China is set to deliver its advanced Shenyang FC-31 ‘Gyrfalcon’ stealth multirole fighter jets to Pakistan, according to a senior Pakistani official cited by Janes, a respected UK-based defense intelligence outlet.
The official disclosed that the fifth-generation jets are expected to begin arriving in Pakistan within the next few months. Pakistani Air Force (PAF) pilots are currently undergoing training in China to operate the aircraft. However, key details such as the cost and signing date of the deal remain confidential.
Read more: How China Assisted Pakistan in Downing Indian fighter jets?
In a separate May statement to Janes, another Pakistani official confirmed the aircraft would be equipped with China’s PL-17 air-to-air missiles, which boast an estimated range of 400 kilometers—significantly enhancing Pakistan’s long-range aerial combat capabilities.
Though the exact number of jets has not been officially confirmed, earlier reports from Janes suggested Pakistan is considering purchasing between 30 and 40 FC-31s.
This marks Pakistan’s first acquisition of a major Chinese defense platform since heightened tensions with India earlier in May. The recent conflict reportedly involved airspace violations and the downing of multiple Indian jets—claims partially confirmed by Indian military sources.
Once delivered, the FC-31 jets will join Pakistan’s modern aerial arsenal, which already includes the jointly developed Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 fighters.
