China is preparing to supply Pakistan with its advanced Shenyang FC-31 ‘Gyrfalcon’ multirole stealth fighter jets, according to a senior Pakistani government official quoted by Janes, a UK-based defense and security intelligence agency known for its credible military reporting.
The official revealed that deliveries of the Chinese-made fifth-generation aircraft “will begin arriving within months.” Pakistani Air Force (PAF) pilots are already in China receiving training to operate the jets, though the terms of the agreement—including the date of signing and the total cost—remain undisclosed.
In a separate statement made in May, another Pakistani official confirmed to Janes that the aircraft would be outfitted with China’s PL-17 air-to-air missile. This missile is reported to have a range of approximately 400 kilometers, significantly boosting the PAF’s beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.
While the number of jets has not been publicly confirmed by Pakistani authorities, Janes previously reported that discussions were underway to procure between 30 and 40 FC-31 aircraft.
This purchase marks the first major Chinese military platform to be acquired by Pakistan since the conclusion of the intense Pakistan-India conflict earlier in May. The exchange saw high tensions and airspace violations.
According to foreign media reports, including Reuters, Pakistan successfully shot down multiple Indian jets during the conflict. A top Indian military official also later admitted the loss of aircraft in the engagement, lending further credibility to Pakistan’s claims.
With deliveries expected to begin soon, the FC-31 will join Pakistan’s growing fleet of advanced aircraft, which already includes Chinese-made JF-17 fighters co-developed by the two countries.