Reports from Indian media indicate that Saudi Arabia has turned down an offer to acquire China’s J-35 stealth fighter jet, a move that could hinder Beijing’s efforts to enhance its presence in the Middle Eastern arms market.
A recent article from india.com highlights that this decision underscores Riyadh’s inclination to collaborate with Western defense partners, particularly as it engages in discussions with the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan regarding the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet.
There has been no official confirmation from either Saudi or Chinese officials to substantiate this claim, leaving room for speculation. If true, this development raises concerns about China’s strategy to establish itself as a significant arms supplier in the Gulf and the long-term military procurement strategies of Saudi Arabia.
This situation unfolds amid changing geopolitical alliances and a competitive global aerospace industry, where advanced fighter jets are crucial for national security and international relations.
The india.com report, released earlier this month, portrays Saudi Arabia’s apparent dismissal of the J-35 as a setback for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attempts to encourage Gulf countries to transition from American-made weapons to Chinese options.
The article references unnamed experts who suggest that Beijing viewed the J-35 as a potential disruptor, capable of challenging U.S. supremacy in the Middle Eastern arms market. China has been actively promoting 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.
Chinese officials have characterized their aircraft as being on par with the U.S.-produced F-35, highlighting its affordability and design that is conducive to exports. Given its significant defense budget and strategic positioning, Saudi Arabia is seen as a key target for these initiatives.
However, Saudi Arabia’s history in military procurement indicates a cautious stance towards Chinese strategic assets. While the kingdom has purchased some Chinese equipment, including drones, and participated in joint military exercises with China, it has not committed to major acquisitions like fighter jets.
Instead, Riyadh has predominantly depended on Western suppliers, especially the United States, for its air force, which features F-15 Eagles and Eurofighter Typhoons.
A report from India.com mentions discussions that took place during the G-20 summit in India, where Saudi officials are said to have progressed negotiations with the UK, Italy, and Japan regarding a next-generation fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
These negotiations, reportedly at an advanced stage, suggest a preference for advanced technology from reliable allies rather than the untested J-35.
To grasp the implications of this potential choice, it is essential to consider the J-35 itself. Known as the J-35A in its export version, this aircraft marks China’s second attempt at fifth-generation stealth technology, following the J-20 Mighty Dragon, which is exclusively operated by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
First introduced to the public in late 2024, the J-35 is a single-seat, twin-engine aircraft designed for various roles, including air superiority and ground attack. It boasts a stealth-optimized design, cutting-edge avionics, and a radar cross-section aimed at minimizing detection.
Chinese state media assert that the J-35’s capabilities are comparable to those of the F-35 Lightning II; however, independent evaluations are limited due to the aircraft’s nascent operational phase.
The engines of the J-35, likely derivatives of the WS-15 or the interim WS-10C, deliver substantial thrust, although concerns about their reliability in comparison to Western engines, such as the Pratt & Whitney F135, remain.
In terms of armament, the J-35 is equipped with a combination of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including the PL-15 long-range missile. Its sensor suite features an active electronically scanned array radar alongside infrared search-and-track systems.
With an estimated unit cost of $70 million—significantly lower than the F-35’s price exceeding $100 million—the J-35 presents a cost-effective option for countries seeking advanced stealth technology. Nonetheless, its export potential depends on performance data that China has not fully released and the willingness of potential buyers to strengthen ties with Beijing.
Pakistan is currently the only confirmed international customer, reportedly placing an order for 40 units, with deliveries anticipated within two years, as stated by Defense Security Asia. Analysts suggest that Islamabad’s choice may be influenced by both economic factors and strategic considerations from its long-time ally, China.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s choices go beyond the J-35, encompassing a competitive array of fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft programs. The U.S. F-35, which Riyadh has long sought, remains out of reach due to Washington’s hesitance to broadly export it in the Middle East, where Israel is the sole operator of the aircraft.
The Turkish KAAN, a fifth-generation fighter being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries with assistance from BAE Systems, has attracted Saudi interest, with reports from Turkish media suggesting a potential order of 100 units.
