Comment by Riaz Haq 14 hours ago

, with reports indicating a potential acquisition of around 40 units of the export variant, known as the J-35AE or J-35A. [1, 2, 3]

Overview of the Deal

• The Aircraft: The J-35 is a twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It features low-observable stealth design, advanced avionics, and sensor fusion capabilities. [1, 2, 3]

• Proposed Acquisition: Reports and state-media showings point to Pakistan negotiating or lining up an order for roughly 40 jets, potentially packaged alongside complementary Chinese systems like KJ-500 airborne early-warning and control aircraft and HQ-19 missile defense systems. [1, 2, 3]

• Timeline & Status: While discussions and pilot training teasers have circulated, full integration and delivery timelines have faced debate and potential shifting schedules into late 2026 or beyond as China balances domestic People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) expansions and manufacturing capacity. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Strategic Context and Factors

• Shift from U.S. Hardware: Pakistan has historically relied heavily on American F-16 fighter jets, though recent U.S. strings attached—such as technical security teams and base monitoring rules—as well as aging fleets have accelerated Islamabad's pivot toward Chinese military hardware. [1, 2]

• The U.S. Factor: The U.S. recently outlined a $686 million upgrade package for Pakistan's existing F-16 fleet (extending them through 2040). Analysts note that introducing Chinese stealth technology into a military that simultaneously hosts U.S. technical monitors creates sensitive security dynamics regarding technology protection. [1]

• Regional Impact: Most users on Quora agree that acquiring a 5th-generation stealth platform would reshape South Asian air power dynamics, potentially pressuring India to accelerate its own indigenous stealth development. Meanwhile, some discussion on Reddit's r/airplanes highlights that full operational integration may take until closer to 2030 to build out necessary infrastructure and training. [1, 2]

Comment by Riaz Haq 8 hours ago

Pakistan’s Hangor submarine successfully fires anti-ship cruise missile in Arabian Sea weapon test

https://www.arabnews.pk/pakistan/pakistans-hangor-submarine-success...


Hangor engaged the designated target with precision, validating its weapon systems, combat readiness, operational effectiveness
The demonstration comes nearly two weeks after a collision involving Pakistani and Indian naval ships in the northern Arabian Sea

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy’s newly inducted submarine, Hangor, has successfully fired an anti-ship cruise missile during its maiden live weapon test in the northern Arabian Sea, the Pakistani military said on Sunday, describing the exercise as a demonstration of the vessel’s combat readiness and operational capability.

In June this year, Pakistan’s navy announced the arrival of PNS/M Hangor, the first of a new class of submarines being acquired under a major defense collaboration with China. The move is expected to strengthen the country’s maritime deterrence and undersea warfare capabilities.

​In a major demonstration of operational readiness, the submarine accurately engaged a designated long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile in the North Arabian Sea on Sunday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media arm.

Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff ​Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and praised the submarine’s combat power, emphasizing the strategic importance of enhancing subsurface capabilities of the force for credible maritime deterrence.

“Hangor engaged the designated target with precision, validating its weapon systems, combat readiness and operational effectiveness,” Pakistan Navy said in a separate statement.

“The successful firing marked an important milestone in the operationalization of PNS/M HANGOR and demonstrated the growing strength of Pakistan Navy’s subsurface warfare capabilities.”

The demonstration comes nearly two weeks after a collision involving Pakistani and Indian naval ships in northern Arabian Sea, which prompted both countries to summon the other’s top diplomat and protest it.

The collision occurred on Sept. 15 when Pakistan Navy was undertaking its biennial exercise SEASPARK-26 and an Indian vessel carried out “aggressive maneuvers in dangerously close proximity of Pakistani naval ship” that resulted in contact between the two vessels, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry.

India earlier summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat over the collision, its external affairs ministry said, describing the incident as “unacceptable and unprofessional” and asking Pakistan to ensure its military units exercise caution.

This ⁠was the first overt military tension between the nuclear-armed neighbors since they engaged in a fierce, four-day military conflict last year that raised fears of a wider war before a ceasefire was reached.

Pakistan’s Hangor submarine is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, air independent propulsion (AIP) technology, and enhanced stealth features, according to Pakistan Navy. Its induction is expected to expand the navy’s warfare capabilities as it seeks to safeguard sea lanes and strategic maritime interests.

“The milestone underscores the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining a modern, combat-ready force to safeguard national maritime frontiers and regional peace,” Pakistan Navy said, following Sunday’s live weapon test.

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Pakistan has conducted key tests of its submarine-launched missile capabilities, most notably the Babur-3(SLCM) nuclear-capable cruise missile, as well as recent live-fire anti-ship missile tests from its newly inducted Hangor-class submarine. [1, 2, 3]

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