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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Rahul Gandhi to attend friendly football match between Messi, Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad
Hyderabad (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend the GOAT India Tour event featuring football legend Lionel Messi at the RGI Cricket Stadium here on Saturday evening, Telangana Congress sources said.
A friendly match will be played between the two teams -- Singareni RR9 and Aparna-Messi All Stars. These two teams will be playing a 15-20 minute friendly match and five minutes before the game, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a football enthusiast and Messi will join and will dribble the ball together.
Rahul Gandhi will land here on a special flight at 4.30 PM and will proceed to Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel where Messi will be staying.
After watching the game, Gandhi will leave for the national capital by 10.30 PM.
Elaborate security arrangements are being made for the event at the RGI Cricket stadium.
Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu said security would be provided with 3,000 personnel.
