Last year, Pakistan announced its decision to acquire Chinese J-35 stealth fighter jets. Reports from local media indicate that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has placed an order for 40 units of these advanced aircraft. Following Operation Sindoor, it is anticipated that China may deliver several J-35 jets to Pakistan within the next two to three months.
In a notable development, Egypt has emerged as another Muslim nation expressing interest in the Chinese stealth fighter jets. A high-ranking Egyptian officer has reportedly shown enthusiasm for these aircraft, signaling a potential shift in the country's defense procurement strategy.
As per reports from a Morocco-based news outlet, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fuad Abdel Gawad indicated interest in the J-35 during the recent 'Eagles of Civilization 2025' military exercises, a joint operation with China held at Wadi Abu Rish Air Base.
The 'Eagles of Civilization 2025' exercise marked the first-ever joint air drills between the Egyptian Air Force and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Conducted at an airbase southeast of Cairo, the exercise featured various Chinese aircraft, including J-10C multirole fighters, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, Y-20 transport planes, and YU-20 aerial tankers.
The J-35, also referred to as the FC-31 or Gyrfalcon in China, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. This multi-role aircraft boasts advanced avionics and is designed for diverse combat missions, capable of evading enemy radar and engaging both aerial and ground targets.