SOURCE: AFI
As Pakistan reportedly prepares to induct two squadrons of China’s fifth-generation J-35 fighter jets by the end of 2025, a former Indian Air Force officer has suggested a strategic countermeasure to address the potential shift in regional air power dynamics. Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd.) proposed acquiring Russia’s Su-57E stealth fighter as an interim solution until India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational.
“With reports of Pakistan acquiring two squadrons of J-35s from China by year-end, procuring 2 to 3 squadrons of Su-57E from Russia could be an interim option for us bridging the gap until AMCA is operational,” Kapoor wrote on X, highlighting the urgency of maintaining a technological edge in the region.
The J-35, China’s latest fifth-generation stealth fighter, is designed to compete with advanced platforms like the U.S. F-35. While still under development, the J-35 is expected to feature low-observable stealth characteristics, advanced avionics, and multi-role capabilities, making it a potent addition to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). If confirmed, the acquisition of 24–36 J-35s (assuming standard squadron sizes) would significantly enhance Pakistan’s air combat capabilities, potentially challenging India’s air superiority in the region.
Pakistan’s growing defense ties with China, exemplified by its use of JF-17 Thunder jets and other Chinese systems, make the J-35 a logical step in modernizing its air force. The reported timeline of year-end 2025, however, has raised questions about the feasibility of such a rapid induction, given the J-35’s developmental stage and production timelines.
Air Marshal Kapoor’s suggestion to procure 2–3 squadrons (approximately 36–54 aircraft) of Russia’s Su-57E, the export variant of the Su-57 Felon, aims to address this emerging threat. The Su-57, Russia’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, features advanced radar, supercruise capability, and a robust weapons suite. While its stealth characteristics are debated compared to Western counterparts, the Su-57E offers a mature platform that could be inducted relatively quickly.
India’s historical defense relationship with Russia, including its operation of Su-30 MKI jets, makes the Su-57E a viable interim option. Kapoor’s proposal reflects concerns about the timeline for the AMCA, India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The AMCA, still in the design phase, is not expected to enter service before the mid-2030s, leaving a potential capability gap.
The induction of J-35s by Pakistan could alter the aerial balance in South Asia, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan tensions. India currently operates a mix of fourth-generation fighters like the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and MiG-29, which are capable but lack the stealth and sensor fusion of fifth-generation platforms. The Su-57E, while not without its critics, could provide India with a near-term fifth-generation capability to counter the J-35 and maintain deterrence.
However, procuring the Su-57E is not without challenges. India’s earlier withdrawal from the joint Su-57 development program (FGFA) in 2018, citing concerns over stealth, cost, and technology transfer, suggests potential hurdles. Additionally, India’s increasing defense alignment with the U.S. and Western partners could complicate a major Russian acquisition, especially under sanctions like CAATSA.
The AMCA remains India’s long-term solution for a homegrown fifth-generation fighter. Designed to feature stealth, supercruise, and advanced AI-based systems, the AMCA aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign platforms. However, with prototypes still years away and full operational capability likely a decade off, interim measures like the Su-57E could bridge the gap, ensuring India’s air force remains competitive.
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