Pakistan's Potential J-35A Acquisition Could Trigger US F-35A Offer to India, Countering Chinese Influence in South Asia

Defence experts are closely monitoring Pakistan's potential acquisition of the Chinese J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter, a move that could significantly shift the balance of power in South Asia.

This development has fueled speculation that the United States might respond by offering India the F-35A stealth fighter, albeit with certain conditions, as a means to counter Chinese influence and bolster India's defence capabilities. Such a move would mark a strategic shift in U.S.-India defence relations and further intensify the competition for air superiority in the region.

The J-35A, a carrier-capable stealth fighter developed by China, boasts advanced avionics, low-observability features, and the ability to deploy a wide range of modern weaponry. Should Pakistan acquire this aircraft, it could significantly enhance its aerial warfare capabilities and potentially tilt the balance of power in the region.

The close military ties between China and Pakistan, often referred to as an "all-weather partnership," make this acquisition a distinct possibility. For India, the introduction of the J-35A into Pakistan's arsenal would necessitate a robust countermeasure, particularly as China itself operates a growing fleet of fifth-generation fighters like the J-20.

The Pentagon might view this situation as an opportunity to strengthen its strategic partnership with India and contain China's growing influence in South Asia. Offering India the F-35A, widely considered one of the most advanced stealth fighters globally, could provide India with a decisive technological advantage.

However, there are potential obstacles to overcome. India's existing S-400 air defence systems, procured from Russia, could complicate the deal. The U.S. has strict regulations regarding the deployment of the F-35 near Russian systems due to concerns about potential data leakage and compromise of the F-35's stealth capabilities.

Experts suggest that the U.S. could impose stringent conditions for the sale of the F-35A to India to mitigate these risks. These conditions might include ensuring that F-35 operations are geographically isolated from S-400 batteries and implementing measures for greater oversight and interoperability with U.S. forces to protect sensitive technologies.

While the F-35A will represent a significant upgrade for the Indian Air Force, India must carefully weigh the potential implications. The F-35A is known for its high acquisition and maintenance costs, and opting for this platform could divert resources and focus from India's indigenous fighter jet programs, such as the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). Furthermore, accepting the F-35A could potentially strain India's long-standing defence ties with Russia.

The potential sale of J-35A fighters to Pakistan and a subsequent U.S. offer of the F-35A to India would undoubtedly escalate the arms race in South Asia. While this presents challenges, it also offers India an opportunity to bolster its defence capabilities, enhance its deterrence posture, and solidify its position as a key U.S. defence partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

[sanket]

I have already said several times that the S-400 purchase will make the US think twice. Second, the GE engine saga and the winner of MRFA are other factors. With India going with 26 Rafale-M, there is little chance, even if the US offers the F-35A, that it may find a place. The US history of imposing sanctions worldwide is a concern. The best option would be buying 2 to 3 squadrons of Su-57. Putin's visit next year, in January 2025, may throw some light on this, followed by the Aero-India show. Russia is likely to offer "Make in India" for the Su-57, with a manufacturing hub for exporting the Su-57 from India, something the US can't match with its offer for the F-35A.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

Any country with this line of thinking is bound to fail. We chose strategic autonomy, we have to build our own.

 

[Sunny]

SU-57 remains the only import option. Though probably not as stealthy as F-22 or F-35, it will be more than a match for J-20 or J-35 till the time AMCA is inducted in sufficient numbers. If Russia offers SU-57 as part of the current MRFA tender or gov to gov deal it's likely to get selected even Though Rafale being the logical choice as we already have inducted it.

 

[Sir Capt]

By the time india builds its own stealth fighter the continents will have shifted. India needs to acquire F22/F35 aircraft. 10 to 15 of each and co-develop 6th Gen + fighters.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Buying US platforms will be like shooting yourself in the foot. Already our dependence on US engines is too much.

