Pakistan to acquire 40 chinese stealth fighter jets J-35: Reports
Beijing: Pakistan is planning to procure 40 advanced Chinese stealth fighter jets, J-35, marking a potential milestone as China's first export of its fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The acquisition is expected to enhance Pakistan's air capabilities amidst regional tensions with India, according to the South China Morning Post.
The Hong Kong-based publication cited reports from Pakistan suggesting that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has approved the purchase. These jets, slated for delivery within two years, aim to replace the ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters.
Despite Pakistan's ongoing economic crisis, the decision reflects its strategic defence priorities. However, there has been no official confirmation from Chinese authorities or media about the deal. Speculation arose following the display of the J-35 at Zhuhai's prestigious air show last month, which was attended by senior PAF officials.
The J-35 is primarily designed for Chinese aircraft carriers, but its land-based version, the J-31, has been reportedly under consideration. In January, PAF Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu noted that groundwork for acquiring the J-31 had already been established.
China and Pakistan maintain a close military partnership, with Beijing aiding Pakistan's defence modernisation across its armed forces. This includes the joint development of the J-17 Thunder fighter jet, which forms the backbone of the PAF, and the delivery of advanced naval frigates for operations in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.
These developments come amid heightened bilateral defence cooperation following Chinese General Zhang Youxia’s visit to Pakistan last month. Gen Zhang, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, held talks with Pakistan's Army Chief Gen Asim Munir on regional security and stability.
The visit also saw 300 Chinese troops participating in counter-terrorism drills in Pakistan. Beijing has reportedly urged Islamabad to allow Chinese security firms to protect Chinese workers involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, amid increasing attacks by militant groups. However, Pakistan has resisted such moves over sovereignty concerns, opting instead to deploy over 30,000 personnel for their protection.
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Power bank catches fire inside stationary IndiGo plane at Chandigarh airport; all evacuated
New Delhi (PTI): The power bank of a passenger onboard a stationary IndiGo aircraft caught fire at the Chandigarh airport on Tuesday, and all passengers and the crew were evacuated, according to a source.
In a statement, the airline said that when IndiGo flight 6E 108 from Hyderabad to Chandigarh was stationary after landing, an incident involving a customer's personal electronic equipment catching fire was reported.
"In the interest of safety, an immediate evacuation was carried out, and all the relevant authorities were immediately informed. All customers have been safely moved to the terminal and are being attended to by the team to ensure their well-being," the statement said.
The source said that soon after the aircraft landed, there was smoke coming from one of the overhead bins and all onboard were evacuated.
The smoke was due to the power bank catching fire, the source said, adding that no one sustained major injuries.
Details about the number of passengers could not be ascertained.
