Pakistan is significantly ramping up its military prowess with China’s support, aiming to transform regional power dynamics. With Islamabad’s acquisition of 40 Chinese J-35A stealth jets over the next two years, concerns within the Indian defence establishment have intensified, particularly as the Indian Air Force (IAF) grapples with operational constraints.
Pakistan’s Focus on Advanced Air Power
The J-35A, developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter capable of operating on both land and sea fronts. This acquisition is set to dramatically boost Pakistan’s air combat capabilities. Coupled with Beijing’s ongoing military assistance, this move threatens to disrupt the delicate military balance in South Asia, especially at a time when the IAF is facing a dwindling fleet.
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi recently criticized Pakistan’s prioritization of “weapons over welfare” during rapid naval modernization. This observation aligns with Pakistan’s evident focus on enhancing its military strength at the expense of public welfare. The acquisition of J-35A jets now adds another layer of complexity to India’s defence strategy.
India’s Air Force Woes
Despite being ranked third globally in air power, the IAF is facing operational hurdles. The squadron strength, which peaked at 41 in 1996, has plummeted to just 30, falling below the numbers during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. This decline underscores the urgent need for modernization and strategic planning.
The root of this crisis lies in the phase-out of outdated Soviet-era MiG aircraft. While the induction of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A was expected to bolster the fleet, production delays and supply chain disruptions have hampered progress. Issues at GE Aerospace and incomplete system certifications have further postponed deliveries.
Key projects like the LCA Mk-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) remain in the design phase, and the ambitious $20 billion Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program for 114 foreign jets has seen little progress. Consequently, the IAF is forced to operate with its current assets while addressing critical operational gaps.
To tackle this situation, India’s Ministry of Defence has formed a high-level committee under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to outline a roadmap for the IAF’s modernization.
Pakistan-China Defence Collaboration
Pakistan’s strengthening military ties with China are evident not only in the J-35A deal but also in other ongoing projects. Islamabad has been manufacturing JF-17 Thunder jets with Chinese assistance. While Pakistan promotes the JF-17 as a versatile, multirole aircraft, Indian military experts assert that the LCA Tejas Mk-1A surpasses the JF-17 in capabilities.
Additionally, China has been supplying Pakistan with J-10C fighter jets, further augmenting its air power. Of the 25 J-10C jets ordered, 15 have already been delivered. These aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics, are considered Pakistan’s most sophisticated platforms to date.
The J-35A, known as the Shen Fei J-35 or FC-31 Gyrfalcon, is China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter after the J-20. Analysts believe this aircraft will serve dual purposes: bolstering Pakistan’s air capabilities and potentially acting as a carrier-based fighter for the Chinese navy.
Naval Advancements: Disrupting the Maritime Balance
Pakistan’s military ambitions extend beyond the skies to the seas. Islamabad aims to establish a 50-ship navy equipped with advanced underwater and surface combat capabilities. This naval build-up is supported by a $5 billion deal with China for eight Hangor-class submarines, based on the Type 039A/041 Yuan-class AIP design. Four of these submarines are under construction in China, with the rest being assembled at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. The first submarine was launched in April this year, signaling rapid progress.
Moreover, Pakistan is acquiring two Type 054 A/P frigates from China. These frigates come armed with advanced systems like HHQ-16 surface-to-air missiles and P-282/CM-401 supersonic anti-ship missiles. The inclusion of Embraer Lineage 1000 jets retrofitted with sophisticated sensors and weapons into Pakistan’s maritime patrol fleet further strengthens its surveillance and strike capabilities.
India’s Response: Bridging Operational Gaps
India cannot afford to ignore these developments. The combination of advanced Chinese technology and Pakistan’s aggressive modernization strategy poses a direct challenge to India’s defence readiness. To counter these threats, the Indian Ministry of Defence is working to accelerate its stalled projects and address the IAF’s shrinking fleet.
Military planners argue that indigenous projects like the LCA Tejas must be expedited to reduce dependency on foreign acquisitions. Furthermore, initiatives like the AMCA and the MRFA program need streamlined execution to ensure the IAF regains its combat edge.
Geopolitical Implications
Observers suggest that the J-35A deal may have been finalized during a recent visit by General Zhang Youxia, Vice-Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, to Pakistan. The meeting underscores the strategic depth of the Pakistan-China alliance, which India must carefully monitor.
China’s active involvement in upgrading Pakistan’s air and naval capabilities is part of its broader geopolitical strategy to counterbalance India in South Asia. This alignment could have far-reaching implications for regional security, necessitating closer collaboration between India and its strategic allies.
A Critical Juncture for India
Pakistan’s acquisition of 40 J-35A jets and its naval modernization efforts signal a shift in regional power dynamics. For India, this is a wake-up call to address operational challenges within the IAF and enhance its overall military capabilities. Strategic investments in indigenous technologies, combined with robust diplomatic efforts, are crucial to maintaining India’s defence edge in the face of evolving threats.
As tensions rise, the need for a comprehensive and cohesive defence strategy becomes more urgent than ever. The balance of power in South Asia hinges on how effectively India responds to this dual challenge posed by Pakistan and China.