| According to China Central Television, China's next-generation carrier-borne fighter jet, known as the J-35 by military observers, has begun trials on the People's Liberation Army Navy's aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning. |
The recent testing of the J-35 stealth fighter jet from China's aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning marks a significant escalation in China's naval capabilities, potentially reshaping the strategic landscape of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This development, observed through various reports and analyses available on social media, underscores a new chapter in the ongoing military modernization of China, particularly in its naval aviation sector. The J-35, identified as a carrier-borne stealth fighter, represents a leap forward from the existing J-15, offering enhanced stealth capabilities that could pose a formidable challenge to regional powers, including India. The testing phase on the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, signifies not just a technological achievement but also a strategic message to neighboring countries about China's intent to project power far beyond its traditional spheres of influence.
From an Indian perspective, this development introduces what could be termed an 'omnidirectional stealth threat'. The term 'omnidirectional' here refers to the potential of the J-35 to operate in various directions from China's carriers, not limited to the South China Sea but extending towards the IOR. This capability could allow China to conduct surveillance, assert control, or even project force in areas previously considered out of its immediate reach. The implications for India are multifaceted. Firstly, the presence of stealth fighters on Chinese carriers could complicate India's maritime security calculus. Stealth technology reduces the radar cross-section, making these aircraft harder to detect, which in turn affects India's ability to monitor and respond to Chinese naval movements in the IOR. This could potentially disrupt India's strategic autonomy in its own backyard, where it has traditionally enjoyed a position of influence. Secondly, the deployment of J-35s could alter the balance of power in aerial engagements. If China decides to deploy these stealth fighters in the IOR, it would not only challenge India's air superiority but also its strategic assets like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are critical for monitoring the Strait of Malacca and other maritime chokepoints.
The mood on social media is a combination of alarm and strategic analysis. Some posts emphasize the technological and strategic implications, implying that China's move may prompt India to reconsider its own military acquisitions, possibly leaning toward acquiring more advanced fighter jets like the F-35 or accelerating its indigenous programs like the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). However, there's also skepticism regarding the readiness and reliability of the J-35, with some users pointing out observed technical issues during tests, such as engine problems, which might temper China's ability to fully operationalize these fighters in the near term. This skepticism is crucial as it suggests that while the J-35 represents a significant threat, its actual combat effectiveness and operational readiness might still be under scrutiny.
The broader geopolitical context cannot be ignored. China's increasing naval forays into the IOR, coupled with its Belt and Road Initiative, aim at not just economic but also strategic encirclement, challenging India's maritime dominance. The J-35, therefore, isn't just a military asset but a symbol of China's broader geopolitical ambitions. In response, India might need to enhance its naval and air capabilities, focusing on anti-stealth technology, improving its own carrier-based aviation, and strengthening alliances with nations like the United States, Japan, and Australia under frameworks like the Quad. The strategic response could also involve diplomatic efforts to ensure that the IOR remains a region of cooperation rather than conflict. In conclusion, the testing of the J-35 from the CNS Liaoning introduces a new dynamic in the IOR, potentially heralding an era where stealth technology plays a central role in naval power projection. For India, this development necessitates a reassessment of its defense strategies, emphasizing technological advancement, strategic partnerships, and diplomatic engagement to counterbalance this emerging 'stealth threat'.