New Delhi, June 21 - The recent announcement that China will supply Pakistan with 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets has sent ripples through the Indian defense establishment, highlighting a growing technological gap in South Asia’s airpower dynamics. This development, reported by multiple sources, marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, positioning it among a select group of nations operating advanced stealth aircraft. The J-35, a derivative of the FC-31, is equipped with cutting-edge stealth capabilities, advanced radar systems, and long-range weaponry, such as the PL-15 air-to-air missile. With deliveries potentially starting as early as August 2025, accelerated by China’s strategic support and favorable financial terms, Pakistan is poised to gain a qualitative edge in aerial warfare, challenging India’s long-standing air superiority in the region.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently operates a mix of 4th and 4.5-generation fighters like the Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, and Rafale, has no stealth fighters in its operational inventory. India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), remains in its early stages, with official estimates projecting its induction no earlier than 2035. This timeline leaves India vulnerable for at least a decade, a concern echoed by IAF veterans who have closely analyzed the implications of Pakistan’s acquisition. The AMCA, developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), aims to deliver a twin-engine stealth fighter capable of matching global fifth-generation platforms. However, challenges in developing stealth materials, advanced jet engines, and integrated avionics have slowed progress, raising doubts about meeting the projected timeline.
The J-35’s introduction into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is particularly alarming given recent regional tensions. Reports indicate that Pakistani pilots have been training in China for over six months, suggesting a deliberate effort to integrate the J-35 into PAF operations swiftly. The jet’s stealth capabilities, combined with advanced sensors and long-range missiles, could neutralize India’s numerical advantage and complicate its air defense strategies, particularly against Pakistan’s S-400 countermeasures. Furthermore, China’s reported 50% discount on the J-35, along with lenient payment terms, underscores the deepening military ties between Beijing and Islamabad, a partnership that has historically aimed to counterbalance India’s regional influence. IAF veterans have proposed divergent solutions to address this capability gap. Some advocate for an interim acquisition of foreign fifth-generation fighters, such as the Russian Su-57, which offers compatibility with existing IAF systems and potential technology transfers. Others argue that India should fast-track the AMCA program, treating it as a national priority to avoid reliance on foreign platforms. The Su-57, despite its lower cost and operational familiarity, faces concerns over reliability and Russia’s constrained production capacity due to geopolitical pressures. Meanwhile, the U.S. F-35, though a technological marvel, is seen as a less viable option due to complex geopolitics and India’s preference for indigenous development.
The J-35’s arrival also raises questions about the effectiveness of India’s current fleet in countering stealth threats. The Rafale, a cornerstone of India’s modernization efforts, is a formidable 4.5-generation platform, but its sensor suite struggles against stealth fighters in high-intensity scenarios. Recent aerial clashes, where Pakistan’s J-10C fighters reportedly outperformed Indian Rafales, underscore the urgency for India to adapt. The IAF’s depleted squadron strength, currently at 31 against an authorized 42, further compounds the challenge, as delays in the indigenous Tejas program persist. India’s response to this shifting balance involves a multi-pronged approach. The Ministry of Defense has greenlit the AMCA’s prototype development, with bids open to domestic firms to accelerate production. Additionally, discussions about acquiring advanced weaponry, such as long-range air-to-air missiles like the Astra III, are gaining traction. However, the strategic reality is clear: Pakistan’s acquisition of the J-35, backed by China’s technological and financial support, places unprecedented pressure on India to expedite its air force modernization. The next few years will be critical for India to bridge the technological divide and maintain its strategic edge in a volatile region.