Opinion AMCA Program Becomes More Critical as India Grapples with Pakistan's Potential 5th-Gen Fighter Jet Deployment in Next 2 Years

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a potential challenge to its regional air superiority with the news that Pakistan is set to acquire 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jets from China.

This development puts Pakistan ahead of India in deploying these advanced combat aircraft, as the IAF's own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkI, is not expected to enter service for another 7 to 9 years.

The introduction of J-35A jets into the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) could grant Pakistan a significant technological advantage over India in the coming years, potentially impacting the strategic balance in South Asia.

Furthermore, Pakistan's ambitions extend beyond the J-35A. The PAF aims to transition to an almost entirely fifth-generation fleet by 2047, with plans to operate around 450 such aircraft, including potential acquisitions like the Turkish Kaan jets and possibly even indigenous development based on technology transfers from China.

This assertive move by Pakistan underscores its intention to challenge India's traditional air dominance in the region. The IAF must recognize this shift and respond strategically.

The AMCA program now takes on even greater significance, and the IAF needs to expedite its development and induction. This includes ensuring the project stays on schedule and that production scales up rapidly once the design is finalized.

Beyond the AMCA, India should consider bolstering its fifth-generation fighter capabilities through additional procurement or by increasing the production of existing platforms like the LCA Tejas Mk2, which could serve as an interim solution.

Looking further ahead, the IAF must initiate the design and development of a sixth-generation fighter jet to keep pace with global advancements and ensure its long-term competitiveness.

To accelerate development and gain access to new technologies, India might explore international collaborations for technology sharing and co-development, similar to how Pakistan is leveraging its relationship with China.

Furthermore, a reassessment of defence spending may be necessary, with a greater focus on R&D and the acquisition of advanced aerial platforms.

The IAF also needs to consider the potential for coordinated strategies between Pakistan and China, as the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is also moving towards a fifth-generation fleet. The IAF must prepare for a scenario where it might face both adversaries equipped with advanced stealth capabilities.

In conclusion, Pakistan's acquisition of the J-35A creates a sense of urgency for India's indigenous fighter jet programs. By accelerating the AMCA's development, exploring international collaborations, and potentially increasing the acquisition of fifth-generation fighters, India can maintain its technological edge and ensure its air superiority in the face of evolving regional dynamics.

 

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[R. Singh]

USA will spoil our AMCA program as its doing with Tejas-1A ! Better first make engine for AMCA jointly with foreign OEM with IP rights ! Till then buy Rafale F-4/F-5 and Su-57 felon !

 

[sanket]

For the Chinese, Pakistan is a dumping ground, and Pakistan too doesn't have enough budget, while Turkey, having the budget, still can't have its hands on the F-35. That's the story at the moment, and Pakistan is happy with the JF-17. If Pakistan was really interested in procuring a 5th-gen fighter, it would have invited tenders with 4.5 and 5th-gen options, but that hasn't happened. With only one option left, and single-vendor buying without comparing with other similar category jets, the question is how many countries are really interested in purchasing Chinese stealth jets?

 

[Chinese eater]

India also needs to plan for all 5-6 gen fighter jets from 2047.

Tejas Mk2 can be upgraded to 5th-gen fighters. Tejas Mk3 must be a 5th gen, otherwise, there is no use.

 

[Hari Sud]

Chinese products and propaganda are two different things. Yes, the Chinese have built a stealth fighter but it is nowhere close to what they stole from the west. It needs agility, avionics, missiles and engines. Without those, it is stealth hull.

 

[Asish Kumar]

India also needs to plan for all 5-6 gen fighter jets from 2047.

Tejas Mk2 can be upgraded to 5th-gen fighters. Tejas Mk3 must be a 5th gen, otherwise, there is no use.

Nope, you need to change the airframe (body) of the Tejas Mk2 to incorporate stealth features.

But you can definitely improve semi-stealth by RCS coating (maybe, # I am not an expert).

 

[Singh]

Don't worry, guys. It's not just about purchasing stealth jets. Maintaining and operating such advanced fighters is a massive financial burden. Plus, Pakistan's economic condition isn't exactly stable, so investing in these jets could weaken them further. Acquiring jets is one thing, but training pilots, sustaining logistics, and integrating them into their existing fleet is a completely different challenge. Stealth isn't invisibility, and their true impact depends on how effectively they can use them, which seems unlikely given their current situation.

 

[nara]

There will be no need for these jets for another 10-15 years or more, no wars will take place at this scale. India has plenty of time to develop its technology and industry to be self-reliant.

 

[Kira]

Don't worry, guys. It's not just about purchasing stealth jets. Maintaining and operating such advanced fighters is a massive financial burden. Plus, Pakistan's economic condition isn't exactly stable, so investing in these jets could weaken them further. Acquiring jets is one thing, but training pilots, sustaining logistics, and integrating them into their existing fleet is a completely different challenge. Stealth isn't invisibility, and their true impact depends on how effectively they can use them, which seems unlikely given their current situation.

