A recent revelation by a Pakistani journalist on Samaa TV has brought to light that Pakistani pilots are undergoing training with Chinese instructors in Gilgit Baltistan, reportedly on advanced J-35A stealth fighter jets. This development, if confirmed, carries significant strategic implications for the region, particularly given the sensitive geopolitical dynamics involving Pakistan, India, and China.

Just a caveat: this statement could be part of Information Warfare/ IW by Pakistani establishment. Below, we explore the importance of this incident and its potential impact on regional security and power dynamics.

Gilgit Baltistan, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, is a region of immense strategic value due to its geographic position. Bordering India, China, and close to Afghanistan and Central Asia, it serves as a critical junction for military and economic activities. The region is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which connects China’s Xinjiang province to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. The presence of Chinese military trainers in Gilgit Baltistan signals an escalation of Beijing’s military engagement in a region that India claims as part of its territory, further complicating the already tense India-Pakistan relationship.

The choice of Gilgit Baltistan for this training is notable. Its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between India and Pakistan in Kashmir, makes any military activity in the region highly sensitive. Training Pakistani pilots here could enhance Pakistan’s operational readiness in a potential conflict zone, particularly in the challenging high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas. Moreover, it underscores China’s growing willingness to project military influence in a region critical to its economic and strategic interests.

The J-35A and China’s Military Support

Reports suggest that the training involves Pakistan’s acquisition of 30 J-35A stealth fighter jets from China, with deliveries expected by August 2025. These jets, offered at a reported 50% discount, represent a significant upgrade to Pakistan’s air force capabilities. The J-35A is a modern stealth fighter designed to compete with advanced aircraft like India’s Rafale and Su-30 MKI. Training Pakistani pilots on these jets in Gilgit Baltistan indicates a focused effort to prepare for high-intensity aerial operations, potentially in response to recent India-Pakistan clashes, such as those following India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

This training program is part of a broader pattern of Chinese military support to Pakistan. Pakistan’s Chinese-made J-10C jets, equipped with PL-15 air-to-air missiles, performed poorly against Indian aircraft during recent hostilities. Some reports claiming that the air defence being provided by Chinese AD systems to terror camps inside Pakistan failed miserably when India hit deep inside Pakistan on May 7th.