Pakistan is reportedly considering the acquisition of FC-31 stealth fighter jets, a state-of-the-art aircraft developed by China’s Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The FC-31, a single-seat, twin-engine, medium fighter, is comparable to the US F-35. If integrated into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fleet, these stealth fighters would significantly enhance PAF’s capabilities and potentially open up international markets for Chinese aircraft, as reported by the Global Times.
According to Beijing-based military expert Wei Dongxu, the FC-31 boasts strong air combat capabilities, including stealth advantages that allow it to detect opponents first and execute surprise attacks. The aircraft is noted for its exceptional situational awareness and versatile munition-carrying capacity, encompassing air-to-air missiles, precision bombs, air-to-ground and air-to-surface missiles.
Pakistan has a history of utilizing Chinese weaponry, including J-10C and JF-17 fighter jets, HQ-9BE and HQ-16FE surface-to-air missile systems, and the YLC-8E anti-stealth 3D surveillance radar systems. The potential addition of FC-31 to PAF’s arsenal is expected to provide a strategic advantage over rivals, with quick delivery differentiating it as a generational leap.
Wei Dongxu believes that Pakistan’s main adversary is unlikely to acquire similar stealth fighter jets in the near future. Furthermore, if Pakistan finalizes the deal, it could pave the way for other countries, particularly in the Middle East, to follow suit. This, in turn, would showcase the competitiveness of Chinese aircraft to a broader international audience, benefiting China in terms of market expansion.
