Pakistan is set to acquire the Chinese FC-31 Gyrfalcon fifth-generation fighter, according to head of the Pakistan Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was speaking Jan. 2 at an induction ceremony for new equipment — which included J-10C Firebird fighters — when he said the FC-31 would enter service in the near future.
The service did not reply to Defense News’ questions about an acquisition timeline and aircraft quantity, nor what this purchase means for Pakistan’s previously expressed interest in the Turkish-made Kaan fifth-generation fighter.
Indeed, it’s unclear what this purchase means for the fleet, as well as how it would impact the military balance between archrivals Pakistan and India, said Justin Bronk, an aerospace expert with the Royal United Services Institute think tank in London.
“The impact of a J-31/FC-31 acquisition by Pakistan is difficult to predict at this stage because the capabilities and time frames for delivery are so vaguely understood,” he told Defense News.
“A great deal will depend on the level of stealth achievable in practice, the sensors and sensor fusion in the aircraft when operational, and the time taken for delivery,” he added, “since the development of Indian sensor, fast jet, air defense and weapon capabilities will continue in the interim.”