Recently, in the Zhuhai air show, China was on the high side with its military aviation technology, unveiling two of the most cutting-edge ones, which are the PL-15E and China J-35A Fighter Widens Gap with long range air-to-air missile. With these developments, it poses a serious threat to India’s air defense as well as the general Indo-Pacific security. In this paper, we will examine the impact of these advanced platforms on IAF and India, in general, how it should act to keep its strategic superiority.
J-35A Stealth Fighter: China New Air Dominance Technology
China’s J-35A jet, a next-generation stealth military plane, is purposely built to attack air superiority and empower the military at long distances. In terms of advancement as well as the new lightweight stealth fighter, the newer one may potentially replace the older types of J-10, J-11, and J-16, thereby causing them to be outdated at a time when technology has grown. With all the cutting-edge operations stealth tech onboard, the J-35A is about to do a cut-and-paste job with Western fighter aircraft like the F-35.
Key Features of the J-35A:
- It has the kind of stealth that makes it invisible to radar.
- Future generation upgraded electronics and weapons systems that evermore effectively contribute to mission success and precision attack.
- Able to do long-range operations which means China can easily project its power to all corners of the Earth.
PL-15E Missile: Enhancing China Aerial Firepower
Besides the J-35A, China also exhibited the enhanced PL-15E missile, a long-range air-to-air missile that can reach aircraft outside the range of traditional weapon systems. This missile is an advanced version of the PL-15, which has been already known for its long-range and accuracy.
By using the folding fins just like what the US AMRAAM did, the PL-15E is capable of being fired from different platforms such as the J-35A. Its capability to strike targets that are at a considerable distance increases the threat to the idea of using old fighter jets by India.
Key Features of the PL-15E Missile:
- Extended range allows the missile to strike targets far beyond the capabilities of older air-to-air missiles.
- Improved guidance systems ensure precision targeting even in highly contested air spaces.
- Enhanced integration with modern stealth platforms like the J-35A, enabling China to target India’s most advanced fighters.
The Growing Technological Gap Between India and China
The unveiling of the J-35A and PL-15E is part of a broader trend of China’s technological superiority in military aviation. With the addition of the CH-7 Stealth UCAV and the mockup of a sixth-generation fighter, China is rapidly closing the technological gap between itself and global military powers. The implications for India’s defense strategy are concerning, as China’s advanced capabilities widen the asymmetry in air power.
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Strategic Importance for India:
China’s increased air dominance could lead to a significant shift in the Indo-Pacific security landscape.
India’s current defense strategy, which focuses on acquiring Rafale fighter jets and indigenous Tejas aircraft, may need to be recalibrated to counter these emerging threats.
How India Can Address the Growing Threat
To maintain its strategic position, India must take swift action to modernize its air defense systems. This includes not only investing in next-generation fighter jets but also strengthening its missile defense and radar systems. Moreover, India could explore closer military alliances with global powers, such as the United States, to bolster its air defense capabilities.
The Urgency of Action
China’s unveiling of the J-35A stealth fighter and PL-15E missile underscores the need for India to act decisively in enhancing its air defense. The growing technological and numerical disparity between the two nations is a pressing concern, and India must take steps to ensure that it can maintain air superiority and safeguard its national security in the face of this growing challenge.
