Reports from Indian media suggest that Saudi Arabia has declined an offer to purchase China’s J-35 stealth fighter jet, a development that could impact Beijing’s ambitions to expand its influence in the Middle East arms market.
J-35 is built for broad-scale coverage in critical scenarios
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According to a recent article by india.com, this decision reflects Riyadh’s preference for aligning with Western defense partners, specifically through ongoing talks with the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet.
No official confirmation has emerged from Saudi or Chinese authorities to verify the claim, leaving the situation open to speculation. The news, if accurate, raises questions about China’s strategy to position itself as a major arms supplier in the Gulf region and Saudi Arabia’s long-term military procurement plans.
This story unfolds against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical alliances and a competitive global aerospace market, where advanced fighter jets play a pivotal role in national security and international relations.
The india.com report, published earlier this month, frames Saudi Arabia’s apparent rejection of the J-35 as a setback for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s efforts to persuade Gulf nations to shift from American-made weaponry to Chinese alternatives.
The article cites unnamed experts who argue that Beijing saw the J-35 as a potential game-changer, capable of challenging U.S. dominance in the Middle East arms trade. China has been actively marketing the J-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, at regional defense exhibitions, including the International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
There, Chinese officials described the aircraft as comparable to the U.S.-made F-35, emphasizing its lower cost and export-friendly design. Saudi Arabia, with its substantial defense budget and strategic location, was viewed as a prime target for this outreach.
Despite these efforts, Saudi Arabia’s military procurement history suggests a cautious approach to Chinese strategic assets. The kingdom has acquired some Chinese equipment, such as drones, and engaged in joint military exercises with Beijing, but it has refrained from committing to major platforms like fighter jets.
Instead, Riyadh has relied heavily on Western suppliers, particularly the United States, for its air force, which includes F-15 Eagles and Eurofighter Typhoons.
The India.com report points to discussions at the G-20 summit in India, where Saudi officials reportedly advanced negotiations with the UK, Italy, and Japan for a next-generation fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme [GCAP].
These talks, now said to be in an advanced stage, indicate a preference for cutting-edge technology from trusted allies over the unproven J-35.
To understand the significance of this potential decision, it’s worth examining the J-35 itself. The aircraft, also known as the J-35A in its export variant, represents China’s second foray into fifth-generation stealth technology, following the J-20 Mighty Dragon, which remains exclusive to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
First unveiled publicly in late 2024, the J-35 is a single-seat, twin-engine jet designed for multi-role operations, including air superiority and ground attack missions. It features a stealth-optimized airframe, advanced avionics, and a radar cross-section intended to evade detection.
Chinese state media have claimed its capabilities rival those of the F-35 Lightning II, though independent assessments remain limited due to the aircraft’s early operational status.
The J-35’s engines, likely variants of the WS-15 or interim WS-10C, provide significant thrust, though questions persist about their reliability compared to Western counterparts like the Pratt & Whitney F135.
The J-35’s armament includes a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, such as the PL-15 long-range missile, and its sensor suite integrates active electronically scanned array radar with infrared search-and-track systems.
At an estimated cost of $70 million per unit—substantially less than the F-35’s $100 million-plus price tag—the J-35 offers an affordable alternative for nations seeking modern stealth capabilities. However, its export potential hinges on performance data, which China has yet to fully disclose, and on the political willingness of buyers to deepen ties with Beijing.
Pakistan, so far the only confirmed foreign customer, reportedly ordered 40 units, with deliveries expected within two years, according to Defense Security Asia. Analysts suggest Islamabad’s decision may reflect both economic constraints and strategic pressure from its long-standing ally, China.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s options extend beyond the J-35 to a crowded field of fifth- and sixth-generation programs. The U.S. F-35, long coveted by Riyadh, remains elusive due to Washington’s reluctance to export it widely in the Middle East, where Israel currently holds the only operational fleet.
The Turkish KAAN, a fifth-generation jet under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries with support from BAE Systems, has also piqued Saudi interest, with local media in Turkey reporting consideration of a 100-unit purchase.
