Has China given the first sign it’s ready to export its J-35A fighter jet to Pakistan?
Pourquoi c'est important
China has previously displayed small models of the J-35A at international defense exhibitions. This marks the first time a full operational model of the export variant, the J-35AE, has been shown.
In the programme aired on Friday night, the aircraft had the AVIC acronym, rather than the People’s Liberation Army Air Force logo, a sign it is an export variant.
China has shown small models of the J-35A at international defence exhibitions, but it was the first time the export variant of the aircraft, dubbed the J-35AE, has been unveiled as a full operational model.
Hong Kong military commentator Liang Guoliang said the plane shown on CCTV was the J-35AE “complete product” that was “ready for export”.
The J-35AE shown in the footage is equipped with a teal-coated electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), signalling advanced sensor maturity and survivability against infrared tracking, laser interference and multi-spectrum detection.
“The EOTS is internally integrated into the fuselage, indicating a typical layout for a stealth fighter because using an electro-optical pod would compromise its stealth capabilities. Therefore, it is considered a complete product,” Liang said.
Questions ouvertes
- What is the specific price point for the J-35AE?
- Which countries are potential buyers for the J-35AE?
- What are the full specifications of the J-35AE's EOTS?
- What is the expected delivery timeline for export orders?
