AVIC Releases Image of Pakistan Air Force Pilot Inside J-35A Stealth Fighter Cockpit

Defence affairs analysis

The caption accompanying the image on AVIC’s official channel simply reads: “Buyers gives good reviews,” offering subtle confirmation of the delivery agreement.

In a striking development underscoring deepening military ties between Islamabad and Beijing, a recent social media post by China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) has revealed a Pakistani Air Force (PAF) pilot seated inside the cockpit of the J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter.

The image, published days ago, has further cemented reports that Pakistan has officially acquired the J-35A stealth fighter, marking a major strategic shift in South Asia’s aerial power balance.

It also suggests that PAF pilots are already in China undergoing operational training on the advanced fifth-generation platform, as previously reported by local defence media.

The caption accompanying the image on AVIC’s official channel simply reads: “Buyers gives good reviews,” offering subtle confirmation of the delivery agreement.

Earlier this month, the Pakistani government publicly confirmed its decision to acquire the J-35A stealth fighter, the KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEWC) aircraft, and the long-range HQ-19 air defence system.

“The Chinese military package to Pakistan is a testament to the diplomatic and defence successes under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” the government announcement read.

“These high-technology military assets will significantly boost the capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force and national air defence systems in line with the demands of modern warfare.”

Beijing’s strategic military assistance arrives at a crucial juncture, especially in the wake of heightened tensions following recent skirmishes between Pakistan and India.

The J-35A, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC)—a subsidiary of AVIC—is China’s second indigenously developed fifth-generation fighter aircraft after the J-20 “Mighty Dragon.”

According to credible reports, China is expected to deliver the first batch of these low-observable stealth fighters to the Pakistan Air Force within the coming months.

Earlier reporting by Defence Security Asia indicated that Beijing is expediting the delivery of the J-35A to ensure Pakistan receives the aircraft by the first quarter of 2026.

Citing sources within the Pakistan Air Force, the report stated that China had agreed to accelerate the J-35A delivery schedule by six months to reinforce Pakistan’s strategic deterrent posture.

Pakistan is expected to operate a fleet of approximately 40 J-35A fighters, making it the first foreign operator of China’s fifth-generation combat aircraft.

Senior Pakistani government officials told defence outlet Janes that the delivery of the J-35A to Islamabad will take place in “the coming months.”

“Pakistani Air Force pilots are already in China undergoing training to fly and operate the J-35A,” the senior official confirmed to Janes, further validating the rapid operational integration timeline.