Pakistan Emerges as the Main Buyer of Chinese Fighter Jets, Pentagon Report Reveals

China’s Growing Role in the Global Arms Market

According to the Pentagon’s annual assessment to the U.S. Congress, China is now the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter. While Chinese weapons are finding buyers across multiple regions, Pakistan stands out as China’s most important defense partner, particularly in the aviation sector.

The report notes that China’s defense exports increasingly include advanced systems such as fighter aircraft, drones, and air defense platforms, signaling Beijing’s ambition to compete more directly with traditional arms exporters like the United States and Russia.

Pakistan: Key Recipient of Chinese Combat Aircraft

The Pentagon report identifies Pakistan as the leading recipient of Chinese combat aircraft, with deliveries focused on strengthening the Pakistan Air Force’s frontline capabilities. Most notably, China has supplied Pakistan with J-10C multirole fighter jets, a modern fourth-generation aircraft equipped with advanced radar systems and long-range air-to-air missiles.

Pakistan is currently the only country known to operate the J-10C outside China, making it a flagship example of China’s high-end arms exports.

Strategic Context: Regional Air Power Balance

The acquisition of J-10C fighters is widely viewed as part of Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its air force amid regional competition. These aircraft are seen as enhancing Pakistan’s air combat capabilities, particularly in response to India’s induction of Rafale fighter jets.

Beyond direct purchases, the China-Pakistan defense relationship also includes joint development programs, most notably the JF-17 Thunder, which has become the backbone of Pakistan’s air force and has been exported to other countries as well.

What About China’s Stealth Fighters?

While speculation has circulated about Pakistan acquiring China’s next-generation stealth aircraft, the Pentagon report clarifies that Pakistan is not currently purchasing the J-35 stealth fighter. Although interest in Chinese stealth platforms is reportedly growing among several countries, no confirmed deal exists between China and Pakistan for fifth-generation fighters at this time.

Strengthening a Long-Standing Military Partnership

The report reinforces the view that China and Pakistan maintain one of the closest defense partnerships in the world. From fighter jets and drones to naval platforms and missile systems, China remains Pakistan’s most reliable and consistent defense supplier.

Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration