SOURCE: AFI
In the ever-evolving landscape of geopolitical strategy and military technology, South Asia stands at a critical juncture. Recent reports suggest that Pakistan is on the verge of acquiring the J-35A, a fifth-generation stealth fighter from China, potentially shifting the regional air power balance. This development raises questions about India’s strategic responses, particularly in the context of its own fifth-generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). With the United States still withholding approval for the sale of F-35A jets to Taiwan, could an invitation for Taiwan to join India’s AMCA project be a prudent move?
Pakistan’s move to procure the J-35A from China is not just about upgrading its military capabilities but also about sending a clear message to its neighbors, particularly India. The J-35A, designed for both air superiority and strike missions, is expected to enhance Pakistan’s air force significantly. This acquisition could provide Pakistan with a technological edge, at least temporarily, as India’s AMCA is still in development and not expected to be combat-ready until the mid-2030s. The implications of this are profound, potentially altering the air combat dynamics in South Asia .
India’s AMCA project is crucial for its ambition to achieve strategic autonomy in defense. The program aims to develop a stealth fighter with advanced avionics, superior to existing fourth-generation fighters and on par with global fifth-generation standards. However, the development of the AMCA has faced delays, and India currently lacks a fifth-generation fighter in its operational fleet, which underscores the urgency to accelerate this project or explore strategic partnerships.
aiwan has shown remarkable capabilities in technology, particularly in electronics and semiconductors, which are vital for modern fighter jets. An alliance could lead to technology sharing, potentially speeding up the development and enhancing the capabilities of the AMCA.
Inviting Taiwan to join the AMCA project would be a significant geopolitical statement, aligning India with another nation facing similar pressures from China. This could strengthen India’s position in international relations, particularly with democracies in Asia, and could potentially draw more attention and support from Western nations.
With Pakistan and China deepening their military ties, India inviting Taiwan would be a counter-strategy, potentially creating a new axis of cooperation in defense technology in the region. : A joint project with Taiwan could act as a deterrent against Chinese aggression in both the South Asian and East Asian theaters, given Taiwan’s strategic importance in the Taiwan Strait.
India’s invitation to Taiwan could complicate its relations with China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory. The move would need careful diplomatic navigation to avoid escalating tensions. Sharing sensitive technology could pose security risks. Both nations would need to establish stringent protocols for technology exchange.
The US’s stance on the F-35A sale to Taiwan reflects its cautious approach to regional stability. India would need to consider how this move might affect its relations with the US, which has its own strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.