An Analysis of Pakistan’s Choice of J-35 Over J-20

Pakistan’s decision to acquire the Shenyang J-35A (also referred to as FC-31 or J-31 in earlier iterations) over the Chengdu J-20 from China is a complex choice driven by economic, strategic, operational, and technical factors. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination, including a detailed technical comparison and the reasons behind Pakistan’s preference, based on available information up to May 24, 2025.

Technical Analysis of J-35A vs. J-20

To understand Pakistan’s choice, a technical comparison of the two aircraft is essential. Both are fifth-generation fighters, but their design philosophies and capabilities differ significantly.

Shenyang J-35A

Type and Role: The J-35A is a fifth-generation, multirole stealth fighter, designed for both air superiority and ground attack missions. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of operational needs.
Dimensions: It has a length of approximately 16.9 meters and a wingspan of about 11.5 meters, making it smaller and lighter than the J-20. This enhances agility and ease of maintenance, which is crucial for Pakistan’s logistical capabilities.
Stealth Capabilities: The J-35A features a low radar cross-section (RCS) with a sleek design, including canted vertical stabilizers and internal weapons bays. While not as stealthy as the J-20, it is sufficient for regional threats, with reports suggesting an RCS comparable to other stealth fighters like the F-35, though slightly higher due to its design .
Engines: Powered by two Guizhou WS-13E or WS-21 engines, with thrust around 87.2–93.2 kN each with afterburner (approximately 9-10 tons total). These engines provide adequate performance for multirole missions, with recent reports indicating potential upgrades for better fuel efficiency and thrust .
Avionics: Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite, and data-linking capabilities for network-centric warfare. It includes a modern glass cockpit and helmet-mounted displays, making it export-friendly and easier to integrate into existing systems.
Weapons: Features internal weapons bays for stealth missions, supporting air-to-air missiles like PL-15 and PL-10, and precision-guided munitions for ground attack. External hardpoints allow for increased payload in non-stealth missions, with a total weapons payload capacity of up to 8,000 kilograms .
Performance: Estimated top speed of Mach 1.8, with a combat radius of approximately 1,200 km. Its high maneuverability is suited for both air combat and strike missions, aligning with Pakistan’s operational needs.
Cost: Estimated at ~$60-70 million per unit, making it a cost-effective option for export markets, as highlighted in recent defense analysis.

Chengdu J-20

Type and Role: The J-20 is a fifth-generation, air superiority stealth fighter, designed primarily for long-range interception and deep-penetration missions. It is less focused on multirole capabilities compared to the J-35A.
Dimensions: Larger airframe, with a length of ~20.4 meters and wingspan of ~12.9 meters, allowing greater payload and fuel capacity but slightly increasing RCS and complexity.
Stealth Capabilities: Superior stealth with a lower RCS due to advanced design, including canard configuration and extensive use of radar-absorbent materials. Optimized for high-altitude, long-range missions, it is considered one of the stealthiest fighters globally .
Engines: Powered by two WS-15 engines, with thrust ~18 tons each with afterburners, enabling supercruise (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners). This offers superior speed and range compared to the J-35A.
Avionics: Features advanced AESA radar, electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), and distributed aperture system (DAS) for 360-degree situational awareness. Its sensor fusion is cutting-edge, designed for air dominance, but restricted for export due to sensitive technology.
Weapons: Larger internal bays for long-range air-to-air missiles (e.g., PL-15, PL-21) and limited ground-attack capability. External hardpoints are rarely used to maintain stealth, limiting flexibility in multirole scenarios.
Performance: Top speed ~Mach 2.0, with a combat radius of ~2,000 km, making it ideal for long-range interception but less suited for the diverse mission profiles Pakistan requires.
Cost: Estimated at ~$100-120 million per unit, reflecting its advanced technology and limited export potential, as China prioritizes it for its own air force .

**J-35 can carry a variety of air to air and air to ground weapons compared to J20 which focuses on air to air role.

Above table highlights the J-35A’s suitability for Pakistan’s needs, balancing cost, versatility, and operational fit.

Reasons for Choosing J-35A Over J-20

Pakistan’s choice is driven by several factors, as evidenced by recent reports and analyses:

Economic Viability:
- The J-35A’s lower unit cost (~$60-70 million vs. $100-120 million for the J-20) aligns with Pakistan’s defense budget constraints. Given economic challenges, maintaining and operating the J-20’s advanced systems would strain logistics and finances, whereas the J-35A offers a balance of capability and affordability .
Export Availability:
- China has been reluctant to export the J-20 due to its strategic role in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and sensitive technologies (e.g., WS-15 engines, advanced stealth coatings). In contrast, the J-35A was designed with export potential in mind, making it more accessible for allies like Pakistan. Reports from May 2025 confirm that Pakistani pilots have begun training on the J-35A in China, with deliveries expected as early as Q1 2026 .
Operational Suitability:
- Pakistan’s primary threat is India, with its mix of non-stealth fighters (e.g., Su-30, Rafale) and delayed indigenous programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), unlikely to enter service before 2034 . The J-35A’s stealth, AESA radar, and multirole capabilities are sufficient to counter these threats, especially in air-to-air and precision strike roles. The J-20’s focus on air superiority is less critical for Pakistan’s balanced mission requirements, which include replacing aging Mirage III/V and F-16 aircraft. J-35 focuses on all types of missions as multirole platform.
Regional Strategic Balance:
- The J-35A’s reported delivery timeline (Q1 2026) and ongoing pilot training allow Pakistan to quickly bolster its air force, gaining a stealth advantage over India’s current fleet. This fast-tracked acquisition is crucial for maintaining a regional edge, especially as India faces delays in its fifth-generation fighter programs .
Logistics and Maintenance:
- The J-35A’s smaller size and less complex systems simplify maintenance and integration into the PAF’s existing infrastructure. The PAF is accustomed to operating lighter fighters like the JF-17 Thunder, making the J-35A a more practical choice compared to the larger and more complex J-20, which would require more sophisticated logistics .
Technology Transfer Potential:
- Pakistan’s history of co-producing the JF-17 with China suggests potential for local assembly or maintenance of the J-35A, reducing costs and enhancing self-reliance. Recent reports from April 2025 highlight discussions during high-level visits to Beijing, focusing on technology transfers and joint development . The J-20’s restricted technology makes such arrangements unlikely.
Geopolitical Alignment:
- China’s strategic interest in strengthening Pakistan against India drives the J-35A’s export. By equipping Pakistan with a fifth-generation fighter, China enhances its regional influence and tests the J-35A’s capabilities in a real-world context, boosting its export market appeal. Reports from May 2025 suggest this alignment is intensifying, with Pakistan poised to receive deliveries soon .

Current Status and Recent Developments

As of May 24, 2025, reports confirm that Pakistan has reportedly approved the acquisition of 40 J-35 stealth fighters, with some sources claiming deliveries have already occurred.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s choice of the J-35A over the J-20 is a pragmatic decision driven by cost, availability, and operational suitability. The J-35A’s multirole capabilities, modern stealth, and export-friendly design meet Pakistan’s needs for a versatile, affordable fifth-generation fighter to counter regional threats and modernize its air force. While the J-20 is superior in stealth and air superiority, it is too costly, complex, and strategically sensitive for Pakistan’s requirements, given its economic and logistical constraints.

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