Meanwhile, the GCAP collaboration promises a sixth-generation platform tailored for the 2040s, featuring artificial intelligence, directed-energy weapons, and enhanced stealth—capabilities that outstrip the J-35’s projected timeline.
The U.S. Next Generation Air Dominance [NGAD] program, though primarily for domestic use, sets a similar benchmark, with costs estimated at $250 million per jet, reflecting the leap in technology.
Comparing these programs highlights the J-35’s position. The F-35, operational since 2015, benefits from a decade of refinements and a robust support network, though its high maintenance costs have drawn criticism.
The KAAN, still in the prototype phase with a first flight in 2023, lags behind the J-35’s development but offers Saudi Arabia potential co-production opportunities. GCAP and NGAD, targeting service entry in the mid-2030s, represent a future-focused leap, while the J-35, nearing operational status with the Chinese Navy, provides an immediate fifth-generation option.
However, its untested combat record and reliance on Chinese supply chains may deter buyers accustomed to Western interoperability standards, such as those in NATO or Gulf Cooperation Council frameworks.
Saudi Arabia’s apparent pivot toward Western collaboration aligns with its broader strategic calculus. The kingdom has pursued diversification in arms procurement, evidenced by past talks with Russia for Su-35 jets and S-400 systems, yet its core alliances remain rooted in the West.
The India.com article suggests Riyadh’s rejection of the J-35 could influence other Middle Eastern states, potentially stalling China’s regional ambitions. However, this overlooks earlier signals of Saudi-Chinese engagement. In 2024, Chinese representatives showcased the J-35 at Saudi Arabia’s World Defence Show, hinting at preliminary discussions.
A South China Morning Post report from that time noted Beijing’s intent to target Gulf buyers, leveraging the region’s appetite for advanced jets and its financial capacity to invest.
Analysts offer varied perspectives on the situation. “Saudi Arabia’s military ties with China are real but limited,” said Dr. James Dorsey, a Middle East security expert, in a recent interview with Al Jazeera. “They’re a hedge against over-reliance on the U.S., not a full pivot. The J-35 might appeal on cost, but Riyadh prioritizes proven systems and long-term partnerships.”
Conversely, a Chinese aerospace official, speaking anonymously to Eurasian Times, countered that “the J-35’s rejection is premature to judge—Middle Eastern interest remains strong, and Pakistan’s deal proves its viability.” These views underscore the uncertainty surrounding Saudi Arabia’s final stance, as no public statement has clarified its position.
The broader context of Middle East arms dynamics adds complexity. The United Arab Emirates, another Gulf heavyweight, has similarly sought fifth-generation jets, only to face U.S. restrictions on F-35 sales. This has driven interest in alternatives like France’s Rafale and South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae, a 4.5-generation fighter pitched to Saudi Arabia as well.
China’s push into this market coincides with its growing economic footprint in the region, exemplified by Saudi Arabia’s inclusion in the BRICS bloc last year. Yet, military hardware carries distinct risks—reliability, training, and integration with existing forces weigh heavily in procurement decisions.
For the United States, Saudi Arabia’s rumored snub of the J-35 reinforces its role as the preeminent arms supplier in the Gulf, despite tensions over F-35 access. The GCAP talks, if finalized by year’s end as india.com predicts, could further cement this alignment, offering Riyadh a stake in a future-facing project.
For China, the outcome tests its ability to translate economic leverage into military influence, a goal that has so far eluded it beyond Pakistan. “The Middle East is a tough nut to crack for new players,” noted Jane’s Defence Weekly analyst Sarah Carter. “Trust and track records matter more than price tags.”
As this story develops, the absence of an official word keeps the door open to alternative interpretations. Saudi Arabia may still be weighing the J-35 against its options, or the india.com report may reflect speculation amplified by regional rivalries, given India’s own tensions with China.
What remains clear is the high stakes involved—technologically, economically, and geopolitically. The J-35’s fate in the Gulf, alongside Saudi Arabia’s next moves, will shape the aerial balance of power for years to come, with implications reaching far beyond the Middle East.
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