SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Defence Analyst Ranesh Rajan, speaking to idrw.org, has suggested that Pakistan’s plans to procure the Chinese FC-31 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet following its recent acquisition of the J-10CE indicate that India’s purchase of Rafale fighter jets has unsettled the top brass of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). This development comes after the PAF’s acquisition of 25 single-seat J-10CEs, which was initially portrayed as a counter to India’s acquisition of 36 Rafale jets.
The PAF’s procurement of the J-10CE, a single-engine multirole fighter, was viewed as a reaction to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) induction of the Rafale, a twin-engine multirole fighter with advanced capabilities. However, Rajan points out that the real motivation behind the purchase was the poor performance of the PAF’s JF-17 fighters, which have reached the end of their product development stage and underperformed during the 2019 conflict with India.
Now, the PAF is eyeing the Chinese FC-31, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, marking a significant shift in its airpower strategy. The FC-31 is a twin-engine aircraft, and its acquisition would be a major leap for the PAF, which last operated a twin-engine fighter, the Shenyang J-6, until its retirement in 2002.
While the FC-31 offers advanced stealth capabilities, Rajan highlights the challenges that the PAF would face in integrating this platform into its fleet. The operational costs of maintaining and flying a twin-engine stealth aircraft like the FC-31 are considerably higher than those of the J-10CE and JF-17, potentially forcing the PAF to operate a limited number of units. This could strain the PAF’s budget and logistical capabilities, leading to a reduced overall effectiveness of its fleet.
Rajan also points out that, despite its stealth technology, the FC-31 would face significant challenges in a head-to-head encounter with the Indian Rafale. The Rafale is equipped with superior armaments, sensors, and avionics, giving it an edge in combat. Furthermore, the IAF’s plans to acquire more than 114 additional fighter jets, including more Rafales, would further tilt the balance in India’s favor. In a scenario where both the FC-31 and J-10CE are deployed against Indian Rafales, Rajan argues that the IAF’s superior capabilities would likely overwhelm the PAF’s forces.
The PAF’s interest in the FC-31 stealth fighter jet reflects a growing concern over the IAF’s increasing capabilities, particularly with the induction of the Rafale. However, the challenges associated with operating such advanced platforms and the IAF’s continued modernization efforts suggest that the FC-31 may not be the game-changer the PAF hopes it will be. Rajan’s analysis underscores the complexities of airpower dynamics in the region and the ongoing arms race between India and Pakistan.
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