Month: January 2024

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.
  • • Affordability. Pakistan Money starved. 
    • China. Will China be willing to expose the aircraft and its actual capabilities to the world through Pakistan?

• Marriage of convenience.
  • • 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).

• Advantage China.
  • • Claim exportability of its aircraft.
    • Free trial ground – PAF.
    • Further control over Pakistan by increased reliance.

• Advantage Pakistan.
  • • Much-needed technology induction.
    • Boost to its AF and defence industry.

• Aircraft Capability. As usual, China is very secretive about its actual capabilities vis-à-vis the claims.

• Repercussions for India.
  • • Unwelcome development.
    • Likely to be used against India.
    • Further strengthening of China-Pakistan defence cooperation and collusiveness.
    • Increase in Interoperability of PAF and PLAAF.

• Mitigation.
  • • Increase the deterrence value.
    • Enhance military (especially airpower) capability.
    • Spend more on defence.

• To Do.
  • • 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.

• Bottom line.
  • Worry – NO.
  • Take cognisance – Yes.
  • Address the issue – Definitely.

Coming up: Detailed Article on the subject

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