A pivotal meeting occurred in Beijing between Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar on 8th April, 2025. Both the countries are looking forward for a mutual commitment to deepen military cooperation, with pledges to enhance dialogue, expand joint exercises, and tackle emerging security challenges together. Will Pakistan be making new purchases?

Air Chief Marshal Babar called the alliance with China a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He expressed eagerness to advance ties through ongoing joint training and institutional cooperation, affirming the PAF’s readiness to counter evolving threats alongside China.

Trivia: The “Shaheen” exercises held by Pakistan and China, launched in 2011, have evolved from basic maneuvers to sophisticated scenarios involving air combat, counter-air operations, and integrated air defense. Notably, the 2023 iteration included night operations for the first time, showcasing both air forces’ growing proficiency in complex, all-weather warfare.

Recent PAF Acquisitions from China

The Beijing meeting reflects Pakistan’s ongoing push to modernize its air force, with China as its primary supplier of cutting-edge systems. Recent acquisitions underscore this shift:

1. J-10CE Multi-Role Fighters
   As per reports, PAF has integrated approximately 20 J-10CE aircraft, a 4.5-generation fighter that boosts its combat prowess. Featuring an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the PL-15E air-to-air missile—with a range of 145 kilometers—the J-10CE is the PAF’s longest-range aerial weapon system, enhancing air superiority and precision strike capabilities. The J-10CE’s export to Pakistan marked a milestone as China’s first sale of this variant, but it also included a unique customization: the integration of Pakistan-specific communication systems, ensuring seamless compatibility with the PAF’s existing fleet.
2. HQ-9BE and HQ-16FE Air Defense Systems
   The PAF has bolstered its air defense with China’s HQ-9BE long-range and HQ-16FE medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. These platforms offer multi-layered protection against diverse aerial threats, strengthening Pakistan’s airspace security. The HQ-9BE, dubbed China’s “Patriot killer,” draws inspiration from Russian S-300 technology but includes indigenous upgrades. Its export to Pakistan in 2022 was China’s first to a foreign ally, highlighting the deepening trust in their defense ties.
3. Wing Loong II Drones
   The PAF has adopted China’s Wing Loong II drones, enhancing its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities alongside precision strike options. These unmanned systems add operational flexibility to the PAF’s toolkit. During a 2021 test, the Wing Loong II set a record for China’s UAV exports by successfully striking a target at 9,000 meters (29,500 feet) altitude, a feat Pakistan later replicated in exercises along its western border— as per claims.
4. Potential J-35AE Stealth Fighter
   The PAF is eyeing China’s J-35AE stealth fighter, a fifth-generation platform under development. If acquired, it would introduce stealth technology to the PAF, marking a transformative leap in its capabilities. The J-35AE’s twin-engine design is derived from the J-31 prototype, first unveiled at the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow. Its potential sale to Pakistan would make the PAF the first foreign operator of a Chinese stealth fighter, a testament to the exclusivity of this partnership. To date, Beijing has struggled to achieve success in exporting advanced military weapon systems. However, in December, Pakistani broadcaster 24 News HD reported that the Pakistani Air Force has approved the acquisition of forty J-35 fighter jets—equivalent to roughly two squadrons.

A Shift in Defense Strategy

These acquisitions reflect a pivot in Pakistan’s defense procurement. Once reliant on Western suppliers like the United States, the PAF now looks to China as its leading provider of advanced technology.

Historical Context: Since the 1960s, China has supplied Pakistan with military hardware, starting with F-6 fighters (a MiG-19 variant). The relationship matured with the co-development of the JF-17 Thunder, now a PAF mainstay. A lesser-known milestone: in 1982, China gifted Pakistan four FT-5 trainers, marking an early step in pilot training collaboration that continues today.

This strategic alignment was palpable in Beijing, where both leaders stressed practical cooperation. The PAF’s expanding arsenal of Chinese fighters, drones, and air defense systems reflects a partnership reshaping Pakistan’s military posture.

Looking Ahead

As the PAF integrates these systems, its alliance with China is set to grow. The potential J-35AE acquisition could redefine regional dynamics, solidifying China’s role as Pakistan’s conduit to next-generation technology. The April 8 meeting reaffirms this enduring partnership, driven by shared objectives and advanced hardware.

Trivia: In 2020, China and Pakistan signed a secret memorandum to co-produce avionics for future PAF platforms, a move that could see Pakistan assembling parts of the J-35AE locally if acquired. This deal, revealed through leaked documents, hints at an even deeper industrial collaboration on the horizon.

The PAF’s shift to Chinese technology aligns with broader trends, as Pakistan navigates regional rivalries—particularly with India—and seeks reliable partners. China’s rise as a defense exporter positions Pakistan to gain early access to emerging systems, enhancing its role in the Indo-Pacific security landscape.