In a game-changing proposition, China is reportedly in talks with Pakistan for Islamabad to procure 40 advanced stealth fighter jets from Beijing. The J-35A is China’s most advanced military aircraft.

If the deal is finalised, Pakistan will be the first and only country globally to have a squadron of the stealth J-35A multi-role fighter jets outside of China. It will also mark the first export of China’s most advanced military aircraft by Beijing.

The J-35A is China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. After United States, China is the only other country in the world to have two 5th-gen military aircraft. Pakistan is looking to replace its ageing fleet of US-made F-16s and the French Mirage fighters.