Pakistan’s fighter dilemma: Pursuing Chinese FC-31 amid Turkish Kaan uncertainty
Very little has been shared regarding the development status of the Shenyang FC-31. (Photo: X/Twitter)
With the Pakistan Air Force acknowledging its intention to procure Chinese J-31/FC-31 fifth-generation aircraft, questions have arisen about Pakistan’s stance on joining Turkey’s TF-X Kaan fighter programme, heightening speculation on the nation’s strategic alliances.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) could acquire FC-31 Chinese stealth fighter jets, according to the service's commander.
Speaking at an induction ceremony for new equipment in early January – including the J-10C Firebird – PAF commander Marshal Zahir Ahmed Babar revealed that his country was interested in buying the Chinese jets, but did not disclose specifics regarding any acquisition plans.
The J-31 (also known as the ‘Falcon Eagle’ in Chinese) is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter domestically developed by China. Its export variant is designated as the FC-31.
As Pakistan contemplates its next move in the pursuit of advanced fighter capabilities, the complexities of
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![China unveils new military kit and demonstrates technological prowess]()
China unveils new military kit and demonstrates technological prowess
From the J-35A twin-engine fighter and the CH-7 stealth surveillance platform, to the Smart-configuration Support UAV and JARI-USV-A unmanned surface vessel, China has been showcasing its ability to project military power through recent technological innovations.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Babcock Immersive Training Experience debuts in US]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Babcock Immersive Training Experience debuts in US
Named BITE, the system simulates the battlefield environment with multiple sensorial stimuli.
-
![What Saudi Arabia’s GCAP involvement could mean for the UK]()
What Saudi Arabia’s GCAP involvement could mean for the UK
Analysts have said that making space for the country in the sixth-gen fighter aircraft initiative could give the UK a chance to ease the financial burden of the aircraft’s development.
-
![Rheinmetall locks in $950 million purchase of US company to strengthen position]()
Rheinmetall locks in $950 million purchase of US company to strengthen position
Rheinmetall is working to open up the US market and the potential billions of dollars on offer. In order to get in the door it has purchased engineering company Loc Performance Products.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: US Army and University of Southern California to develop portable ship simulator]()
I/ITSEC 2024: US Army and University of Southern California to develop portable ship simulator
The solution will enable training soldiers for multi-domain operations.
-
![Romania signs for 1,059 Otokar Cobra II vehicles]()
Romania signs for 1,059 Otokar Cobra II vehicles
The deal was signed after Otokar became the last bidder standing. The first 278 vehicles will be manufactured in Turkey and the rest built in Romania.
