Latest news with #AjayAhlawat
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan to get 40 more J-35 stealth jets soon: What are its capabilities and should India be concerned?
China will soon supply 40 J-35 stealth fighter jets to Pakistan, elevating the Pakistan Air Force into the elite league of fifth-generation aircraft operators. According to a government announcement, deliveries are expected to begin by the end of this year. This marks the first international export of the J-35, a platform still in its early stages of deployment even within China's own military. Pakistan will receive the FC-31 variant of the J-35. It's the land-based version designed for export and ground operations, distinct from the naval version meant for China's aircraft carriers. The model is equipped with an infrared search-and-track system mounted on its nose and can link with other weapon systems to share target data. Why It matters for India India currently has no fifth-generation stealth jet in its arsenal. That's a major concern, say defence analysts. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat (Retd.) told NDTV , "It is worrying news... any version of the J-35 in Pakistani colours is going to raise concerns for our side." While India enjoys superiority with its Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters, the arrival of stealth aircraft in Pakistan could narrow this gap significantly. Ahlawat added that India had considered acquiring either the F-35 or Russia's Su-57 but said, "These are bad choices. The only good choice is AMCA." J-35's capabilities: What we know so far The J-35, also called the J-35A, is China's second fifth-generation fighter after the J-20. Built by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the jet made its public debut at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024 and later featured in model form at the 2025 Paris Air Show. Live Events This twin-engine, supersonic jet includes features such as an active electronically scanned array radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and a radar cross-section of just 0.001 square metres. That makes it nearly invisible to conventional radars, a capability on par with the U.S. F-35. China Daily reports that the aircraft can "share targets' position with other weapon systems" and can also use its radar to guide other munitions to those targets. Global Times quoted an unnamed expert who said the J-35 gives an advantage in "first detection, first strike," and in securing "operational advantages." China's design push: Inspired or stolen? What's stirred international interest is the J-35's uncanny resemblance to the American F-35 Lightning II. While analysts speculate on whether China borrowed design elements from stolen U.S. data, platforms like The War Zone have noted that copying the F-35 would be nearly impossible due to its complexity. In 2009, the U.S. government confirmed a cyber intrusion targeting its F-35 programme. Frank Kendall, then Pentagon acquisitions chief, admitted in a 2013 Senate hearing, 'I'm reasonably confident that classified information is safe, but not all confident about the unclassified information.' A year later, a Los Angeles grand jury indicted Su Bin, a Chinese businessman, for helping PLA hackers steal over 630,000 files relating to the F-22, F-35 and C-17 aircraft. A wake-up call for India's AMCA programme India's answer to the stealth gap is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution model in May, but the jet isn't expected to fly before 2035. Until then, experts are urging urgent upgrades to India's air surveillance and defence systems. India's current detection radars may struggle to pick up stealth aircraft like the J-35 until they are too close for comfort. China's ambitions: Mass production on the horizon Wang Yongqing, chief designer at the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute, told Global Times that the J-35A was created under an "air-sea twin configuration" and "one aircraft, multiple variants" model. This allows for faster development and cheaper production. "Many of our research achievements can be applied across different variants, such as sensors, onboard equipment, and avionics systems," he said. "This will correspondingly reduce future maintenance costs and improve logistical efficiency." Wang compared the J-35A's battlefield role to a basketball point guard: "The J-35A not only demonstrates outstanding 'scoring ability,' but also effectively coordinates other battlefield assets for joint operations." With Pakistan preparing to field a fifth-generation fleet and China ready to mass produce, India finds itself on the back foot. And the clock is ticking. The AMCA remains India's only viable option to restore parity. But the stealth gap is real — and it's already looming over the subcontinent.
