Pakistan is set to maintain a temporary edge over India in the air combat domain with the deployment of its J-35 fighter jet, ahead of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project’s anticipated arrival. The J-35, developed by China and reportedly intended for use by Pakistan, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter, enhancing the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) capabilities.
While the AMCA is expected to provide India with a highly advanced, indigenously developed combat aircraft, its timeline for deployment is still a few years away. In contrast, Pakistan is already gearing up to integrate the J-35 into its fleet, providing the PAF with superior air dominance in the interim. This shift will likely improve Pakistan’s strike capabilities and modernize its air force to compete with India’s evolving aerial forces.
The J-35 fighter jet is expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s military strategy, providing it with enhanced stealth features, advanced avionics, and improved maneuverability, allowing it to better counter the capabilities of India’s existing fighter fleet. In the coming years, while India focuses on the development and eventual induction of the AMCA, Pakistan’s J-35 will serve as a temporary but significant boost to its aerial edge.
India’s AMCA project, which is expected to be a game-changer in terms of indigenous aircraft development, has faced challenges in terms of funding, technological advancements, and production timelines. As the J-35 continues to enhance Pakistan’s aerial strength, India will need to ensure that its own stealth capabilities through the AMCA are ready to meet and exceed this challenge once it becomes operational.
This situation highlights the dynamic nature of air power in South Asia, where both nations are actively pursuing technological advancements to maintain strategic advantages. The next few years will be critical for both countries as they work to solidify their air combat capabilities, with Pakistan holding the upper hand for now with the deployment of the J-35 fighter jet until India’s AMCA can be introduced to the frontlines.
