On Monday, shares of major Chinese defense firms surged after confirmation that Pakistan will be acquiring advanced J-35 stealth fighter jets from China, as reported by Bloomberg.
The announcement led to a significant market response. AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Co., the J-35 manufacturer, hit its daily trading limit of 10% in Shanghai, marking a third consecutive day of gains. Meanwhile, Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co. saw its shares rise by as much as 15%, driven by investor excitement surrounding the deal.
The market rally coincided with Pakistan’s official statement on social media announcing its intent to purchase the J-35s, putting an end to weeks of speculation. Pakistani officials had previously suggested that pilots were already in China for training, indicating that deliveries could begin as early as August.
The procurement of J-35 fighter jets is expected to modernize Pakistan’s aging air fleet, replacing older models such as the F-16s and Mirages. The J-35A, China’s second fifth-generation fighter following the Chengdu J-20, is manufactured by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It incorporates stealth technology, AESA radar, electro-optical targeting systems, and advanced avionics, which are designed to enhance situational awareness and operational precision.
Defense analyst Brandon J. Weichert commented that the stealth capabilities of this aircraft provide deep-strike options, potentially bolstering Pakistan’s aerial prowess, particularly against Indian air defense systems. Its design features a reduced radar profile and the capacity to carry long-range PL-15 and PL-17 missiles, giving Pakistan a strategic edge in beyond-visual-range engagements.
With speeds reaching up to 1,367 mph and powered by either Russian RD-93 or Chinese WS-19 engines, the J-35A offers advanced specifications that position it as a significant asset in Pakistan’s defense arsenal.
As pilots continue their training and delivery dates draw closer, the deal for the J-35 fighter jets represents a pivotal transition in regional air superiority dynamics, attracting international attention and elevating investor confidence in China’s defense manufacturing sector.
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