 

[desigandu]

Strategically a no, especially if this can really accelerate AMCA, with the first flight by 2028, certification by 2032, and scale production of Mk1 by 2035. Also, F-35s are not on offer, we operate S-400 in both the western and northern sectors, and Russian "maal" is strategically off the table, and also of suspect capability.

It won't solve for Pakistan getting J-31s by 2026, but it will make us "atmanirbhar," especially if we can counter Pakistan with A2/AD and with bi-static, multi-static radars, enhanced missile defense with space sensors via a LEO satellite constellation, and a large number of HGVs/Hypersonic Cruise Missiles with MIRV/MaRVs!

But between DJT and our own DDM chemistry starting January 20, 2025, nothing should be ruled out. Note DJT would love to stab France in the back and get more business for America!

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

Su-57 can be more than a match to Chinese J35. If India busy Su-57 and incorporate better Indian and Israeli tech in it than Ruskis, I am sure it can be formidable one. Problem is that we don't know to what extent stealth features of J-35 and Su-57 are...

Buying F-35 will come with lots of conditions and may require sacrifice of big chunk of Bharat's strategic Autonomy. We already knew that our strategic Autonomy was the target in US sponsored B'desh coup.

 

[Kailash]

I have already said several times that the S-400 purchase will make the US think twice. Second, the GE engine saga and the winner of MRFA are other factors. With India going with 26 Rafale-M, there is little chance, even if the US offers the F-35A, that it may find a place. The US history of imposing sanctions worldwide is a concern. The best option would be buying 2 to 3 squadrons of Su-57. Putin's visit next year, in January 2025, may throw some light on this, followed by the Aero-India show. Russia is likely to offer "Make in India" for the Su-57, with a manufacturing hub for exporting the Su-57 from India, something the US can't match with its offer for the F-35A.

Even Chinese j20/35 build and surface finish looks way better than Su57's. The sukhoi has a central fuselage with two mighty engine, with sense of maintaining a contour shaping for stealth. The bomb bays are recessed compared to the engines, giving plenty of nooks and corners for surface radars to latch on to. No serpentine air ducts, exposing the engine blades directly on radar. Can't compare this with the F22 or YF23. Neither radar nor IR stealth even half as good. Even AMCA is better, if and when it flies a desi engine.

 

[Marc Spector]

5th Gen jets in PLAAF are far more dangerous than in PAF. Why I'm saying this? Well, PAF's airbases are within our strike range and in case of an open war, we can target those bases with long range S2S or A2S missile and neutralize Pakistani air assets before they could become a airborne threat to us. But the situation will totaly change when the PLAAF will come at us with its 5th gen jets from the distant air bases. That will be a serious business . There we need robust air defence platforms ( inthe lines of S400) and adequate safety measures for our key installations to save them from surprise strikes. . We don't need to run after F35 because once we fall in the US baggage, they will put their geopolitical terms and conditions on us just like they are doing with Israel.

 

[Man-ju]

US will certainly offer F-35A to India in the name of strategic balance. But will come with conditions, such as
dismantling and giving up completely and silently on S400 systems.
Stop the purchase of Russian oil(leading to rise in oil prices).
Work on US agenda on forums like BRICS and SCO etc.
Its better for India to wait and watch and give a rap to HAL and ADA to fast track AMCA and get them quickly.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

A F 35 squadron can be placed in India at specific bases by US and be allowed to be used by India, in specific conditions. This is ensure that it remains under the control of US all the times, except if used by India against China or Pakistan. This will be cost effective solution for both USA and India and will strengthen QUAD. India's AMCS will get ready in next decade and by which time, we may not need F 35 as such.

 

[Sandeep]

Pakistan is never going to get any stealth jet from China at all. If China sold a stealth jet then they know that Pakistan will let the USA to have a very close look at its technology, weapons, avionics, software and equipment to find out its weaknesses, capabilities and vulnerabilities. This would place Chinese jets at greater risk and allow the west to get a better advantage.

