The recent announcement by the US President on February 13, 2025, regarding the potential sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets to India has triggered significant anxiety within Pakistan's media and strategic circles.
This development, revealed during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., has been interpreted by Pakistani media outlets as a destabilizing factor for the region and a direct threat to Pakistan's security.
Pakistani media outlets have responded with a mixture of alarm, condemnation, and calls for diplomatic action, underscoring deep-seated concerns about the evolving military balance in South Asia. This article examines the Pakistani media's reaction and provides specific examples to highlight the extent of their apprehension.
During the joint press conference, the US President stated the intention to increase military sales to India significantly, including potentially providing India with F-35 stealth fighters. This move, part of a broader effort to strengthen US-India defense ties, would position India among a select group of nations operating fifth-generation stealth aircraft, a capability previously limited to NATO allies and close US partners like Israel, Japan, and Australia.
The F-35, renowned for its advanced stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities, would significantly bolster India's air combat superiority, particularly against regional rivals.
For Pakistan, which has historically considered India its primary military competitor, the possibility of India acquiring the F-35 represents a significant shift in the regional military balance. Pakistan's military heavily relies on its fleet of F-16s and JF-17 Thunder aircraft, which, while capable, are considered technologically inferior to the F-35. This disparity has fueled a sense of urgency and concern in Pakistani media, leading to numerous reports, editorials, and analyses cautioning about the implications for Pakistan's defense capabilities and regional stability.
Leading Pakistani media outlets have expressed serious concerns about the potential sale. The Express Tribune highlighted Pakistan's official response, quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressing deep concern over the planned transfer of advanced military technologies to India.
Dawn warned that the F-35's stealth capabilities could render Pakistan's air defenses, including its Chinese-supplied HQ-9 systems, less effective. Geo News featured defense analysts who expressed alarm, suggesting the F-35 would give India the ability to strike deep into Pakistani territory undetected.
The News International argued that the transfer would disrupt the military balance in South Asia and could trigger an arms race. ARY News called for an urgent review of Pakistan's defense strategy, including exploring options like acquiring advanced Chinese stealth fighters to counter the perceived threat.
This potential sale has also ignited criticism of the United States, with some Pakistani outlets accusing it of favoring India and neglecting Pakistan's security concerns. This perception is further complicated by Pakistan's historically complex relationship with the US.
Pakistan's close alliance with China is a recurring theme in the media coverage, with many advocating for Beijing to provide advanced military technology to counterbalance India's potential acquisition of the F-35. This reflects Pakistan's strategic reliance on China as a counterweight to India and the US.
The potential F-35 sale has undoubtedly stirred significant apprehension in Pakistan, prompting calls for a reassessment of defense strategies and a strengthening of alliances to maintain regional stability.
