SOURCE: AFI
In a recent statement, Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), has cast doubts on China’s claims regarding their mastery over fifth-generation (5G) fighter jet technology. Speaking from his expertise in defense economics and technology, Iyer-Mitra highlighted several technical shortcomings in Chinese aviation advancements, contrasting them with India’s own challenges in military technology.
Iyer-Mitra pointed out that while China has been showcasing its J-20 and FC-31 (also known internationally as the Gyrfalcon) as 5th generation fighters, these aircraft suffer from significant engine issues, particularly “huge engine bleed.” This refers to the inefficiency in engine design where air leakage affects performance, which is a critical aspect for stealth capabilities and overall aircraft maneuverability.
Moreover, he criticized the Chinese approach to what he terms “full spectrum signature management,” suggesting that the technology to minimize all forms of detection (radar, infrared, acoustic, visual, etc.) is not yet fully integrated into their aircraft designs. Signature management is crucial for stealth aircraft to reduce their detectability, making Iyer-Mitra’s critique significant in assessing the actual combat effectiveness of these jets.
In the same breath, Iyer-Mitra acknowledged India’s lag in aerospace technology, humorously stating, “India hasn’t even mastered 4G.” This comment reflects on India’s slow progress in developing its own advanced fighter jets, like the Tejas LCA, which has faced numerous developmental hurdles and is often seen as a 4th generation or 4.5th generation aircraft, rather than a true 5th generation fighter.
Delving into future prospects, Iyer-Mitra emphasized that true 6th generation (6G) technology lies beyond mere aesthetics or futuristic shapes. He insists that the core of next-generation aviation technology involves advanced materials, AI integration, network-centric warfare capabilities, and perhaps most crucially, advancements in propulsion and sensor technology that are not visible to the naked eye. This “under the skin” approach to 6th gen fighters would encompass innovations like laser weapons, hypersonic capabilities, and enhanced survivability through smart materials and adaptive camouflage.
Iyer-Mitra’s observations suggest a need for both China and India to focus more on foundational technology rather than just the external features of their military hardware. For India, this critique might serve as a call to accelerate its research in stealth technologies, propulsion systems, and electronic warfare. For China, it’s an alert to refine their industrial processes and technological integration to truly compete on a global scale with nations like the US, which are leaders in stealth technology.