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
China to supply J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Pakistan. How IAF veterans reacted: 'It's worrying news'
Several Indian Air Force (IAF) veterans have raised alarms over reports that China will supply Pakistan with 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. Earlier this month, the government of Pakistan said in a social media post that it would acquire 40 J-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and HQ-19 ballistic missile defence systems, Bloomberg reported. The J-35 sale to Pakistan would mark China's first export of the fifth-generation jet, which has advanced stealth capabilities. The fighter jet was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and publicly unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Group Captain (Retd.) Ajay Ahlawat, a former IAF fighter pilot and defence analyst, told NDTV that the development is not a surprise as Pakistani pilots have been training in China. "Pakistan receiving these jets is not a surprise at all because their team of nominated fighter pilots have been in China for more than six months," he told the news channel. Also Read | India's strike on air bases forced Pakistan to request ceasefire, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar admits "They were training on the type before they were inducted. It was reported that the version that China will give to Pakistan is the FC-31, a slightly toned-down version of the J-35, which is practised across the globe. Nobody gives the full version," he added. He further said that Pakistan receiving the J-35 is going to raise concerns in India. Also Read | Amid Iran-Israel war, Pakistan fears Baloch militants rise; Asim Munir raises alarm with Donald Trump "It's worrying news," Group Captain Ahlawat told NDTV. "Ever since independence, we have fought a very hard battle in the procurement sphere to retain an edge over at least Pakistan, if not China. And any version of J-35 in Pakistani colours is going to raise concerns on our side. It's concerning." Air Marshal (Retd.) Sanjeev Kapoor also acknowledged the challenge and said India needs to have its own indigenous platform. "As per news reports, the Pakistanis are likely to get 40 aircraft by December this year," he told NDTV. "Nine to 10 years is the official figure by the time we could induct AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft). There is absolutely no doubt that we need to have our own indigenous platform. But as a nation, can we wait ten more years with adversaries on both sides acquiring more and better equipment?" Developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the J-35 is a twin-engine stealth fighter intended to complement the larger J-20 and potentially operate from China's expanding fleet of aircraft carriers. An evolution of the FC-31 prototype showcased at the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow, the J-35 features stealth-enhancing elements such as a streamlined, faceted fuselage, angled vertical stabilisers, and internal weapons bays to minimise its radar signature.
NDTV
a day ago
- Business
- NDTV
40 China J-35 Jets For Pak, India's 5th Gen Decade Away: IAF Veterans Weigh In
New Delhi: China will reportedly supply 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Pakistan. With the J-35 induction, Pakistan joins a small group of countries operating stealth technology. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently lacks any stealth fighters in operational service, is still at least a decade away from inducting its indigenous fifth-generation stealth aircraft - the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Official estimates place the AMCA's induction around 2035. NDTV spoke to senior IAF veterans for insight into the implications of this development and to assess India's operational preparedness to tackle fifth-generation stealth fighters. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat (Retd.), a former IAF fighter pilot and defence analyst, confirmed the developments with regard to Pakistani pilot training in China. "Pakistan receiving these jets is not a surprise at all because their team of nominated fighter pilots have been in China for more than six months," he said. "They were training on the type before they were inducted. It was reported that the version that China will give to Pakistan is the FC-31, a slightly toned-down version of the J-35, which is practised across the globe. Nobody gives the full version." The FC-31 is an export variant of the J-35 and is widely understood to possess reduced capability compared to the frontline aircraft serving the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF). "The only surprise element," Group Captain Ahlawat added, "is that they're coming a little ahead of schedule. That's the only surprise." The Indian Air Force has long maintained air superiority over Pakistan, based on superior training, tactics, and a more diversified inventory. The J-35 deliveries threaten to narrow that advantage. "It's worrying news," Group Captain Ahlawat said. "Ever since independence, we have fought a very hard battle in the procurement sphere to retain an edge over at least Pakistan, if not China. And any version of J-35 in Pakistani colours is going to raise concerns on our side. It's concerning." "Unfortunately, we have only two bad choices, the F-35 and the Su-57. The only good choice is the AMCA. The only way we can get past this problem is to give it a national mission-mode push and get it online as soon as we can." The AMCA, an ambitious twin-engine stealth fighter programme being developed by India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with the air force and navy, is still in the early stages of development. Prototype roll-out is targeted for 2028-29, and full induction is not expected before 2035. Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd.), who served in key planning roles within the IAF, acknowledged the seriousness of the challenge and offered an interim solution. "As per news reports, the Pakistanis are likely to get 40 aircraft by December this year," he told NDTV. "Nine to ten years is the official figure by the time we could induct AMCA. There is absolutely no doubt that we need to have our own indigenous platform. But as a nation, can we wait ten more years with adversaries on both sides acquiring more and better equipment?" Air Marshal Kapoor advocated for an off-the-shelf acquisition of Russian Sukhoi Su-57 jets in a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement, similar to the Rafale deal, to bridge the capability gap. "The Su-57 has a lot of compatibility with our equipment, weapons, radars and other systems," he explained. "And in many parameters, it is better than the F-35. Both these aircraft flew in Aero India. I spoke to certain people who saw both performing. There's no doubt that F-35 is state-of-the-art. But Su-57 ticks more boxes in many ways." Air Marshal Kapoor suggested that such a deal should come with the transfer of technology and coding access to allow the integration of India's own DRDO-developed weapon systems. "With Russian support, we could build on this," he added. "Our aircrew and ground crew, until AMCA is ready, will gain valuable experience. Also, our AMCA design and development teams can draw lessons from operating a fifth-generation fighter in Indian conditions." Group Captain Ahlawat disagreed with this proposition. "I'm sorry. I'm going to completely and absolutely disagree with you," he said. "Transfer of Technology makes sense if we didn't have AMCA. It would make sense if we did not have the technology research cells. But we do." He cited the IAF's prior involvement in the now-aborted FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) programme with Russia, from which India withdrew after evaluating the Su-57's early iterations. "We were part of the Su-57 programme," Ahlawat noted. "We didn't like what we saw. We spent $350 million and we walked away. There is a lot we know about it, and we didn't like it. Russia doesn't have one full operational regiment of Su-57s. They haven't produced what they need for themselves. We're filling the gap before our own homegrown fighter gets airborne. We should go for something proven. It's a bad choice, but among the two bad choices, F-35 is the less bad choice."