While it is true that Pakistan's economic condition is precarious, the PRC, which has a ton of greenbacks to throw around, can easily fund the Pakistani military as long as it is willing to take on India. Even $10 billion a year is something the PRC can easily provide the Pakistani military to modernize itself.

 

[Indiafirst]

I am at my wits end to understand about our policy makers that what prevents them to acquire 5th Generation fighters (it may be SU57 or even F35, if offered) at least 3-4 squadrons would be sufficient to maintain a minimum level of deterrence against two enemies.

 

[tipoo2]

Acquiring jets is one thing, but training pilots, sustaining logistics, and integrating them into their existing fleet is a completely different challenge.

I would largely assume the J35 is more like the Su57 in not needing as much upkeep on the stealth coating as the F35 in exchange for less stealth, as it's meant for export to such poor countries as Pakistan.

 

[Rational Guy]

While it is true that Pakistan's economic condition is precarious, the PRC, which has a ton of greenbacks to throw around, can easily fund the Pakistani military as long as it is willing to take on India. Even $10 billion a year is something the PRC can easily provide the Pakistani military to modernize itself.

Well considering China's current economic condition even $10 billion yearly to an unstable country like Pak is not going to be justified to the Chinese people. Maybe $1-2 billion at max. $10 billion yearly of free aid is a LOT of money which China could use to build more type 93 subs, an entirely new aircraft carrier etc.

 

[BCharlie]

For the Chinese, Pakistan is a dumping ground, and Pakistan too doesn't have enough budget, while Turkey, having the budget, still can't have its hands on the F-35. That's the story at the moment, and Pakistan is happy with the JF-17. If Pakistan was really interested in procuring a 5th-gen fighter, it would have invited tenders with 4.5 and 5th-gen options, but that hasn't happened. With only one option left, and single-vendor buying without comparing with other similar category jets, the question is how many countries are really interested in purchasing Chinese stealth jets?

Pakistan doesn't need a budget or funds for their defence purchases from China; they are China's proxy state & China is investing there. Soon, very soon, the Chinese will start investing in Bangladesh.

 

[SK]

Chinese jets are still struggling on the Stealth & Engine aspect so it's best for IAF to focus on Indigenous programs or else India will remain dependent upon foreign Powers for it's security.

 

[BCharlie]

Well considering China's current economic condition even $10 billion yearly to an unstable country like Pak is not going to be justified to the Chinese people. Maybe $1-2 billion at max. $10 billion yearly of free aid is a LOT of money which China could use to build more type 93 subs, an entirely new aircraft carrier etc.

Sir ji, our maths and their maths are at two different levels. Wait till Bangladesh joins in. By the way, China is already underway manufacturing 16 of their Type-93 subs.

 

[BCharlie]

There will be no need for these jets for another 10-15 years or more, no wars will take place at this scale. India has plenty of time to develop its technology and industry to be self-reliant.

I pray you are right that no wars will take place for another 10-15 years, but Amreeka aur Europe ka kia hoga? Wars ke baghair unki economy doob jayegi. Wars start karna unka kaam hai, unki industry war defence-based industry hai.

 

[Rational Guy]

Sir ji, our maths and their maths are at two different levels. Wait till Bangladesh joins in. By the way, China is already underway manufacturing 16 of their Type-93 subs.

Sirji, no matter how much of 93B they build, it's not some toy they can give just like that, ok? It took them billions and years of R&D to arrive at the current version of Type 93 lol. Why would the Chinese give one of their crown jewels to a bear-failed state? Type 93 is the J-20 of their nuclear subs.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

I am pretty sure that the IAF is concerned about new developments, acquisitions, and technologies taking place in Pakistan and China. It is certainly cause for concern because the situation in the IAF is not at an ideal level to meet urgent requirements and is facing a shortage of modern aircraft to deal with our adversaries, who have the numbers. China is ramping up production of the J-20. Whereas, comparatively, we are not anywhere near the Chinese, but we are still thinking about how to get the Mk1A up and go into mass production, probably 32 aircraft per year. The IAF floated the RFI in "2018" for 114 MRFA, and aircraft makers worldwide responded to the multi-billion dollar deal. To date, as usual, the same old bureaucracy, with its "sitting on it for ages" attitude, has not progressed any further. Probably they are not willing to look at our adversaries' defence industry developments and imminent threats. It is six years since the RFI, and no Mk1A in sight, but HAL management and the bureaucracy are still taking things nice and easy.

 

[Anant]

Sir ji, our maths and their maths are at two different levels. Wait till Bangladesh joins in. By the way, China is already underway manufacturing 16 of their Type-93 subs.

Um, only a maximum of 10 Type 093 subs have been confirmed to date. The two Type 093 boats, the four Type 093A boats (all of which are in service), and between 2 and 4 Type 093B boats. The Chinese have planned to move to the newer Type 095 after these, ostensibly.

How did you reach the 12 number?