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Since India’s plans to acquire Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 have not materialized, it is looking forward to developing its own AMCA series, which is currently expected to take more than a decade to deploy. This would make a takeover by Pakistan even more onerous, and India would have to invest in other ways to neutralize the threat.
Chinese J-35A stealth fighter. (Image credit: X @EK_Valensvek.)
NEW DELHI: Pakistan reportedly plans to buy 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighter jets to further strengthen its air power. The South China Morning Post reported that China will deliver a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet within two years. With this agreement, Pakistan will become the first country to receive fifth-generation fighter jets from China. The move is also significant for India, as it not only further strengthens the already close ties between China and Pakistan, but also promises to further strengthen Pakistan’s military, especially its already well-equipped and efficient air force.
pakistan’s ambitions
Pakistan has been eyeing the acquisition of fifth-generation fighter jets for some time. They had been targeting the same thing for both Türkiye and Pakistan for some time.
Fifth-generation fighters are essentially the most advanced combat aircraft currently in service. They are distinguished by various factors. First, its stealth nature allows it to fly surprisingly undetected. The fifth generation aircraft’s systems make the aircraft look like a bird in the radar cross section. The second is a state-of-the-art advanced radar system. Third, it is equipped with a supercruise engine that allows long-duration supersonic flight without the use of afterburners.
Currently, the United States has two combat-ready fifth-generation fighter jets, the F-22 and the F-35. China has two similar aircraft, the J-20 and J-35 respectively. The Pakistan Air Force is focusing on the J-35.
The main reason for this is that apart from strengthening its military capabilities, Pakistan is considering replacing its 20 fighter jet squadrons. It will replace about seven aircraft, consisting of older, technologically backward Mirage 3s, 5s and 7s. While it may not be possible to replace every squadron with the fifth-generation fighters it plans to acquire from China, some rejuvenation could be achieved through this move.
What can India do?
Pakistan’s plan to acquire fifth-generation fighter jets is not good news for India. India currently does not have any fifth-generation fighter jets.
India has been in talks with Russia for some time to acquire the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft that is a product of the PAK FA program. But this did not pass. Instead, India developed its own program to produce the AMCA series, an indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet. However, AMCA’s rollout date is not far off, making a takeover by Pakistan even more troubling.
This creates an asymmetry between the two forces. India will need to invest more in reconnaissance and radar systems going forward. It will also need to strengthen its stockpile of advanced missile systems like the S-400 to counter emerging threats from Pakistan. This will also put further pressure on the AMCA program to hasten its rollout, which is currently expected to take more than a decade.
The agreement also means increased cooperation between Pakistan and the Chinese air force, which is already significant. This means that India will fight on two technologically advanced and capable air fronts.
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