Pakistan's BOL NEWS has reported that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots are currently undergoing training on the Chinese J-31 stealth fighter aircraft in China.
This revelation follows the earlier announcement by Pakistan's Air Force Chief Marshal on January 2nd regarding the imminent induction of the FC-31, the export variant of the J-31, into the PAF's fleet.
The news of pilot training on the J-31 itself, however, suggests that Pakistan may be considering acquiring the more advanced J-31 variant, rather than just its export counterpart.
The J-31, a twin-engine, fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is equipped with advanced stealth technology and sophisticated avionics, making it a formidable asset in modern aerial warfare.
If Pakistan does indeed acquire the J-31, it would represent a significant enhancement of the country's air combat capabilities. The aircraft's stealth features and multi-role capabilities would provide the PAF with a substantial tactical advantage in various combat scenarios.
However, the potential induction of the J-31 into the PAF also raises concerns about regional security. Some experts believe that such a move could escalate the ongoing arms race in South Asia, prompting neighboring countries like India to invest heavily in their own defense programs.
It's important to note that this information comes from a single source and has not been officially confirmed by either the Pakistani or Chinese governments. Further details about the extent of the pilot training program and the potential acquisition of the J-31 remain unclear.