Pakistan plans to procure FC-31 stealth fighter jets, a single-seat, twin-engine, medium fighter comparable only to the US’ F-35, developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), according to a report in the Chinese media.

The induction of the stealth fighter jets into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fleet would not only significantly, enhance the capabilities of the PAF, but also open up the international market for the Chinese aircraft, Global Times reported.

“The FC-31 has strong comprehensive air combat capabilities, including its stealth advantages that allow it to spot opponents first and launch surprise attacks,” Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times.

“The aircraft has outstanding situational awareness and can carry a wide selection of munitions, including air-to-air missiles besides the precision bombs as well as air-to-ground and air-to-surface missiles,” Wei said.

The PAF has long been using weapons and equipment procured from China, including J-10C medium fighter jets, JF-17 light fighter jets, HQ-9BE long-range surface-to-air missile systems, HQ-16FE mid-to-long-range surface-to-air missile systems and the YLC-8E anti-stealth 3D surveillance radar systems.

Experts said that the FC-31 would allow the PAF to enjoy a generational gap over its rivals with fast delivery. Wei said that Pakistan’s main rival was unlikely to get the stealth fighter jets anytime soon.

The purchase plan would also benefit China, Wei said, noting that if Pakistan finalised the deal, other countries, particularly those from the Middle East, could also follow, and more potential customers would get to know how competitive the Chinese aircraft was.