Pakistan announces its intention to acquire the J-31/FC-31 “Gyrfalcon,” China’s upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.

The Chief of the Pakistan Air Force has disclosed the force's intention to acquire the Chinese fifth-generation fighter jet J-31/FC-31 "Gyrfalcon" in the near future.

During a ceremony at an airbase, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sidhu, head of the Pakistan Air Force, provided an overview of the latest additions to the PAF's arsenal, including Chinese 4.5-generation J-10C fighters, C-130H military transport aircraft, as well as Airbus-319, Boeing 737, Piper M-600 transport planes, and Beechcraft King Air 350i aircraft. The Air Chief also highlighted recent additions of modern radars, unmanned aerial systems such as Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci (of Turkish origin), and indigenous Shahpar-II drones, along with loitering munitions, swarm drones, and long-range vectors, significantly bolstering the country's air defense capabilities.

The Pakistan Air Force became the first export customer for the J-10C "Vigorous Dragon" and now seeks to become the first foreign operator of the FC-31 "Gyrfalcon" (export designation for the J-35 for the Chinese Navy), a fifth-generation stealth fighter aiming to compete in capabilities with the American F-35.

As per the PAF chief's statements, "the groundwork has already been laid for the acquisition of the stealth combat aircraft J-31."

Similar to how the induction of the J-10C was Pakistan's response to the arrival of the Dassault Rafale in the Indian Air Force (IAF), the PAF aims to continue maintaining technological balance with its adversary, which is developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet program, by adopting the Chinese FC-31.

The recent announcement comes as somewhat surprising, considering that in August 2023, it was announced that Pakistan was close to finalizing an agreement to participate in the development of the Turkish fifth-generation fighter KAAN, which was expected to make its maiden flight on December 27 but was ultimately postponed to an undefined date.

While the longstanding strategic partnership between Beijing and Islamabad is robust, enabling Pakistan to access the latest Chinese military export technology ahead of others, it remains challenging to believe that the FC-31 will bear the PAF insignia in the "near future," given that the aircraft is not yet in production, nor is the J-35, a crucial future component of the air wing for the conventional take-off and landing aircraft carrier 'Fujian'.

Pakistan confirms Su-35 talks

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has discussed buying Su-35 'Flanker-E' fighter aircraft from Russia in potentially the largest defence deal between the two countries, but a final decision is yet to be made.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov had said talks were underway for an unspecified number of Su-35s, which follow a recent agreement to provide Mi-35M 'Hind E' attack helicopters to Islamabad.
While the official said "it's too early to say if a deal will conclude and the terms", the fact that discussions have taken place shows Russia's willingness to sell advanced hardware with Pakistan despite Moscow's longstanding ties with India.
The official said Pakistan's interest in the Su-35 was driven by the PAF's need for a twin-engine fighter "that can fly for a longer range than the JF-17 and penetrate more deeply into the enemy's territory". The PAF flies a mixed fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16s, Dassault Mirage-5s, Chinese-manufactured F-7s, and the JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly produced by China and Pakistan.
Pakistan is in discussions with China to buy 30 to 40 FC-31s - the export version of China's J-31 fifth-generation platform, because it is fitted with two RD-93 Russian Klimov engines, which also powers the JF-17. PAF in the past also considered the purchase of up to 40 Chengdu J-10 fighters.
janes

Former China PLAAF Pilot says Argentina has bought J-10 'Typhoon beater'

A former PLAAF pilot has published an article on China Military Online advocating that Argentina buys the J-10B combat aircraft
Argentine-Chinese talks on aerospace co-operation have previously focused on the less capable JF-17 FC-1.
China Military Online, the website of the semi-official PLA Daily newspaper, has published an analysis advancing the case for China to supply the Argentine Air Force with the J-10B combat aircraft rather than the CAC/PAC JF-17/FC-1. The article was published a week after the visit to China by Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner early this month and the reported establishment of a joint Chinese-Argentine fighter aircraft working group.
janes

Argentina and China agree fighter aircraft working group

Argentina and China are to form a working group to look at the possible introduction into Argentine Air Force (FAA) service of a new Chinese fighter type.
The working group, which was discussed during a visit by between Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to Beijing, will look at the possible transfer of a range of military equipment to Buenos Aries. Chief among this equipment is either the Chengdu FC-1/JF-17 or the J-10 fighter aircraft.
Ahead of any transfer of aircraft, the working group will examine means by which the FAA might integrate such aircraft into its inventory, and support them once in service. Argentina stands to receive 14 fighter aircraft should the proposed transfer go ahead.
For some years now, Argentina has been trying to replace its antiquated and increasingly unserviceable Mirage IIIEA, Dagger, and A-4 Skyhawk fighter fleets with a newer and more capable type.
News of the Argentine-Chinese working group comes weeks after it was reported that Russia had courted Argentina with the possible lease of Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer' strike aircraft. While the UK Ministry of Defence took these reports seriously enough to review the defence of the Falkland Islands, the Su-24s would have no really operational utility for the FAA.
Other, more realistic, options that have been touted over recent months include surplus Spanish Mirage F1s, Israeli Kfirs, and Saab Gripen E/Fs. All of these appear to have stalled for either economic or political reasons.
The Chinese FC-1/JF-17 has also been previously touted as a possible option for the FAA.
janes

Pakistan wants to buy Chinese FC-31 (J-31) stealth aircraft

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has expressed interest in procuring fourth generation stealth fighter aircraft FC-31 from China.
It is for the first time that a senior government functionary has confirmed talks with China over purchase of the longer-range stealth aircraft — an issue that has been a subject of speculation in defence circles since the 10th edition of the Zhuhai Air Show (China) held earlier this month, when the aircraft was unveiled.
The FC-31 is being developed by China primarily for the export market. Chinese officials claim that several countries have expressed interest in the aircraft believed to be comparable to US F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
What particularly interests the PAF is that FC-31 prototype (J-31) and JF-17 use the same Russian Klimov RD-93 engines.
China and Pakistan had earlier co-produced JF-17 Thunder. Pakistan has been eagerly trying to market this fighter aircraft.
Pakistan, which is at present producing Block-2 of JF-17 at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, is eyeing orders from countries in the Middle East and Africa.
dawn.com

China Plans To Export J-31 Stealth Fighter

China plans to export its stealthy twin-engine J-31 fighter, which would become the first aircraft of its kind available to global customers who cannot afford the Lockheed Martin F-35. The fighter is similar in configuration to the single-engine F-35 stealth fighter.
The J-31 export revelation occurred in the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Exhibition Hall.
Chinese fighters are designated with a “J” for fighter and “FC” for export,” and this is the first time the J-31 has been referred to as the FC-31.
Though overcast, a J-31 performed a demonstration flight during the preshow tour, as did the Russian Su-35 multirole fighter. China and Russia are expected to sign a deal for export of the Su-35 sometime later this month.
defensenews