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Economic Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Would you fly a jet with Chinese chips? Veterans say no to Russia's Su‑57, push for India's AMCA instead
India's fighter jet debate has split top Air Force veterans. One side backs Russia's Su‑57E offer with promises of full technology transfer. The other says importing any fifth‑generation jet risks national security and undermines self‑reliance. Ajay Ahlawat and RKS Bhadauria want India to put all weight behind the homegrown AMCA, now under design. With Pakistan eyeing Chinese stealth jets, the choice is stark: build at home or depend on foreign vendors. The stakes are clear. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Call for direct oversight Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A different view Former chief says no Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Stronger defences the answer Where AMCA stands now Former Air Force officer Ajay Ahlawat has sounded a clear warning. He believes India must reject the lure of imported fifth‑generation fighters and put every resource into building its own stealth jet, the AMCA "It would be best if we eliminate the option to import FGFA ( Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft ). We have two bad choices. F‑35 comes with strings attached. US can not be trusted to steer a predictable foreign policy. Su57 is not really a FGFA. Moreover, a large part of electronics, avionics components and chips etc are sourced from China. Imagine being in a shooting war with your equipment vendor," Ahlawat wrote on words land at a time when Russia has made a tempting pitch: co‑produce the Su‑57E with complete technology wants more than just a rejection of imports. He wants the AMCA declared a national mission, personally monitored from the top."AMCA is the only viable option. Bring the program under PMO. Call it a mission of national importance. Nominate one IAF 3‑star as program head, reporting to NSA. All agencies under," he his view, India must break free from foreign dependency if it wants real air not everyone agrees. Former Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor sees strategic merit in Russia's plan. He thinks India should grab the chance while President Putin is set to visit."Just before Putin's visit on Thursday, Russia proposed a game changer offer for us, full tech transfer for co‑production of the Su‑57E at HAL Nashik (site of 220+ Su‑30MKI builds) plus direct delivery of Su‑35M jets in India's MRFA tender for 117 fighters. The dual offer promises deep localisation, source code access, it is a strategic boost for India's ' Make in India ' and our air power ambitions ," Kapoor said on him, Russian cooperation means faster firepower with local jobs and know‑ Ahlawat's view, former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria stays firm. No shortcuts, no imported jets. He says India must stick with its plan to finish the AMCA, no matter how long it takes."My answer is no. Now, the government has clearly put their faith in AMCA, and now we need to do everything as a nation to expedite the AMCA," Bhadauria spoke against panic buys, especially since Pakistan is expected to get Chinese J‑20 or J‑35 jets."That cause of concern in terms of what Pakistan is going to get from China in the interim – be it J20 or J‑35 – let them get these. That will be studied. What is important is in the interim how do you handle these threats and there are ways and means of tackling this threat that they will have,' he stressed that India's answer lies in tougher air defences, not shopping abroad."We have already demonstrated our capabilities in the air defence zones… in air‑to‑ground precision zones in terms of standoff. So therefore we'll need to have an action plan to be able to sort this out and I think that's the way to go," he accepts that Pakistan may fly stealth jets before India. But he believes that does not have to tilt the balance."In terms of stealth capability Pakistan is likely to get before us, we'll have to take some other measures in order to be able to detect by some means, to be able to still hold them off our borders much inside so that they are unable to launch. And should they be able to launch their cruise missiles or their standoff weapons, we are able to tackle the weapons," Bhadauria AMCA, short for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, is India's first attempt to build a fifth‑generation stealth fighter on its own. DRDO, HAL and private firms are working together. The project is now in the detailed design stage. The first flying prototype is likely by the end of this stake is more than just an aircraft. The real test is whether India can build what it needs without outside help. If it works, the AMCA could close the stealth gap with rivals and cut foreign ties that come with hidden next few months will show which path India picks: build at home or buy from abroad. The debate has begun.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'They came, attacked, and returned': Ex-IAF pilot highlights real benefits of costly high-tech war machines like $2 bn B-2 bombers
United States military forces executed a precision strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, deploying B-2 stealth bombers armed with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. The mission, supported by aerial refueling and fighter escorts, targeted uranium enrichment plants at Fordo and Natanz. US officials reported that the operation achieved its objectives without detection or resistance from Iranian forces, following earlier Israeli attacks. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat (Retd), former IAF officer, while commenting on recent United States strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, said that the B2-Bombers were worth $2.2 billion per aircraft due to their ability to deliver weapons over Iran, and return safely. B2 bombers got airborne from Missouri in USA. Flew over 40 hrs. Delivered weapons over Iran, and returned safely. This despite, the whole world reporting it live. Such capability cost a lot of money. B2 cost over $2.2 billion per aircraft. GBU 57 cost 20 million per bomb," said Ahlawat in a post on B-2 stealth bombers that dropped massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities began returning to their U.S. base in Missouri on base, about 73 miles (117 kilometers) southeast of Kansas City, is home to the 509th Bomb Wing, the only U.S. military unit that operates the B-2 Spirit bombers The first group of four of the stealth aircraft did a loop around the base before approaching a runway from the north, while a final group of three arrived within 10 day before, the B-2s had been part of a wide-ranging plan involving deception and decoys to deliver what American military leaders believe is a knockout blow to a nuclear program that Israel views as an existential threat and has been pummeling for more than a pilots dropped 30,000-pound bombs early on Sunday on two key underground uranium enrichment plants in Iran, delivering what American military leaders believe is a knockout blow to a nuclear programme that Israel views as an existential threat and has been pummelling for more than a off from the US heartland, B-2 stealth bombers delivered a total of 420,000 pounds of explosives, aided by an armada of refuelling tankers and fighter jets — some of which launched their own operation relied on a series of deceptive tactics and decoys to maintain the secrecy, US officials said hours after the attack, which was preceded by nine days of Israeli attacks that debilitated Iran's military leadership and air group of B-2 stealth bombers travelled west from Missouri on Saturday as decoys, drawing the attention of amateur plane spotters, government officials and some media as they headed toward a US air base in the the same time, seven other B-2s carrying two 'bunker buster' bombs apiece flew eastward, keeping communications to a minimum so as not to draw any 18 hours of furtive flying that required aerial refuelling, the armed B-2 Spirit bombers, each with two crew members, arrived on time and without detection in the Eastern Mediterranean, from where they launched their attack runs. Before crossing into Iran, the B-2s were escorted by stealthy US fighter jets and reconnaissance an hour before the B-2s entered Iran, Caine said that a US submarine in the region launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles against key targets, including a site in Isfahan where uranium is prepared for the US bombers approached their targets, they watched out for Iranian fighter jets and surface-to-air missiles, but encountered 6:40 pm in Washington and 2:10 am in Tehran, the first B-2 bomber dropped its pair of GBU-57 massive ordnance penetrators on the deeply buried Fordo uranium enrichment was the first time these so-called 'bunker busters' had ever been used in combat. Each 30,000-pound bomb is designed to burrow into the ground before detonating a massive Fordo site received the bulk of the bombardment, though a couple of the enormous bombs were also dropped on a uranium enrichment site at US bombs fell for about half an hour, with cruise missiles fired from submarines being the last American weapons to hit their targets, which included a third nuclear site at Isfahan, Caine Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog said there were no immediate signs of radioactive contamination around the sites.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- 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
20-06-2025
- 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
20-06-2025
- 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."