At the same time, the GCAP initiative is set to deliver a sixth-generation platform designed for the 2040s, incorporating artificial intelligence, directed-energy weapons, and advanced stealth capabilities—features that surpass the anticipated timeline of the J-35.
The U.S. Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, while primarily intended for domestic purposes, establishes a similar standard, with projected costs around $250 million per aircraft, reflecting significant technological advancements.
A comparison of these programs underscores the J-35’s standing. The F-35, operational since 2015, has benefited from years of enhancements and a strong support infrastructure, although its high maintenance expenses have faced criticism.
The KAAN, currently in the prototype stage with its inaugural flight scheduled for 2023, trails the J-35 in development but presents Saudi Arabia with potential co-production prospects. GCAP and NGAD, aiming for service entry in the mid-2030s, signify a forward-looking advancement, while the J-35, approaching operational readiness with the Chinese Navy, offers an immediate fifth-generation solution.
The untested combat history of the J-35 and its dependence on Chinese supply chains may dissuade buyers who are used to the interoperability standards of Western alliances, such as NATO or the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Saudi Arabia’s shift towards Western partnerships reflects its broader strategic objectives. The kingdom has sought to diversify its arms acquisitions, as seen in previous discussions with Russia regarding Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 missile systems, while still maintaining strong ties with Western nations.
An article from India.com indicates that Saudi Arabia’s decision to reject the J-35 could have repercussions for other countries in the Middle East, potentially hindering China’s ambitions in the region. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge earlier signs of Saudi engagement with China. In 2024, Chinese representatives presented the J-35 at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia, suggesting initial discussions had taken place.
A report from the South China Morning Post during that period highlighted Beijing’s strategy to attract Gulf buyers, capitalizing on the region’s demand for advanced aircraft and its financial capability to invest.
Analysts have differing opinions on the matter. Dr. James Dorsey, a Middle East security expert, stated in a recent Al Jazeera interview, “Saudi Arabia’s military connections with China are genuine but limited. They serve as a safeguard against excessive dependence on the U.S., rather than a complete shift. While the J-35 may be attractive due to its cost, Riyadh values established systems and enduring partnerships more highly.”
On the other hand, a Chinese aerospace official, who spoke anonymously to Eurasian Times, argued that “it is too early to deem the rejection of the J-35 as final—interest in the Middle East remains robust, and the deal with Pakistan demonstrates its potential.” These differing viewpoints highlight the ambiguity surrounding Saudi Arabia’s ultimate decision, as no official statement has clarified its position.
The broader landscape of arms dynamics in the Middle East adds layers of complexity. The United Arab Emirates, a significant player in the Gulf, has also pursued fifth-generation fighter jets but has encountered U.S. restrictions on F-35 sales. This situation has led to increased interest in alternatives such as France’s Rafale and South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae, which is also being marketed to Saudi Arabia as a viable option.
China’s entry into this market aligns with its expanding economic presence in the region, highlighted by Saudi Arabia’s recent membership in the BRICS bloc. However, the procurement of military equipment involves unique challenges—issues of reliability, training, and compatibility with existing forces are critical considerations.
For the United States, the speculation surrounding Saudi Arabia’s potential rejection of the J-35 underscores its status as the leading arms supplier in the Gulf, despite ongoing tensions regarding access to the F-35. The discussions surrounding the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), if concluded by the end of the year as predicted by india.com, could further solidify this partnership, providing Riyadh with involvement in a forward-looking initiative.
For China, the outcome of this situation will test its capacity to convert economic influence into military power, a challenge it has largely faced only in Pakistan. As noted by Sarah Carter, an analyst at Jane’s Defence Weekly, “The Middle East is a tough nut to crack for new players. Trust and track records matter more than price tags.”
As developments unfold, the lack of official confirmation leaves room for various interpretations. Saudi Arabia might still be evaluating the J-35 against other options, or the report from india.com could be a reflection of speculation fueled by regional rivalries, particularly in light of India’s own tensions with China.
What is evident is the significant stakes involved—technologically, economically, and geopolitically. The outcome regarding the J-35 in the Gulf, along with Saudi Arabia’s subsequent decisions, will influence the aerial power dynamics for years to come, with repercussions extending well beyond the Middle East.
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