SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been taken aback by the news that Pakistan is set to procure 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jets from China. This development places Pakistan ahead of India in terms of deploying next-generation combat aircraft, with the IAF’s own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkI, not expected to enter service for another 7 to 9 years.
The introduction of J-35A jets into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will give Pakistan a significant technological edge over India for the foreseeable future, potentially affecting the strategic balance in South Asia.
Pakistan’s ambition doesn’t stop at the J-35A. The PAF has plans to transition to an almost entirely fifth-generation fleet by 2047, with ambitions to operate around 450 such aircraft. This includes not only the J-35A but also potential acquisitions like the Turkish Kaan jets and possibly even indigenous development based on technology transfers from China.
With this move, Pakistan aims to secure air superiority, challenging India’s dominance in the region. The IAF must recognize this shift and prepare accordingly.The IAF needs to expedite the development and induction of the AMCA. This includes ensuring that the project does not face further delays and that production scales up rapidly once the design is finalized.
Beyond the AMCA, India should consider increasing its fifth-generation fighter numbers, perhaps through additional procurement or by enhancing the production of existing platforms like the LCA Tejas Mk2, which could serve as an interim solution.
Looking further ahead, the IAF must initiate design and development efforts for a sixth-generation fighter jet. This would not only keep pace with global advancements but also ensure India’s air forces remain competitive into the next decade and beyond.
India might explore international collaborations for technology sharing and co-development, similar to how Pakistan is leveraging its relationship with China. This could accelerate development cycles and introduce new technologies.
To effectively counter these developments, a reassessment of defense spending is necessary, with a significant portion dedicated to R&D and acquisition of advanced aerial platforms. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is also moving towards a fifth-generation fleet, which could mean coordinated strategies between Pakistan and China. The IAF needs to plan for a scenario where it might face both adversaries with advanced stealth capabilities.