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Pakistan To Receive 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters While India's Indigenous Program Faces Decade-Long Wait
China is set to deliver 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft to Pakistan, marking a significant shift in South Asian air power dynamics. This development places Pakistan among the select nations operating advanced stealth technology, while India's Air Force continues to operate without any stealth fighters in its current inventory. The delivery timeline suggests Pakistan could have these advanced aircraft operational by December 2025, according to defense analysts. Meanwhile, India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program remains at least a decade away from fielding operational units, with official projections indicating full induction around 2035. According to sources, senior Indian Air Force veterans have confirmed that Pakistani pilots have already been training in China for over six months on these aircraft systems. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat, a retired IAF fighter pilot and defense analyst, noted that the pilot training program had been ongoing well before the official delivery announcement, indicating China's methodical approach to this technology transfer. The aircraft Pakistan will receive is reportedly the FC-31, an export variant of China's J-35 with reduced capabilities compared to the full-specification version used by the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force. This practice aligns with standard international arms export protocols where nations typically provide downgraded versions of their most advanced military equipment to foreign buyers. The development has raised significant concerns within India's defense establishment. The Indian Air Force has historically maintained air superiority over Pakistan through superior pilot training, advanced tactics, and a more diverse aircraft inventory. However, the introduction of stealth technology into Pakistani service threatens to narrow this advantage considerably. Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, who previously served in key planning positions within the IAF, has suggested pursuing an interim solution to address this capability gap. He advocates for acquiring Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighters through a government-to-government arrangement, similar to India's previous Rafale acquisition deal. His proposal includes securing technology transfer agreements and coding access to integrate India's domestically developed weapon systems. The Su-57 option presents both advantages and challenges. Proponents argue that Russian systems would offer better compatibility with existing Indian equipment, weapons, and radar systems. Additionally, operating fifth-generation fighters would provide valuable experience for Indian aircrew and ground personnel while the AMCA program continues development. However, not all defense experts support this approach. Critics point to India's previous involvement in the abandoned Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program with Russia, from which India withdrew after investing approximately $350 million. Concerns about the Su-57's performance capabilities and Russia's limited production capacity for its own air force have influenced this skepticism. Alternative suggestions include considering the American F-35 Lightning II, despite its higher cost and potential technology transfer restrictions. Some analysts view it as a more proven platform with established operational history across multiple air forces worldwide. The AMCA program represents India's long-term solution to achieving fifth-generation fighter capability. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with the Air Force and Navy, this twin-engine stealth fighter aims to provide India with an indigenous alternative to foreign systems. The program targets prototype rollout by 2028-29, with full operational capability expected in the mid-2030s. The timing disparity between Pakistan's near-term acquisition and India's long-term development timeline has intensified debates about interim procurement options. Defense analysts emphasize that waiting another decade while regional adversaries enhance their capabilities could compromise India's strategic position. This development occurs within the broader context of evolving regional security dynamics, where both China and Pakistan continue modernizing their military capabilities. The stealth fighter acquisition represents Pakistan's most significant air power enhancement in recent years and could influence tactical considerations across the subcontinent. The situation underscores the challenges facing India's defense procurement and indigenous development strategies. While self-reliance in defense manufacturing remains a national priority, the immediate operational requirements may necessitate difficult decisions about bridging capability gaps through foreign acquisitions. As this technological shift unfolds, it will likely influence regional military planning, defense spending priorities, and strategic partnerships. The introduction of fifth-generation fighter technology into the South Asian theater marks a new chapter in the ongoing regional military competition.
