China Allegedly Trains Pakistani Pilots, Preparing for Two-Front War Against India

International News: Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi claimed on Sama TV that China is training Pakistani pilots on J-35A stealth fighter jets in Gilgit-Baltistan. Sethi, who is considered close to the Nawaz Sharif family and the Pakistani army, has made controversial claims in the past as well. There has been no official confirmation of his statement. Experts are considering this as an attempt to put psychological pressure on India.

Pakistani media claimed that China will deliver 30-40 J-35A stealth fighter jets at a 50% discount by 2025-26. This aircraft is a fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed to compete with India's Rafale and Sukhoi-30 MKI. However, experts say that the J-35A is currently in the production stage in China. It is difficult to deliver and create an operational network so quickly. Given Pakistan's economic situation, implementing it is even more challenging.  

Strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan

Najam Sethi mentioned Gilgit-Baltistan as a special strategy. This region, which is in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, is close to India, China, Afghanistan and Central Asia. It is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The strategic location of Gilgit-Baltistan makes it a hub of military and economic activities. There have been reports of the presence of Chinese troops in this area earlier as well. If the training of J-35A is taking place here, then it could be part of a two-front (China and Pakistan) strategy against India.  

Alarm bells for India?

The deployment of J-35A stealth fighter can strengthen Pakistan's Air Force. Its radar-evading capability and advanced weapons are a challenge for India. In Operation Sindoor, India attacked terrorist bases in Pakistan, after which Pakistan is in fear. Experts believe that these reports are part of psychological pressure and information war on India.India is not taking this threat lightly. DRDO and BEL have developed VHF anti-stealth radar, which can detect stealth aircraft. India is also accelerating its indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project, the first prototype of which will be ready by 2035. Apart from this, Rafale and Sukhoi-30 MKI are being upgraded with new sensors and weapons.