Pakistan has emerged as China’s most significant recipient of combat aircraft, highlighting the depth of defence cooperation between the two countries, according to a Pentagon report submitted to the US Congress this week.
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The report notes that China has consolidated its position as a major global arms supplier and, as of December 2024, ranked as the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter. Its defence exports are largely driven by state-owned enterprises, including the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the North Industries Corporation (Norinco), and are closely aligned with Beijing’s broader foreign policy and development initiatives, such as those linked to the Belt and Road framework.
BREAKING | Pentagon tells Congress China has offered Pakistan 40 J-35 stealth fighters, marking a major shift in regional air power!
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— WAR (@warsurveillance) December 24, 2025
BREAKING | Pentagon tells Congress China has offered Pakistan 40 J-35 stealth fighters, marking a major shift in regional air power!
🇨🇳🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/CEpjPrqXa6
— Daily Iran News (@DailyIranNews) December 25, 2025
According to the assessment, Pakistan plays a central role in China’s air combat exports. Beijing currently offers three fixed-wing combat aircraft for international customers: the fifth-generation FC-31 stealth fighter, the fourth-generation J-10C multirole fighter, and the JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly developed and produced by China and Pakistan.
The report confirms that Pakistan is the only country to have received the J-10C to date. As of May 2025, China had delivered 20 J-10C aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force under two separate orders placed since 2020, with total orders standing at 36 aircraft. While other countries — including Egypt, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Iran and Bangladesh — have shown interest, no additional exports of the J-10C have been finalised.
The Pentagon report also describes the JF-17 Thunder programme as a notable example of defence collaboration between two developing countries. The aircraft is in service with several air forces, including those of Azerbaijan, Myanmar and Nigeria, with Iraq reported to be in talks.
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Beyond manned aircraft, China has supplied Pakistan with advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the Caihong and Wing Loong series. The report adds that Pakistan is also a long-standing recipient of Chinese naval platforms, underscoring a broader strategic defence partnership based on joint development, production and long-term cooperation.