Pakistan’s Acquisition of China J-35 Stealth Fighter – Impact on India: (New Delhi – December 29, 2024) In a move that could reshape the security dynamics in South Asia, Pakistan is reportedly set to acquire the Chinese-made J-35 stealth fighter, a fifth-generation aircraft with advanced capabilities. If true, this acquisition could significantly alter the balance of power in the region, particularly in relation to India, which has historically had a superior air force in terms of technological and operational capabilities. The J-35’s introduction into Pakistan’s military arsenal is likely to prompt India to reassess its own defense strategy, technological advancements, and response mechanisms.
Pakistan’s Strategic Shift
The reports of Pakistan Air Force acquiring Chinese J-35 Stealth Fighters was reported by Pakistani broadcaster 24 News HD this month that the PAF had approved the purchase of 40 of the aircraft, which are expected to be delivered within two years to replace the country’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters.
Another national television network, BOL News, had also reported in July this year (2024) that PAF pilots had officially begun training for the J-31 stealth fighter jet in China.
As per reports, these developments came months after Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said in January that “the foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid”.
Chinese J-35 Stealth Fighter
The J-35, developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is touted as a competitor to Western stealth fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Su-57. With advanced stealth features, superior avionics, and enhanced combat capabilities, the J-35 would significantly bolster Pakistan’s air combat abilities, particularly in terms of stealth and radar evasion, giving the country a potential edge in air superiority against adversaries in the region.
For Pakistan, the J-35 acquisition could be seen as part of a broader strategy to modernize its military and counter India’s technological advancements, especially in the air domain. With its strategic alliance with China, Islamabad has been able to access advanced weaponry that would otherwise be out of reach, given the complex geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.
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China j-35 Stealth Fighter.
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India’s Reaction: A New Challenge to Air Superiority
India, which has long maintained a qualitative edge in the air domain over Pakistan, is likely to view this move with concern. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been actively modernizing its fleet with advanced aircraft, such as the French Dassault Rafale and the indigenously developed HAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). However, the prospect of Pakistan deploying the J-35 could pose a significant challenge to India’s air superiority, especially given the aircraft’s advanced stealth capabilities.
For India, the J-35’s arrival could diminish the effectiveness of its existing air defense systems, which rely heavily on detecting and neutralizing enemy aircraft through radar. The stealth design of the J-35, combined with its advanced avionics, would likely complicate India’s ability to respond to aerial threats effectively. Moreover, Pakistan’s improved air combat capabilities could shift the regional power balance, leading India to explore new ways to maintain its dominance in the skies.
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Wind-tunnel model of India’s 5th gen fighter AMCA.
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India’s Strategic Options:
Enhancing Indigenous Capabilities: AMCA & Tejas Mk2
One of India’s primary options is to accelerate the development of its indigenous fighter jets. The HAL Tejas Mk2, an upgraded version of the Tejas, is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s. Fielding a large number of indigenous and affordable fighter jets could, to some extent, serve as a countermeasure to Pakistan’s acquisition of the J-35.
Additionally, the AMCA, India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, is under development and expected to be deployed by the late 2020s. While these aircraft are still in the prototype and development stages, their eventual deployment could help India maintain air superiority.
Strengthening Ties with Western Allies: The F-35 Option
India has long expressed interest in acquiring the American F-35 stealth fighter, which is widely regarded as the most advanced combat aircraft in service today. While there are political and logistical hurdles to such an acquisition—particularly in light of India’s strategic autonomy and close ties with Russia—pursuing an F-35 deal could provide India with the technological edge it seeks in the face of the J-35 challenge. Additionally, stronger defense cooperation with the United States could help India enhance its interoperability with Western forces in future conflicts.
Upgrading Existing Fleet: Rafale and Su-30MKI
In the short term, India could focus on upgrading its existing fleet of aircraft, including the French-made Rafales and the Russian Su-30MKIs. These aircraft, while not stealthy, are equipped with advanced avionics, weaponry, and radar systems, making them formidable opponents in the air. Upgrading their radar and weapons systems to counter stealth threats could help India maintain an edge in air combat against the J-35.
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A Rafale Fighter Jet.
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Strengthening Indian Air Defense Systems
India’s response could also involve enhancing its air defense network to neutralize the J-35’s stealth advantage. Systems such as the S-400, which India recently acquired from Russia, and advanced indigenous air defense systems like the Akash and Barak-8 could be upgraded and deployed in larger numbers to ensure that incoming stealth fighters are detected and neutralized before they pose a threat.
Expanding Space-Based Surveillance
Given the growing reliance on space-based assets for modern warfare, India could expand its satellite and space-based surveillance capabilities to counter the threat posed by stealth aircraft. Space-based reconnaissance would enable India to track and monitor enemy aircraft even before they enter Indian airspace, providing critical time for preemptive action.
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IAF”s Sukhoi-30 MKI Jet.
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Impact on South-Asia’s Regional Stability
Pakistan’s potential acquisition of the J-35 would not only affect the Indo-Pakistani security balance but could also have broader implications for regional stability. The introduction of advanced stealth aircraft into the region could lead to an arms race, with India and Pakistan both ramping up defense spending and seeking new technologies to counter each other’s advancements. The situation could also attract the attention of other regional powers such as China, which may see the introduction of the J-35 as an opportunity to further influence the security dynamics in South Asia.
Pakistan’s reported decision to acquire the Chinese J-35 stealth fighter marks a significant shift in the air power balance of South Asia. While it remains to be seen whether the acquisition will go through as reported, its potential impact on the security situation in the region is undeniable. India will likely respond by bolstering its own defense capabilities, accelerating the development of its indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and exploring deeper strategic partnerships with Western allies. The challenge posed by Pakistan’s acquisition will undoubtedly lead to a period of heightened military competition, but it could also drive innovation and new cooperation in the region’s defense architecture.
