
Islamabad/Beijing, July 10, 2025 — In a move that has stunned defense analysts and left Beijing red-faced, Pakistan has reportedly declined China’s offer to purchase its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the J-35A. The rejection comes amid whispers that India’s covert “Operation Sindoor” — aimed at neutralizing regional threats without direct conflict — may be influencing strategic decisions in South Asia more deeply than previously thought.
Pakistan Turns Down J-35A: A Strategic Snub?
According to reliable sources within the Pakistani defense establishment, Islamabad has chosen to delay, if not cancel entirely, its plan to induct the J-35A stealth jets. This aircraft was once touted as the crown jewel of China’s military exports — a rival to the American F-35 — and was expected to be a game-changer for Pakistan’s Air Force.
“The J-35A is not operationally proven, and we are reconsidering our long-term air strategy,” a senior Pakistani Air Force official told BGT on condition of anonymity.
Pakistan’s concerns reportedly include:
- Uncertainty over radar signature and stealth capabilities.
- Over-dependence on Chinese technology, which can be politically risky.
- Maintenance issues with other Chinese defense equipment.
- Increasing appeal of Turkish and Western alternatives, including armed drones and next-gen aircraft co-development offers.
China’s Reaction: “Deeply Disappointed”
Beijing has expressed “strong disappointment” over the decision, as the Pakistan deal was supposed to be the first major international export of the J-35A.
Chinese state media subtly blamed “foreign influence and pressure,” a not-so-veiled reference to India and possibly the U.S.
“Some nations are working behind the scenes to sabotage mutually beneficial defense cooperation,” stated an editorial in the Global Times.
Op Sindoor’s Invisible Hand?
While officially unacknowledged, Indian intelligence insiders suggest “Operation Sindoor” — a silent, long-term psychological and strategic influence campaign — is already working.
Launched after the 2023 skirmishes along the LoC and multiple drone infiltrations, Op Sindoor focuses on:
- Exposing the weaknesses in Chinese military exports to Pakistan.
- Encouraging internal resistance within Pakistan’s military and political elite.
- Strengthening India’s diplomatic outreach in the Middle East and Central Asia — to isolate Pakistan.
- Promoting Indian defense tech, such as the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA, as viable non-Chinese alternatives.
While India has never confirmed Op Sindoor publicly, analysts believe its indirect effects are now becoming visible.
Bigger Implications: The Future of Pak-China Defense Ties
This unexpected setback for China could impact:
- The broader China-Pakistan military industrial alliance.
- CPEC-linked defense infrastructure projects.
- China’s credibility as an exporter of next-gen military technology.
For Pakistan, it opens the door to:
- Rebalancing military ties with Turkey, Italy, and even Gulf nations.
- Quietly re-engaging the U.S. for training, tech, or used equipment deals.
Final Word: India Watches, Quietly Victorious
India has not officially commented on the issue, but strategic thinkers in New Delhi see this as a significant diplomatic and defense win.
“You don’t always need bullets to win. Sometimes, silence and strategy are louder,” said retired Indian Air Marshal R. Menon.
Stay tuned with Bharat Global Time (BGT) for exclusive analysis, defense strategy updates, and how India is quietly reshaping the region’s power balance without firing a shot.