 

[Anant]

By the time india builds its own stealth fighter the continents will have shifted. India needs to acquire F22/F35 aircraft. 10 to 15 of each and co-develop 6th Gen + fighters.

The F-35 isn't freely available, and the US hasn't offered the type to us. The F-22 is legally prohibited from being exported.

As for co-development, it is an expensive endeavour, and the US has its own programs underway already, so that'd be difficult.

The US is also known to generally have development programs go quite a bit over-budget, so the financial feasibility of co-development would be questionable.

 

[Sir Capt]

The F-35 isn't freely available, and the US hasn't offered the type to us. The F-22 is legally prohibited from being exported.

As for co-development, it is an expensive endeavour, and the US has its own programs underway already, so that'd be difficult.

Anything is possible my friend. Who'd have thought India would get Chinooks and Apaches....things change when conditions suit the seller and user.

 

[Shiva]

Do you think, India will ever purchase strategically dependent product from US companies after intentional delay from GE and also allowing China in selling F-35A to Pakistan?
Do yoiu think, really India has to discuss in public, its strategies and explain our pl3ans to US media and spy agencies of US/China/Pakistan?

They are 3 planning against India.
Intentional delay of GE engines, black mailing tactics of US, are profound reason to not to have trust in this c3ount3ry defense businesses especiall3y if it is strategic in nature

 

[Anant]

Who'd have thought India would get Chinooks and Apaches.

Who would have thought India would get Chinooks and Apaches? Very obvious when you consider the nations operating both those types of choppers.

See, in many ways, the C-130, Apache, Chinook, and others are analogous to the F-16. As long as you aren't expressly anti-American, you can get them. The F-35, on the other hand, is, atleast for now, far more restrictive in terms of allowable users.

 

[Dredd]

Any country with this line of thinking is bound to fail. We chose strategic autonomy, we have to build our own.

but at what cost .. even if it will risk the sovereignty and security of the country? How do we counter China if they dont wait till india get AMCA and attack us.

 

[BCharlie]

I have already said several times that the S-400 purchase will make the US think twice. Second, the GE engine saga and the winner of MRFA are other factors. With India going with 26 Rafale-M, there is little chance, even if the US offers the F-35A, that it may find a place. The US history of imposing sanctions worldwide is a concern. The best option would be buying 2 to 3 squadrons of Su-57. Putin's visit next year, in January 2025, may throw some light on this, followed by the Aero-India show. Russia is likely to offer "Make in India" for the Su-57, with a manufacturing hub for exporting the Su-57 from India, something the US can't match with its offer for the F-35A.

The way its going at present is that Turkey will station its S-400 arsenal on a US base in Turkey, manned & controlled by US defense system. Once that happens then Turkey would be considered - cleared for sale of 100 F-35s to them with US controlling their missions via US mil sats limiting their operational territory, because of Greece. This is the only way .. to get F-35s; We should be vary of such US trap;

 

[subrat beura]

Trump is unpredictable & can provide F35 to India with the condition to keep a break on dedollarisation

 

[tenshin123]

Actually, if you think Russia doesn't know how to develop stealth, you are wrong. It was the Russian scientists who first proposed theory to reduce radar signature

 

[R. Singh]

It will be good if IAF have 80-90 F-35A and 36 F-35B !

 

[kunitesh]

Su 57 is a much better option ...IAF can customize it with advanced jammers , AESA radars and cutting edge weaponry.
IAF should also test fly the Su- 57 to evaluate it's radar cross section and the more advanced Al- 51 engines before procuring the fighters

 

[Ramakrishna]

Russia and China together playing a tricky gamble to woo India.. This will force India to acquire 5th gen Jets ,there are not many options.. other than F35 and SU57.. it will obviously push India towards SU57... We need to be double careful.. in this business. Remember to deter China ,the better option is always Supersonic and Hypersonic missiles.. Airforce will not be the key contributor considering our budgets..