PAF Explores Potential Acquisition and Local Production of Chinese FC-31 Stealth Fighter

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is in discussions with the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the Chinese developer of the FC-31 stealth fighter jet, regarding the potential acquisition and local production of the aircraft. This move signals a significant advancement for the PAF's capabilities and marks a potential shift in its fleet composition.

The FC-31, a fifth-generation, twin-engine fighter, possesses advanced stealth capabilities that would represent a major upgrade from the PAF's current aircraft. It is designed for a variety of air combat roles, including air superiority and ground attack missions. The potential local production of the FC-31 in Pakistan could bolster the country's aerospace industry and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers.

The acquisition of the FC-31 could also influence the future of the JF-17 program, a joint venture between Pakistan and China. With the JF-17 production line expected to be retired by 2030, the FC-31 could emerge as a successor, potentially equipped with the Chinese-made WS-13 engine.

Although previously rejected for the JF-17 due to performance concerns, the WS-13 engine could see renewed interest as a powerplant for both the FC-31 and future JF-17 variants.

Standardizing the engine across multiple aircraft platforms would offer logistical and maintenance advantages for the PAF. However, the success of these engine negotiations remains to be seen, and could significantly impact the future direction of the PAF's fighter fleet.

While discussions are ongoing, a final agreement on the FC-31 acquisition and local production has not yet been reached. The successful implementation of this deal would mark a significant milestone in Pakistan's defence capabilities and could have wider implications for India.

 

[Bharat007]

The FC-31, or whatever variant, can only be purchased or flown by Pakistan in very limited numbers. Stealth and dual-engine jets require high maintenance, which can also be costly to operate if compared with single-engine non-stealth jets.

However, it is likely that Pakistan might field fifth-generation jets from China before India has the AMCA, thanks to bureaucratic delays and HAL.

 

[Kira]

The FC-31, or whatever variant, can only be purchased or flown by Pakistan in very limited numbers. Stealth and dual-engine jets require high maintenance, which can also be costly to operate if compared with single-engine non-stealth jets.

However, it is likely that Pakistan might field fifth-generation jets from China before India has the AMCA, thanks to bureaucratic delays and HAL.

That is true,but I believe if PAF actually manages to reach a deal for the J-31 in near future,PRC will in all certainty bankroll that purchase alongside other Pak defence programs,as they have an abiding interest in keeping India off balance and commited on two fronts.A few $billion here and there for Pak every year is peanuts for PRC after all.
PS - This jet if acquired by the PAF would be their first twin engine jet,which traditionally they have been reluctant to induct for the very reasons you have given.

 

[kumar]

Another jf17 in the making. Skeletons will fall out of closet now.

 

[Sandeep]

This is another fake stealth jet that China claims is superior and much better than others but its technology and capabilities are no way near to what China claims it can do. This jet is most likely developed for exports mainly because its technology and capabilities is inferior than its other fake stealth jet. If Pakistan want to buy it then its good for India as it’s just another junk fighter.

 

[Adarsh]

People are not ready to accept the speed and consistency with which PAF has changed over the years and increased their capability and covering all type of defense segments and acquiring exactly what is required based on current trend and requirement.The ego and ignorance of India will only take this country to crumble infront of enemies.I just hope there wont be any war with any side.We are neither capable to produce nor aquire any latest weaponary.If the governemnt targeted indigeneous from 2014 they should have more punctual,responsible and such mindset should have been there with officials.But nothing happened.You can mock JF17 FC31 as much as you want in comments section in internet.But when in reality it will come and hit,then your such comments and laugh wont be there,it will vanish in dust.I dont know what is the approach of current defense ministry,there are already 2 active wars going on,no idea when taiwan will be next target. What india is learning from them?My one question how come 10 years is not enough to make a drone.Atleast a party before coming to power in 2014 must have accessed the path for 10 years if they have prioritize defense sector for indigenous , right?

 

[Brian Fernandez]

Economy is in a mess and people are hurting very badly but these generals only want to buy arms. Need to be overthrown!

 

[Sandeep]

There was a time that the USA supported Pakistan but their relationship is basically dead now as the USA have withdrawn from Iraq and Afghanistan as they needed their port access to supply cargo to their forces. Pakistan can no longer use that threat of closing their port as a bargaining power to get what they wanted with weapons and technology. Their tactics and jets are a diminished force with technology that’s poor. Most of their jets are grounded because of the failure of the junk fighter and the USA now monitors the use of any American jets, missiles or weapons they provide with very strict and limited amount only for their defence. India undertakes regular training missions with many countries and have learnt a lot.

 

[Pink Panther]

There was a time that the USA supported Pakistan but their relationship is basically dead now as the USA have withdrawn from Iraq and Afghanistan as they needed their port access to supply cargo to their forces. Pakistan can no longer use that threat of closing their port as a bargaining power to get what they wanted with weapons and technology. Their tactics and jets are a diminished force with technology that’s poor. Most of their jets are grounded because of the failure of the junk fighter and the USA now monitors the use of any American jets, missiles or weapons they provide with very strict and limited amount only for their defence. India undertakes regular training missions with many countries and have learnt a lot.

But experience and training never die.

 

[Rational Guy]

A country which can't even manufacture bicycles wants to make stealth aircraft? China will definitely hand over like 20-30 J31s to Pakistan within 5 years but making them in Pakistan is a pipe dream of p0rkis lol. They aren't like Junk Fighter 17, stealth fighters are order of magnitude more complex to produce.

 

[Bhishma]

PAFs only decent fighter in their arsenal is F16. rest are junk.

check this yt vid on J20

 

[BCharlie]

There was a time that the USA supported Pakistan but their relationship is basically dead now as the USA have withdrawn from Iraq and Afghanistan as they needed their port access to supply cargo to their forces. Pakistan can no longer use that threat of closing their port as a bargaining power to get what they wanted with weapons and technology. Their tactics and jets are a diminished force with technology that’s poor. Most of their jets are grounded because of the failure of the junk fighter and the USA now monitors the use of any American jets, missiles or weapons they provide with very strict and limited amount only for their defence. India undertakes regular training missions with many countries and have learnt a lot.

Sirji, PAF training took place in USA in 2022 under name of 'Falcon Talon' and this is annual program by USA; Most recent PAF training & exercise was in 2023 under name of "Anatolian Eagle - 2023' where PAF, Turkiye, Qatar, Saudi & USA did joint training in defense & attack formations using US fighters, transporters, fuelers, etc;.

 

[Sandeep]

But experience and training never die.

It depends as real life experience and training is different for normal people.