Inputs to Journalist on the question of
Chinese J-31 aircraft for PAF: Should India be worried?
- If and When. At the moment no clarity on the deal – numbers and timelines.
- Doubts about Deal.
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- Affordability. Pakistan Money starved.
- China. Will China be willing to expose the aircraft and its actual capabilities to the world through Pakistan?
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- Marriage of convenience.
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- PAF needs modernisation urgently (F-16 and Mirage aircraft are old vintage and the West is not cooperative).
- China needs to capture a share of the world market (Fighter aircraft – J-31 made as a cheaper option to US F-35, but no takers yet, not even PLAAF).
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- Advantage China.
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- Claim exportability of its aircraft.
- Free trial ground – PAF.
- Further control over Pakistan by increased reliance.
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- Advantage Pakistan.
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- Much-needed technology induction.
- Boost to its AF and defence industry.
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- Aircraft Capability. As usual, China is very secretive about its actual capabilities vis-à-vis the claims.
- Repercussions for India.
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- Unwelcome development.
- Likely to be used against India.
- Further strengthening of China-Pakistan defence cooperation and collusiveness.
- Increase in Interoperability of PAF and PLAAF.
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- Mitigation.
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- Increase the deterrence value.
- Enhance military (especially airpower) capability.
- Spend more on defence.
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- To Do.
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- Keep a close watch on developments.
- Monitor timelines.
- Accelerate own indigenous projects (Tejas Mk 2 and AMCA).
- Procure (Purchase) more Modern fighter aircraft.
- Some analysts suggesting the US F-35 and Russian SU-57. Why add more types to an already diverse inventory?
- Maybe go in for two more squadrons of already tested, selected and inducted Rafale aircraft.
- Periodic review based on the progress of indigenous projects and developments in the enemy camp.
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- Bottom line.
- Worry – NO.
- Take cognisance – Yes.
- Address the issue – Definitely.
Coming up: Detailed Article on the subject
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