SOURCE: AFI

The prospect of India acquiring the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II from the United States and Pakistan securing the Shenyang J-35A from China has sparked intense speculation about how these advanced stealth fighters might reshape air combat dynamics in South Asia. As fifth-generation platforms, both jets bring cutting-edge stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities to the table. Should both nations integrate these aircraft into their arsenals, a combat scenario between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would hinge on technology, strategy, and the broader geopolitical context. Here’s how such a clash might unfold.

The F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing variant India might pursue, is a proven multirole stealth fighter. With its AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and advanced electronic warfare suite, it excels in situational awareness and beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. Its stealth design reduces its radar cross-section (RCS), and its internal weapons bay can carry AIM-120 AMRAAMs or precision-guided munitions, maintaining its low-observable profile. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine (43,000 lbf with afterburner), the F-35A boasts a combat radius of over 1,200 km and a top speed of Mach 1.6.

SOURCE: AFI

Turkey’s ambitious Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet program has taken the aerospace world by storm, securing international partnerships after just two flights of what was essentially a ground engineering model. Meanwhile, India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), poised for a full-fledged prototype flight by 2028, has yet to make similar diplomatic or commercial waves. This disparity raises questions about India’s export strategy for the AMCA—a jet that could fill a critical gap for nations unable to procure the U.S. F-35 or China’s J-35A—underscoring a missed opportunity to leverage its advanced indigenous technology on the global stage.

The Kaan, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), achieved its maiden flight in February 2024, followed by a second in December, marking Turkey’s entry into the elite fifth-generation club. Though these flights used a stripped-down prototype—lacking key Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) like radar, avionics, and weapons systems—Turkey wasted no time capitalizing on the milestone. By Aero India 2025, reports emerged of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Qatar expressing interest in joining the program, with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia also in talks for co-development or procurement. Turkey’s aggressive outreach, backed by a $20 billion investment and NATO-aligned credentials, has positioned the Kaan as an alternative for nations frozen out of the F-35 program due to politics (e.g., Turkey’s own S-400 purchase) or cost.

SOURCE: AFI

China’s military support to Pakistan has long been a cornerstone of its strategy to keep India in check, creating a persistent thorn in New Delhi’s side along its western border. From advanced fighter jets to hypersonic missiles, Beijing has steadily equipped Islamabad with cutting-edge weaponry, leveraging their “all-weather” alliance to counterbalance India’s regional ambitions. Meanwhile, India, despite its growing defense industry and warming ties with Taiwan, has refrained from arming the island with Indian-made weapons—a move that could signal defiance to Beijing but has yet to materialize. This contrast highlights a tale of strategic intent versus missed opportunities.

China’s defense collaboration with Pakistan is both deep and deliberate. Over decades, Beijing has supplied Islamabad with an array of sophisticated platforms: the JF-17 Thunder fighter (co-developed with Pakistan), Type 054A/P frigates for the Pakistan Navy, and the HQ-9 air defense system, mirroring China’s own capabilities. In 2024, speculation intensified that China might transfer its DF-17 hypersonic missile—capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5 and a range of 2,500 km—to Pakistan. Such a weapon could challenge India’s S-400 air defense system, acquired from Russia in 2022, which has been touted as a game-changer against conventional threats but struggles with hypersonic targets.

SOURCE: AFI

On February 26, 2025, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, visited the Airbus facility in Marseille, France, reinforcing India’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge global aerospace technology into its defense ecosystem. During the visit, General Dwivedi was briefed on Airbus’s advancements in aviation technology, defense systems, and aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on rotary-wing aviation—an area of growing strategic importance for the Indian Army. The visit underscores the Army’s intent to enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen defense preparedness through collaboration with one of the world’s leading aerospace pioneers.

The Marseille facility, a hub for Airbus Helicopters, provided General Dwivedi with a firsthand look at the company’s state-of-the-art offerings. Airbus, a global leader in civil and military aviation, showcased its expertise in designing and manufacturing helicopters, defense systems, and advanced aerospace solutions. The COAS received detailed briefings on cutting-edge technologies, including lightweight composite materials, next-generation avionics, and hybrid propulsion systems that enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and survivability in combat environments.

