According to reports, Pakistan is in advanced talks to purchase 40 J-35A stealth aircraft and China’s HQ-19 ballistic missile defense system, signaling a strategic change to counter India’s expanding missile capabilities in the wake of recent conflicts.
This action follows a four-day battle in May 2025 in which India exposed weaknesses in Islamabad’s air defenses by launching precision airstrikes against Pakistani targets utilizing cruise missiles like BrahMos.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) developed the road-mobile system known as the HQ-19, which was first shown in November 2024. It has the following features:
a 3,000 km range for intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles, such as BrahMos and India’s Agni series.
Similar to the U.S. THAAD system, hit-to-kill technology uses kinetic impact without the use of explosives.
Exo-atmospheric interception at 70–150 km altitude is made possible by a Type 610A radar with a 4,000 km detection range.
Six missiles are carried on an 8×8 wheeled launcher that is equipped with command and control systems.
Think tanks like the Stimson Center noted “serious vulnerabilities” in Pakistan’s current air defenses, which included the HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems, since they failed to fend off Indian strikes during the May battle. In order to establish a multi-layered defense, the HQ-19 would supplement the anticipated 2026 delivery of J-35A stealth aircraft. According to analysts, the HQ-19 is a “Chinese THAAD,” providing defense against supersonic threats and India’s Agni-V MIRV-capable missiles.
The HQ-19, which was based on China’s HQ-9, a replica of Russia’s S-300, was developed in the 1990s and tested for the first time in 2021. With Islamabad already using HQ-9B and LY-80 systems, the acquisition indicates strengthening defense ties between China and Pakistan. Given that India possesses S-400 systems and cutting-edge missile technologies, the action might intensify regional weapons dynamics.
Although the HQ-19 strengthens Pakistan’s strategic deterrent, some warn that training and integration could be difficult. Subject to final negotiations, the system is anticipated to be deployed with J-35A aircraft in early 2026.
