environment as defence ties deepen between China and Pakistan. The development coincides with the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the counter-terror response operation which saw fierce aerial combat between India and Pakistan. As of early 2026, India does not currently have 5th-generation fighter jets. In such a situation, what happens if Pakistan receives China’s 5th-generation stealth fighter?
ALSO READ: Rafale, F-35, MiG-29, Tejas: How do fighter jets get their names? Here’s how countries choose names for combat aircraft
What is J-35AE?
J-35AE, the Chinese jet in question, is a land-based export variant of the J-35, jointly operated by the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) and People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the J35-A was first presented as a scale model in 2025 during the Paris Air Show.
Since then, Beijing appears to have moved into the production of full-fledged fighter jets. China Central Television featured a J-35A model with serial number 001 emerging from a hangar during the “2026 May 1st International Labour Day ‘Heart to Heart’ Special Programme”. The fighter featured the logo of AVIC, China’s largest military aircraft manufacturer, a sign that it was built for exports. The report also mentioned that this is the first instance where an export variant of the J-35, dubbed the J-35AE, has been introduced as a full operational system.
ALSO READ: One year of Operation Sindoor: When India became first nation to strike 11 airbases of a nuclear-armed country
What are the key features?
The J-35 series is China’s second 5th-generation fighter featuring full stealth capabilities after the J-20, which is seen as a response to the US Lockheed Martin’s F-35. This twin-engine jet is equipped with modern radar, an internal weapons bay, and infrared systems.
Reports indicate that aircraft in the J-35 family have a top speed of Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,220–2,230 km/h), an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and can carry a variety of weapons, including PL-15 or equivalents. The jet also integrates modern sensors for enhanced targeting and survivability.
Is India likely to face a new air power challenge?
At present, the Indian Air Force (IAF) largely depends on 4.5-generation fighters such as the Rafale and Su-30MKI. The country is developing its own fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The first test flight is likely to be around 2028, with the potential operational capability by the mid-2030s. The potential delivery of the Chinese aircraft to Pakistan has now raised security concerns.
What is the difference in the price of Tejas and J-35AE?
According to a report by Indian Defense News, China is promoting this aircraft as a lower-cost alternative to the US F-35 in the international defense market. Its estimated price is between $35 million and $80 million (Rs 754 crore) per unit. Interestingly, the Tejas MK-1A is estimated to cost between Rs 600 and 640 crore per unit.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: Who is Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik? Know how he slipped through enemy defences, struck deep inside Pakistan terror camps, he is from…
