In what could come as a major upgrade for the air superiority of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and its efforts to modernise its forces and improve strike capabilities, Pakistan has recently approved the acquisition of the Chinese fight-generation stealth fighter jet Shenyang J-35.
The delivery of the fighter jets, which will enhance Pakistan's deterrence posture, is expected to happen in 24 months.
Pakistan is currently relying on its fourth-generation fighter jets JF-17 Thunder and F-16 Fighting Falcon even as India aims to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a fifth-generation fighter jet programme, known as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Besides, Pakistan is expected to retire as many as 200 fighter jets by 2030.
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The decision by Pakistan to acquire J-35, a twin-engine, all-weather, stealth multi-role combat aircraft, is being perceived as a move to counterbalance India's growing power in the region and enhance its depleting air power.
Recently, Pakistan news reports claimed that PAF pilots have begun training on the J-31 fighter jets in China.
Capabilities of J-35 jets
A stealthy fifth-generation fighter, J-35 is a medium-sized fighter featuring a twin-engine layout, and incorporating stealth features like edge alignment, smooth contours, and radar-absorbing materials.
It is capable of both air superiority and strike missions against ground and maritime targets. Designed for seamless interoperability, providing strong standalone combat capabilities, and enabling coordination with other battlefield equipment, the induction of the fighter aircraft into PAF will enhance its ability to conduct offensive operations in high-threat and contested environments.
According to news agency Xinhua, J-35 fighter jets are highly maneuverable, with excellent handling and user-friendly human-machine interaction, enabling full combat effectiveness.
Does India have a reason to worry?
The induction of the fifth generation J-35 into the Pakistan Air Force is set to significantly boost the country's air power as it is considered to be superior to India's advanced fighter aircraft, such as Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale.
Meanwhile, according to IDRW, Pakistan's move may prompt the US to offer India the F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter, with enhanced stealth, situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability. According to the US Air Force, F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9g capable multi-role fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness.
The advanced sensor package of F-35A is designed to gather, fuse and distribute more information than any fighter jets in history. If the deal goes through, this would offer India a decisive advantage over its adversaries as the fighter jet is designed to achieve unprecedented levels of reliability and maintainability.
Amid growing China-Pakistan military ties which would expedite the Shenyang J-35 deal, the US may see the deal as an opportunity to enhance the strategic ties with India to contain the growing influence of China in the region.