Lockheed Martin Battles for Indian Air Force Transport and Fighter Jet Contracts Against Airbus and Embraer

 Lockheed Martin, a major U.S. defense contractor, is fiercely competing for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) transport and fighter jet aircraft contracts. For the transport aircraft, Lockheed Martin is up against Airbus and Embraer.

The IAF’s transport aircraft have been crucial for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations within India and internationally. They also play a vital role in the logistics and movement of Indian armed forces, especially in the Himalayan regions. Historically, the Ilyushin Il-76MD and Antonov An-32 aircraft have been the mainstay for almost 40 years. The recent additions of the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J-30 have extended India’s reach and payload capacity.

As India progresses towards becoming the third-largest economy, its global commitments necessitate an upgrade in the IAF’s transport capabilities. Older aircraft are nearing retirement, prompting the IAF to seek new transport aircraft with an 18 to 30-ton cargo capacity. Contenders include Embraer’s C-390, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J, and the Airbus A400M Atlas.

Currently, the IAF operates a 17-aircraft fleet of Ilyushin Il-76MDs, 105 Antonov An-32 aircraft, 12 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, and 12 Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules. The older HS-748 aircraft are being replaced by the Airbus C-295MW.

The Indo-Russian Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) project, initiated in 2009, aimed to replace the An-32 but has faced delays and technical issues, with Russia continuing the project alone. The Ilyushin Il-276, a potential outcome of this project, is expected to begin flight testing in 2023.

In December 2022, the IAF issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a new transport aircraft with an 18 to 30-ton capacity, extending the submission deadline to March 31, 2024. The RFI emphasizes technology transfer, indigenization, and establishing a manufacturing line in India.

The contenders for the contract are:

1. Airbus A400M Atlas: A four-engine turboprop aircraft capable of carrying 37 tons and performing various roles, including medical evacuation and aerial refueling.
2. Embraer C-390 Millennium: A twin-engine, jet-powered aircraft with a 26-ton payload, suitable for multiple missions and known for its operational flexibility and low costs.
3. Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules: A four-engine turboprop with a 19-ton payload, already in service with the IAF and known for its reliability and performance.

The evaluation process will consider technical specifications, life cycle costs, technology transfer levels, and potential for local manufacturing. The decision will also account for the aircraft's ability to operate from short, rough airstrips and support high-altitude operations.

India's defense acquisition processes are often lengthy, but the need for modernizing the IAF’s transport fleet is urgent to avoid capability gaps. Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and Embraer are all well-acquainted with India, with each offering distinct advantages and extensive collaboration history.

Lockheed Martin, in particular, is also pitching its F-21 fighter aircraft to the IAF, emphasizing its long-term presence in India and integration of Indian suppliers into its global supply chain. Airbus, with its significant civil aviation footprint in India, and Embraer, known for its advanced technologies and collaborations, are formidable competitors in this high-stakes battle for IAF contracts.

India Eyes Greek Mirage 2000-5 Fighter Jets for Spare Parts

 

Athens has proposed to New Delhi the acquisition of 18 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets that are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. While local Indian sources have confirmed the offer, the exact value of the potential deal remains undisclosed by both governments. The next step involves Indian experts conducting a technical evaluation of these fighters.

India’s interest in the Mirage 2000-5 primarily lies in securing spare parts. As a major operator of this iconic French aircraft, India aims to keep its Mirage 2000 fleet operational until around 2035. With France no longer producing the Mirage 2000 or its spare parts, this acquisition is seen as highly valuable.

According to Indian source idrw.org, these Greek Mirage 2000-5s, despite their age, could provide essential components to extend the life of India’s existing fleet. This is crucial until newer generation aircraft like the Tejas MkII are fully integrated into the Indian Air Force.

A significant aspect of the proposed deal is the inclusion of a valuable two-seater variant. This variant is essential for pilot training, especially after India lost two such trainers. Experts believe its condition will be meticulously inspected to determine if it can be airworthy or provide parts to restore a trainer lost in recent accidents.

The Indian Air Force’s inspection of the Greek Mirage 2000s will be pivotal in assessing the deal’s feasibility. If the aircraft prove suitable—whether as parts donors or training platforms—the acquisition could offer a temporary solution until the Tejas MkII fighters are operational.

The Mirage 2000-5, developed by Dassault Aviation of France, is a versatile single-engine fourth-generation jet fighter. It excels in air superiority, ground attacks, and reconnaissance missions. It measures 14.36 meters in length, 9.13 meters in wingspan, and 5.20 meters in height, with a wing area of 41 square meters. Powered by a SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning turbofan engine, the Mirage 2000-5 can reach speeds up to Mach 2.2.

The technical specifications include a maximum takeoff weight of 17,000 kilograms, a service ceiling of 17,060 meters, and a rate of climb of 285 meters per second. Its advanced electronics include the RDY radar, HUD, MFDs, and a precise navigation system combining inertial navigation with GPS.

The Mirage 2000-5 is equipped with ECM, RWR, and chaff/flare dispensers to detect and counter incoming threats. It can carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles like the MICA, Magic II, and Super 530D, laser-guided bombs, regular bombs, and air-to-ground missiles such as the AS-30L and Exocet. It also has a 30mm DEFA 554 cannon for close combat. With additional fuel tanks, the Mirage 2000-5 can fly about 3,335 kilometers, with a combat range of about 1,550 kilometers without refueling.

