Retired Air Marshal Masood Akhtar of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has ignited a debate in South Asian defence circles by asserting that the J-35A fighter jet, reportedly offered to Pakistan, constitutes a significant leap in air combat technology. In an interview with SUNO News HD, he categorized the J-35A as a "5.5 generation" aircraft, suggesting its capabilities surpass existing fifth-generation fighters.
This statement comes amidst heightened scrutiny of military developments in the region, especially between India and Pakistan. Air Marshal Akhtar highlighted the advanced features of the J-35A, believed to be an evolution of China's J-31 Gyrfalcon, claiming it possesses superior stealth capabilities, speed, and weapon systems integration compared to its contemporaries.
Further emphasizing Pakistan's strategic acquisitions, he stated, "The J-10CE, which we've already integrated into our fleet, outperforms the Indian Rafale in various aspects." This comparison directly challenges the perceived dominance of the Dassault Rafale, a key component of India's air force modernization efforts.
The retired Air Marshal's comments indicate that the PAF aims to significantly alter the balance of air power in South Asia. If acquired, the J-35A would potentially be Pakistan's first dual-engine fifth-generation fighter, substantially bolstering its aerial defence capabilities.
However, Akhtar's claims have been met with skepticism from India's defence community. They maintain that the Rafale's combat-proven record, advanced avionics, and sensor fusion capabilities make it a formidable asset. While acknowledging the J-10CE's capabilities, they argue that it does not match the Rafale's multirole versatility or its integration into a broader, NATO-compatible system.
International observers are also cautious about the "5.5 generation" designation for the J-35A. Although China has made rapid strides in stealth technology, experts note that true capabilities are often only revealed in operational scenarios. The classification of aircraft generations is often subjective, with marketing considerations sometimes outweighing strictly defined technological criteria.
