After Pakistan, this Muslim country may buy Chinese 5th generation fighter jet J-35, is it better than Rafale? Country is…, not Turkey, Saudi, UAE, Iran

Cairo: Pakistan announced the purchase of the ‘Made In China’ stealth fighter jet J-35 in January 2024. After a recent faceoff with India, it has been revealed that Beijing is going to deliver a few units of the J-35 fighter jets to Pakistan in the coming three months. As per several media reports, it is being revealed that after Pakistan, another Muslim country is showing interest in the China-made fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. A high-ranking officer of the Egyptian Air Force has shown interest in the J-35 aircraft. If Egypt really moves forward with purchasing the fighter jet, then this will indicate a major change in its military procurement strategy.

According to Morocco-based outlet Defense Arabic, Egyptian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fuad Abdel Gawad had a discussion with Beijing regarding J-35 during the bilateral exercise “Eagles of Civilization 2025” which was held at Wadi Abu Rish Air Base. During the meeting he looked very curious about J-35. Apart from this, Chinese officials were also giving information about their aircraft to the Egyptian Air Force officer with great interest.

Will Egypt Buy Chinese Stealth Fighter Jets?

However, the report of Egypt purchasing China’s J-35 fighter jets has not been confirmed by either Cairo or Beijing. But this indicates to a major geopolitical change in the Middle East. Israel is already operating American F-35 stealth fighter jets to safeguard its borders.

Notably, the Egyptian Air Force and Chinese Air Force organised a joint exercise called – “Eagles of Civilisation 2025”. This indicates that the air forces of both countries are coming closer. This exercise, which was held at an airbase southeast of Cairo, included several advanced fighter jets such as China’s J-10C multirole fighters, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, Y-20 transport planes, and YU-20 aerial tankers. During this exercise, MiG-29M/M2 jets participated from Egypt’s side.

J-35 Fighter Jet

J-35 or Gyrfalcon, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet of China. It has been developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The fighter aircraft is specially designed for stealth capability, high-tech avionics and multi-role missions. The fighter jet has a special shape and coating to avoid enemy radar. The double-engine fighter jet is loaded with AESA radar, infrared tracking, and a digital cockpit.

J-35 is capable of carrying missiles and bombs like PL-10, PL-15. Notably, the Dragon has built the fighter jet to compete with stealth jets such as America’s F-35 and F-22 Raptor. Beijing is now aiming to sell it to other countries.

If Egypt decides to buy the J-35 from China, the decision will be a big setback for the French Rafale fighter jet. According to reports, talks are going on between Egypt and France regarding the Rafale.

Egypt is also demanding technology transfer from France. In such a situation, there is now a possibility of major competition between the French Rafale and J-35 in Egypt.

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