SOURCE: AFI

The HAL CATS Warrior, a cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with NewSpace Research and Technologies, is set to redefine India’s approach to aerial warfare. As part of the broader Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program, the Warrior is designed to operate as a “loyal wingman,” working in tandem with manned fighter aircraft to enhance combat effectiveness while minimizing risks to human pilots.

At the heart of the CATS Warrior’s capabilities is its internal weapon bay, which can house two DRDO-developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW). These precision-guided munitions are designed to neutralize high-value targets such as enemy airfields, radar installations, and other critical infrastructure. The internal bay ensures that the UCAV maintains its stealth profile, reducing its radar cross-section (RCS) and making it harder for enemy defenses to detect. This stealth design, combined with advanced avionics and sensors, allows the Warrior to operate in contested airspaces where traditional manned aircraft might face significant risks.

SOURCE: AFI

Mumbai’s Vanar Robots, an innovative force in robotics research, has announced exciting plans for its Generation 1 prototype, a biomechanical humanoid intelligence designed to seamlessly integrate into both enterprise and home environments. Dubbed “Vanar Generation 1,” this cutting-edge creation marks a bold step toward redefining human-robot interaction with its focus on real-world applicability, blending function, efficiency, and adaptability.

The Vanar Generation 1 is not just another robot—it’s a pioneering effort to bridge the gap between advanced technology and everyday utility. According to the company, this prototype embodies their vision of creating biomechanical humanoids that can perform practical tasks while pushing the boundaries of robotic intelligence. From assisting with enterprise workflows to supporting household needs, the Generation 1 is engineered to be a versatile companion in diverse settings.

SOURCE: AFI

In recent developments, the Chinese fisheries science vessels, Lan Hai 101 and Lan Hai 201, have been spotted conducting research in the Arabian Sea. Ostensibly, these vessels are part of an initiative to bolster China’s aquaculture sector by gathering data on fish stocks and marine biodiversity. However, this activity masks a series of broader implications that extend far beyond mere scientific research.

China’s distant-water fishing fleet, one of the largest in the world, has long been accused of engaging in IUU fishing. These practices not only contravene international maritime laws but also lead to overexploitation of marine resources. The involvement of vessels like the Lan Hai in the Arabian Sea raises concerns that the data collected might be used to further these activities, providing the fleet with insights to continue their operations under the radar of regulatory bodies.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan has long justified its support for armed groups in Kashmir by claiming that the region’s people have the right to resist Indian rule. Some Pakistani officials and analysts often argue that under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which provides for self-defence, arming Kashmiri militants is legally permissible. However, this interpretation is flawed and does not hold up under international law.

Article 51 of the UN Charter states:

“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.”

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant showcase of military technology, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, was recently introduced to the Jaguar EBRC (Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat), a state-of-the-art 6×6 armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle, during his visit to Paris. This impressive machine is a cornerstone of France’s ambitious Scorpion EBMR (Engin Blindé Multi-Rôles) program, reflecting the future of networked and versatile battlefield solutions.

The Jaguar EBRC, weighing 25 tonnes, is powered by a robust 500-horsepower engine, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 90 km/h and cover a remarkable range of 800 km. Designed for agility and firepower, the vehicle boasts a formidable arsenal. Its primary weapon is a 40mm cannon, complemented by a Hornet Remote Weapon System equipped with a 7.62mm machine gun. For enhanced combat capability, it also carries medium-range missiles and features the innovative Galix self-defense system, capable of deploying both lethal and non-lethal grenades to counter threats.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step toward modernizing its capabilities, the Indian Army has signed a contract for the procurement of 223 units of the Automatic Chemical Agent Detection & Alarm (ACADA) System. This advanced technology, developed by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), a Gwalior-based laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be produced by M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), a designated Technology Transfer (ToT) holder and production agency for the ACADA system. The deal marks a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical defense technologies.

The ACADA system is designed to detect and provide early warnings against chemical warfare (CW) agents and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), bolstering the Indian Army’s preparedness in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense. Leveraging twin-tube Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, the system offers continuous monitoring and rapid detection capabilities, making it an essential tool for enhancing operational readiness in contested environments. Its induction is expected to strengthen the Army’s ability to respond to CBRN threats, as well as support disaster relief efforts where chemical hazards may be a concern.