SOURCE: AFI

The emergence of fifth-generation fighter programs like China’s J-35A and Turkey’s Kaan, both of which the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is reportedly eyeing for future procurement, has drawn attention in the region. However, these platforms are years away from achieving operational readiness, allowing the Indian Air Force (IAF) to focus on its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program rather than pursuing foreign acquisitions like the F-35A or Su-57, which do not align with its unique operational requirements.
The J-35A, China’s naval fifth-generation stealth fighter developed for its carrier-based operations, is still in the advanced prototype phase. While it has showcased some progress, integrating it into a land-based role for the PAF would require significant modifications, including adjustments to its airframe and avionics. Even then, its long-term reliability and adaptability remain untested, raising concerns about its operational feasibility for Pakistan in the near term.
Similarly, Turkey’s Kaan (formerly TF-X), while ambitious in design, remains a developmental project. Despite recent strides in engine integration and prototype rollouts, the program faces substantial hurdles, including funding, international sanctions, and limited experience in producing advanced fighters. Analysts estimate that Kaan will take at least a decade before it achieves full operational status, making it an aspirational platform rather than an immediate concern for the IAF.
Rather than responding to potential PAF acquisitions by pursuing foreign fighters like the F-35A or Su-57, the IAF should concentrate on accelerating the AMCA program. Designed specifically to meet India’s operational and strategic requirements, AMCA promises a tailored solution that addresses the challenges of the Indian subcontinent.
The F-35A, while an impressive platform, is built around NATO’s operational doctrine, which emphasizes network-centric warfare in highly integrated environments. The IAF’s current infrastructure and operational doctrine do not align seamlessly with the F-35’s demands for extensive data-sharing networks and complex logistical chains. Moreover, the high acquisition and maintenance costs associated with the F-35 would strain the defense budget, potentially at the expense of other critical programs.
On the other hand, the Su-57, despite its impressive maneuverability and combat capabilities, faces its own challenges. Russia’s fifth-generation platform has been plagued by delays, limited production runs, and questions over its stealth effectiveness. For the IAF, acquiring the Su-57 would mean adopting a platform with a high degree of dependency on Russian support—a concern in light of ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and sanctions affecting Russia’s defense industry.
The AMCA is uniquely suited to India’s needs, with its design incorporating lessons from the IAF’s operational experiences and the indigenous Tejas program. With stealth features optimized for India’s threat environment, AMCA will deliver cutting-edge capabilities, including advanced avionics, AI-assisted systems, and supercruise capabilities. Importantly, its development fosters self-reliance, aligning with India’s strategic goals of reducing dependency on foreign technology.
Unlike imported platforms, the AMCA program also supports the domestic defense ecosystem, creating jobs, fostering technological innovation, and building a robust supply chain within the country. By prioritizing AMCA, the IAF not only secures a fifth-generation fighter tailored to its needs but also contributes to India’s long-term strategic autonomy.
While the J-35A and Kaan programs highlight the ambitions of China and Turkey, their current developmental status poses no immediate threat. Instead of reacting to these potential acquisitions, the IAF can maintain its strategic edge by focusing on a combination of fourth-generation upgrades and the seamless induction of the AMCA. Platforms like the Rafale and Su-30MKI, when integrated with advanced PGMs and network-centric capabilities, can continue to dominate the region’s airspace.
The PAF’s pursuit of fifth-generation fighters like the J-35A and Kaan is a long-term challenge rather than an imminent threat. The IAF’s strategic focus should remain on developing the AMCA, a program that ensures operational relevance and aligns with India’s broader defense objectives. Foreign acquisitions like the F-35A or Su-57, while tempting on paper, would not serve India’s unique requirements effectively. By investing in indigenous capabilities, the IAF can secure its technological edge, bolster self-reliance, and address future threats with confidence and precision.
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