On December 26th, China unveiled its 6th generation stealth aircraft. In contrast, India continues to focus on its fifth-generation fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a key initiative towards defense independence.
China unveiled its sixth-generation stealth aircraft, nicknamed the “White Elephant” and unofficially known as the J-36, during a test flight that shocked the global aerospace and defense community.
The tailless delta-wing design signals that the Chinese government is pursuing advanced stealth, endurance, and long-range capabilities, making a bold leap into the future of air power.
In contrast, India remains focused on its fifth-generation fighter program, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a key initiative in its quest for defense independence.
The apparent parallel between China’s 6th generation advances and India’s development challenges highlights pressing questions about the evolving balance of air power in Asia and the need for India to accelerate its aerospace modernization. are.
China’s 6th generation breakthrough
The J-36 embodies China’s aviation ambitions with its diamond-shaped design, radar evasion capabilities, and unmanned wing integration capabilities.
Similar to the United States’ Next Generation Air Superiority (NGAD) initiative, this platform emphasizes the global transition to networked systems in conflict environments.
These developments are consistent with Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen air superiority in key regions, including the South China Sea and East China Sea. By integrating autonomous drones and focusing on sensor fusion, the J-36 puts China in a position to compete with Western air force systems.
India’s 5th Generation Quest
India’s AMCA was approved in 2024 with a budget of 15,000 billion rupees, and aims to complete a prototype by 2026 and begin operations in the 2030s. While the plan promises advanced stealth and supercruise capabilities, it faces hurdles in propulsion systems, stealth coatings and production capacity, highlighting an urgent need to address potential delays. There is.
The unveiling of China’s J-36 highlights this gap. Its advanced design, optimized for long-range missions and battlefield survivability, puts pressure on India to accelerate its modernization efforts.
Double trouble?
Pakistan’s planned acquisition of 40 J-35 stealth fighters further complicates India’s air power dynamics and challenges traditional air superiority. Combined with China’s sixth generation development, this dual-front challenge highlights the need for India to recalibrate its defense strategy.
Military cooperation between China and Pakistan has also raised concerns about possible technology transfers that could further complicate India’s security calculations. This two-pronged airpower dynamic is no longer hypothetical. This is rapidly becoming a reality, requiring a reassessment of India’s operational readiness.
Global lessons in aerospace
modernization
Fifth Generation Platforms and Projects: Russia’s Su-57 program is a prominent example of fifth generation advancements, featuring advanced avionics, supercruise capabilities, and stealth technology.
The Su-57, already in service, includes capabilities that will lay the foundation for Russia’s eventual transition to a sixth-generation system. Similarly, the Su-75 Checkmate is intended to provide cost-effective stealth capabilities to export markets.
Turkey’s KAAN project, formerly known as TF-X, represents another significant effort in the fifth generation space. Designed to incorporate stealth technology, high-speed maneuverability, and cutting-edge avionics, KAAN signals Turkey’s intention to emerge as a major player in the aerospace sector.
India’s AMCA program is aligned with these developments and aims to incorporate cutting-edge avionics, supercruise and stealth features. However, technical and production challenges must be overcome to achieve operational readiness.
The scope of the strategic partnership with Russia, among other potential collaborators, could facilitate opportunities for technology transfer and co-production, such as a potential arrangement for the Su-57.
6th Generation Platforms and Projects: China’s J-36 represents a leap forward in the integration of advanced technologies such as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), stealth optimization, and network systems. The U.S. NGAD initiative reflects these advances, with a focus on AI-powered systems, autonomous drones, and sensor fusion. Together, these platforms redefine air power by emphasizing operational flexibility and battlefield superiority.
Although officially a fifth-generation fighter, the F-35 Lightning II continues to evolve through Block 4 upgrades to integrate sixth-generation capabilities such as advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems, and networking. This makes it a transitional platform that bridges 5th and 6th generation capabilities.
In Europe, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Tempest projects are focused on cutting-edge development of sixth-generation combat aircraft. Both programs focus on loyal wingman drones, modular designs, and directed energy weapons, reflecting a shift toward scalable multi-role platforms.
Japan and South Korea are pursuing their own programs called FX and KF-21 Boramae. These fighters prioritize stealth, interoperability, and versatility, highlighting the global trend toward integrated systems.
By learning from these efforts, India could enhance AMCA with technologies such as MUM-T and autonomous loyal wingman.
Is there a way forward?
India’s response will need to balance ambition with pragmatism. While accelerating the AMCA timeline is important, interim solutions are equally important.
Acquiring an advanced 4.5-generation platform like the Rafale F4 and upgrading the indigenous Su-30MKI could bridge the gap to the introduction of AMCA. Adding layered capabilities such as Predator drones will further strengthen the realm of air superiority.
Strengthening domestic research and development is essential, especially in the areas of autonomous driving systems and advanced propulsion. Collaboration with strategic partners, such as joint ventures and technology sharing agreements, could strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem.
Additionally, adopting rapid prototyping and production methodologies similar to those in China could reduce delays and remain competitive.
What are the risks for India?
The debut of China’s J-36 is a stark reminder of the speed of progress in world military aviation. The challenge for India is to ensure timely delivery of AMCA while addressing the immediate threats posed by evolving regional dynamics.
With air power at the center of modern military strategy, delays carry significant risks. The need to build capabilities at an accelerated pace has never been greater.
* Ashish Singh is a senior journalist with over 17 years of experience covering defence, aerospace, foreign affairs and politics.
