Pakistan’s reported interest in acquiring China’s advanced J-35 stealth fighter has renewed concerns about the evolving military balance in South Asia. At the same time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to face a shortage of fighter squadrons, with its operational strength reported at around 29 squadrons—well below its sanctioned strength of 42.
The combination of Pakistan’s potential access to next-generation combat aircraft and India’s ongoing fighter modernisation challenges has brought renewed attention to air combat capabilities, defence preparedness and the urgency of strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace industry.
Pakistan’s Interest in China’s J-35 Stealth Fighter
China’s Shenyang J-35 family represents its next generation of stealth combat aircraft. Designed with reduced radar visibility and modern avionics, the aircraft is intended to strengthen China’s future air combat capabilities. The land-based J-35A and the carrier-oriented J-35 variant are associated with different operational requirements.
Pakistan, which has maintained close defence ties with China for decades, has been linked to reports and discussions about a possible acquisition of the J-35. If a deal materialises, it could mark a significant development in the Pakistan Air Force’s modernisation programme.
A stealth fighter could potentially offer advantages in reducing radar detection, improving situational awareness and operating alongside modern sensors, missiles and electronic warfare systems. However, the actual combat effectiveness of any future Pakistani J-35 fleet would depend on factors such as delivery schedules, pilot training, maintenance, weapons integration and the wider command-and-control network.
It is important to distinguish between reports of Pakistan’s interest, a confirmed procurement agreement and the actual induction of operational aircraft. These are separate stages, and the status of any proposed acquisition should be verified against official announcements.
IAF Fighter Squadron Strength Remains a Major Concern
India’s fighter squadron shortage has been a longstanding challenge. The IAF has a sanctioned requirement of 42 fighter squadrons, but its strength has been reported at approximately 29 in recent assessments. The shortfall reflects the retirement of older aircraft, delays in replacing ageing platforms and the time required to manufacture and induct new fighters.
Fighter squadrons are central to air defence, offensive counter-air missions, ground support and the protection of strategic assets. Maintaining sufficient numbers becomes especially important for a country that must prepare for contingencies along two major land borders.
The shortfall does not automatically mean that India lacks the ability to defend its airspace. Overall air power also depends on aircraft quality, weapons, surveillance systems, pilot proficiency, airborne early-warning platforms, air defence networks and operational planning. Nevertheless, a prolonged numerical gap can limit flexibility when several missions must be conducted simultaneously.
Why the J-35 Could Matter for India
If Pakistan eventually inducts the J-35, India would need to assess the aircraft as part of a broader regional security picture rather than as an isolated platform.
The potential implications include:
- Stealth and detection: Reduced radar visibility could complicate detection and tracking, although stealth does not make an aircraft invisible.
- Advanced sensors: Modern radar, infrared sensors and networked systems could improve a fighter’s ability to identify and engage targets.
- Weapons integration: The combination of long-range air-to-air missiles and advanced targeting systems could influence air combat planning.
- Training and readiness: Operating a sophisticated aircraft effectively requires extensive training, reliable maintenance and a well-developed support infrastructure.
- Regional military balance: The introduction of new capabilities could prompt India to accelerate upgrades to its own aircraft, surveillance systems and air defence networks.
The extent of any impact would depend on the number of aircraft acquired, their configuration, delivery timelines and Pakistan’s ability to integrate them into its existing fleet.
India’s Fighter Modernisation Plans
India has several programmes aimed at strengthening its combat aviation capabilities. The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme is intended to expand domestic fighter production, while the Su-30MKI fleet remains an important component of the IAF’s operational strength.
The Rafale provides another modern multirole capability, and the planned induction of additional aircraft under different programmes is intended to improve the overall fleet over time. India is also pursuing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), an indigenous fifth-generation fighter development programme designed to provide advanced capabilities in the longer term.
However, new aircraft programmes take years to progress from development and testing to serial production and operational deployment. Even when a procurement decision is made, deliveries depend on production capacity, supply chains, engine availability, testing and infrastructure.
For this reason, addressing the immediate squadron shortage requires both timely procurement and sustained investment in domestic manufacturing.
Why Indigenous Production Is Critical
India’s long-term air power will depend not only on purchasing advanced aircraft but also on developing the ability to design, manufacture, upgrade and maintain them domestically.
Increasing production capacity for the Tejas, ensuring timely deliveries, strengthening the domestic supply chain and developing advanced engines and avionics could reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. A reliable production ecosystem would also help India replace retiring aircraft more predictably.
At the same time, upgrades to existing fighters can help preserve operational capabilities while newer platforms enter service. Modern missiles, electronic warfare equipment, secure communications and improved radar systems can enhance the effectiveness of aircraft already in the fleet.
A balanced approach involving new fighters, upgrades, unmanned systems, airborne surveillance and integrated air defence is likely to be more effective than relying on a single aircraft programme.
What the Indian Air Chief’s Warning Means
Concerns raised by India’s Air Chief about the shortage of fighter squadrons highlight the importance of maintaining adequate combat strength. The IAF must prepare for a changing technological environment while ensuring that its current fleet remains operationally effective.
The reported figure of 29 squadrons, compared with the sanctioned 42, illustrates the scale of the challenge. Reversing this shortfall will require sustained government funding, predictable procurement decisions, faster manufacturing and close coordination among the armed forces, public-sector manufacturers and private industry.
The potential emergence of a Pakistani stealth-fighter capability adds another consideration to this already complex modernisation effort. However, the significance of that development will depend on confirmed procurement details and the aircraft’s eventual operational capabilities.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s reported interest in China’s J-35 stealth fighter and the Indian Air Force’s fighter squadron shortage have renewed debate about the future of air power in South Asia. If Pakistan secures and operationally deploys the aircraft, India will need to evaluate the implications for surveillance, air combat planning and regional deterrence.
India already possesses a diverse combat aircraft fleet and is investing in indigenous fighter development. The central challenge is to convert those programmes into sufficient operational strength within a realistic timeframe.
Ultimately, maintaining a credible air force requires more than acquiring advanced aircraft. It demands adequate squadron numbers, modern weapons, trained personnel, dependable maintenance and a strong domestic aerospace industry. Closing the gap between authorised and available fighter squadrons will remain an important priority for India’s defence preparedness.
Editorial note: The reported Pakistani J-35 acquisition status and the latest fighter squadron figure should be checked against current official statements before publication. Expressions of interest, procurement agreements and operational induction should not be treated as interchangeable.
