Developments in the final two months of 2024 have set off alarm bells in New Delhi, as China debuted its second fifth-generation aircraft and flew two prototypes of its sixth-generation fighter jets.
In contrast, the Indian Air Force (IAF) currently faces significant gaps in its capabilities due to the lack of fifth-generation stealth aircraft and rapidly declining squadron strength.
After deploying the J-20 Mighty Dragon to all five theaters and ramping up production, China will deploy another fifth-generation stealth aircraft, the J-20, at the bi-annual Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024. -35A announced. This aircraft also has a carrier version.
While India was still dealing with the dizzying expansion of China’s fighter arsenal signaled by the debut of the J-35A, China sprung a surprise and flew a prototype of its sixth-generation fighter on December 26. Ta.
This tailless supersonic stealth aircraft has been dubbed the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-XX/J-50 by military watchers who believe China could become the first country to field sixth-generation fighter jets. specified.
Although some military watchers are skeptical that this aircraft is truly next-generation, the sixth generation is a series of products that can be integrated now and that may mature over time. Some people point out that it is technology.
In any case, India is watching with concern.
The yawning technology gap has provoked strong reactions from veterans, military experts, and military bloggers alike, with most of them promoting the development of India’s fifth-generation aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). I am pleading with India.
He also urged the government to urgently buy state-of-the-art Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) aircraft as the IAF would “need numbers” in case of a potential war with China or a two-front contingency involving Pakistan. Some people request that they be obtained.
However, the situation remains dire as only three countries operate fifth-generation stealth fighters so far. With China out of the question due to rivalry, India is left with only two options when it comes to purchasing fifth-generation aircraft – the US F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Su-57 Feron. Of these two aircraft, the Su-57 has suffered production woes as Russia is embroiled in a long-running conflict with Ukraine.
This effectively leaves India with only the F-35 Lightning II. However, there is a catch here. The US has not officially provided this aircraft to India. Instead, the manufacturer, US-based Lockheed Martin, offered the F-21 to India for acquisition of MRFA.
F-35 Lightning II for India – Could it happen?
The United States has not explicitly stated that it is willing to sell F-35s to India, partly because India uses a large amount of Russian-made military equipment, particularly the S-400 air defense system.
The United States has demonstrated on several occasions that it is very protective of its F-35 Lightning II and very cautious about which countries are allowed to possess it. For example, Turkey was kicked out of the F-35 consortium after purchasing the S-400.
Experts have often wondered how different the situation is in India.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Lockheed Martin unveiled the aircraft at Aero India 2023, sparking speculation that a sale could be in the cards. While hopes of a potential sale began to build in India, Lockheed Martin officials acknowledged that the delivery of F-35s to the IAF was at a “very early stage.”
The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that is the U.S. Air Force’s advanced multi-role supersonic stealth fighter. The aircraft is capable of performing air superiority and attack missions, and is capable of electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Most Indian military analysts believe that the acquisition of the F-35 could provide a major boost to the IAF. However, it may not be as simple as you think. Lockheed Martin, for example, is aggressively pushing the F-21 to India. The aircraft is considered an improved version of the F-16 and has been tailored to the IAF’s unique requirements, the manufacturer said.
Even if the US were to grant a waiver and sell the F-35A Lightning II to India, it is unlikely to transfer the technology for local manufacturing. This essentially means that the F-35 purchase does not fit into India’s “Make in India” plan.
However, considering a scenario in which some level of technology transfer is approved and local manufacturing is allowed, the problem will still persist, as Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Chief Marshal Anil Khosla highlighted in a podcast. . In October 2024.
Air Force Commander Khosla warned of possible production issues arising from Lockheed’s dependence on the aircraft’s supply chain, as it sources parts for the F-35 from several countries. Khosla Air Force Commander warned that any delays or disruptions in the delivery of parts could affect the entire production process.
He said India’s dependence on overseas supplies would limit its ability to localize. He noted that it is difficult for the IAF to address these complex issues as India may not have ready access to replacement parts and critical technology needed for maintenance and upgrades. He also highlighted continued delays in the delivery of F-35 components, including engines.
Earlier, the Khosla Air Force commander insisted on acquiring aircraft like Rafale that could be delivered to India within a reasonable period of time. The Rafale is one of the top candidates for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft Contract (MRFA). However, his position changed when the Chinese J-36 appeared.
Air Sergeant Kosla told EuroAsian Times: A balance must be maintained between quantity (numbers) and quality. Leapfrog’s goalposts need to be moved. We need to acquire fifth-generation aircraft as soon as possible while accelerating our indigenous program. ”
“The F-35 did not previously seem like an option due to factors such as cost and delivery time. We feel we have reached a desperate situation where we should even move forward with F-35 procurement,” he added.
Regarding whether the United States would give up sensitive F-35 technology and agree to technology transfer for domestic production, Air Marshal Khosla told EuroAsian Times: What’s important is preserved. You need to negotiate to get the best deal. ”
He also added that India should initially procure at least two squadrons and the number should increase gradually.
Notably, some observers have called for the Indian government to join a sixth-generation fighter development program to build capabilities against technologically superior adversaries.
Some IAF veterans believe that India should join either the British-Japanese-Italian Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) or the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. There is. However, whether these stakeholders will accept India’s participation is debatable. Additionally, India needs to consider costs and risks before making a decision.
Asked whether India should consider any of the 6th generation aircraft programs, Air Force Commander Khosla said: “At this point, India has to consider all options and choose the best deal.”
