SOURCE: AFI
As Pakistan explores options to acquire 5th-generation stealth fighters, including the Chinese J-35A and the Turkish KAAN, India’s potential acquisition of the F-35A Lightning II alongside its indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) could significantly shift the regional air power balance. A combined fleet of F-35As and AMCA jets would not only counter Pakistan’s emerging capabilities but also provide India with superior air dominance, stealth, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
J-35A (FC-31) a Chinese twin-engine carrier-based stealth fighter, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, with features comparable to the F-35 but with likely weaker avionics and engine performance. Pakistan could be the first foreign customer for the jet, leveraging its deep military ties with China.
KAAN Fighter Developed by Turkey’s TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries), the KAAN (formerly TF-X) is a twin-engine 5th-gen fighter with stealth and advanced avionics. While still under development, Turkey has invited Pakistan to collaborate on the project, raising the possibility of Pakistani KAAN fighters in the 2030s.
A combination of these two jets could significantly upgrade Pakistan’s Air Force, posing a new challenge to India’s aerial superiority.
If India proceeds with acquiring the F-35A, it would become the only F-35 operator that has not flown U.S.-built fighter jets before in the last 75 years. The F-35A’s superior stealth, advanced sensor fusion, and electronic warfare capabilities would allow India to Deny airspace access to Pakistani fighters by using its low observability and high-end networked warfare capabilities. Track and engage stealth aircraft like the J-35A and KAAN with its superior AN/APG-81 AESA radar and Distributed Aperture System (DAS). Dominate beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat with advanced AIM-120D and AIM-260 JATM missiles, outperforming China’s PL-15 and Turkey’s Göktu? missiles. Launch precision strikes deep into enemy airspace without detection, using its stealth and electronic warfare capabilities.
The AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), currently in development by DRDO and HAL, is designed to be India’s first homegrown stealth fighter. While it is expected to enter production by 2035, it will complement the F-35A in the long term by offering Indigenous control over technology, unlike Pakistan’s reliance on China and Turkey. Comparable stealth capabilities to the J-35A and KAAN. Better electronic warfare and sensor fusion than Chinese platforms. Integration with Indian missiles like the Astra Mk2, Astra Mk3, and future hypersonic weapons.
F-35A and AMCA vs J-35A and KAAN: Key Advantages for India
| Feature | F-35A + AMCA (India) | J-35A + KAAN (Pakistan) |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth | F-35A: Best in class; AMCA: Advanced stealth | J-35A: Inferior to F-35; KAAN: Still in development |
| Radar & Sensors | F-35: AN/APG-81 AESA + DAS; AMCA: Indigenous Uttam AESA radar | J-35A: Chinese AESA (likely weaker); KAAN: Still in testing |
| Weapons | AIM-120D, AIM-260, Astra Mk3, hypersonic missiles | PL-15, Göktu? (under development) |
| Network Warfare | F-35: Best in the world; AMCA: Designed for network-centric operations | Limited integration, China-Turkey tech collaboration |
| Production Readiness | F-35: Already operational; AMCA: 2035 | J-35A: In testing; KAAN: Uncertain |
If India acquires the F-35A, it will gain instant 5th-generation superiority over Pakistan, neutralizing its stealth fighter ambitions. The AMCA program ensures India remains self-reliant, countering Pakistan’s dependence on China and Turkey. A mix of F-35As, AMCA, and Rafale F4s will solidify India’s dominance over South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s potential F-35A-AMCA combo could effectively neutralize Pakistan’s J-35A and KAAN plans, ensuring the Indian Air Force maintains a cutting-edge aerial advantage for decades to come.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.