In summary, India’s potential acquisition of Greek Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets is driven by the need for spare parts to extend the operational life of its existing fleet. The deal’s feasibility will depend on the technical evaluation of these aircraft by Indian experts.

US and Pakistan Conclude Successful Falcon Talon 2024 Exercise Amid Shifting Regional Alliances

 The US Air Force Central Command (AFCENT) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) recently completed Falcon Talon 2024, a bilateral exercise held from June 1 to June 11. Hosted annually by the PAF, this event aims to strengthen the critical relationship between the two countries. On June 25, the US Air Force shared details and images of the exercise, emphasizing its focus on tactical counter-terrorism, air-to-ground weapons employment, and expert exchanges.

Airmen from the US Central Command's area were deployed to Pakistan, with personnel and cargo transported by the Air Mobility Command’s C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The exercise featured the participation of US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from Aviano Air Base’s 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, alongside the PAF’s F-16s and JF-17 Thunder jets.

Photos revealed US and Pakistani aircraft parked at an undisclosed location in Pakistan during the exercise on June 6, 2024. The event underscored the importance of the US-Pakistan relationship and the mutual goal of regional security. According to the US Air Force, Falcon Talon 2024 focused on tactical execution, logistics support, and planning integration.

US Airmen collaborated closely with their Pakistani counterparts, participating in hands-on training and knowledge exchange in areas such as firefighting, explosive ordnance disposal, medical support, and joint terminal attack control. Airmen from the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department worked with the Pakistan Air Force Fire Department on various drills and policy creation exercises. The exercise concluded with a friendly firefighter competition to test the newly acquired skills.

Master Sgt. Jonathan Campos of the US Air Force highlighted the positive impact of these exchanges, noting the strong personal relationships and sense of community developed through such activities. Lt. Col. Nicholas Gardner, Chief of Operations for Falcon Talon 2024, emphasized the enduring partnership between the US and Pakistan, critical for regional security since their mutual defense agreement in 1954.

Despite the historical partnership, recent US administrations have deprioritized relations with Pakistan. The Trump administration halted military cooperation, and under the Biden administration, relations have further declined, particularly following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. In contrast, the US has strengthened its defense ties with India to counter China's influence and isolate Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

In April 2023, B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base participated in Cope India 2023 for the first time, and in May 2024, the Indian Air Force's Rafale jets participated in the US multinational exercise Red Flag 24 in Alaska. India has also emerged as a strategic partner, receiving advanced technology and military equipment, with further collaborations planned in the space domain under the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

India’s Struggle to Modernize its Fighter Fleet: The Challenges and Choices Ahead

 India's plan to procure 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), a highly anticipated defense deal, remains uncertain. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, well below the authorized 42, and needs more to face its two major adversaries.

The IAF has ordered nearly 200 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1 and Mk1A variants and has committed to 200 LCA Mk2s. However, nine years after the first IAF LCA squadrons were formed, only about 40 LCA aircraft are in service. Even with increased production to 24 aircraft per year, it will take time to meet the required numbers. India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still over a decade away, and the aging MiG 21s are still in use. The Jaguars and Mirage 2000 fleets need to retire by around 2030. Despite the push for self-reliance, India will need to induct the 114 MRFA to bridge the gap.

The initial Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) process was limited to 36 Rafale jets due to technical reasons. The IAF has specified the operational requirements for these 114 aircraft.

A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence highlighted delays in delivering the initial 40 LCAs to the IAF and suggested exploring the purchase of fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

MRFA Competition

India issued a Request for Information (RFI) in April 2018 for the 114 MRFA. Responses from contenders were received later in 2018. The Indian Navy was also asked to consider new fighter jets alongside this program. The Navy needs a twin-engine fighter, focusing on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Dassault Rafale-M, likely opting for 26 Rafale-Ms.

Eight aircraft are competing for the IAF’s MRFA: Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Boeing F-15EX Eagle II, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-21 (a variant of the F-16V customized for India), Mikoyan MiG-35, Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F, and Sukhoi Su-35.

The next step involves the Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) and issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP). Even if the RFP is issued today, it could take over five years for the aircraft to be inducted. India's security establishment must make an early decision on the 114 aircraft import.

Big Ticket Assessment

Russia has proposed two aircraft: the MiG-35, which did not qualify in the earlier MMRCA selection, and the new Su-35. The Su-35, part of the Su-27/30 family, is not a viable option due to India's already significant fleet of similar aircraft and planned upgrades. The Russian industry is also preoccupied with domestic demands due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

If the Indian Navy selects the Rafale-M, the interest in the F/A-18 Super Hornet will decline. India has invested in the Rafale infrastructure and modifications, suggesting that acquiring more Rafale jets, potentially making 140 (114+26) in India, is logical.

The Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F and Eurofighter Typhoon are strong contenders. The Gripen, with its GE 414 engine, and Eurofighter, with its extensive global presence, offer good options, although geopolitical factors and technology transfer levels will influence the decision.

US Influence in India's Aircraft Ecosystem

India has already integrated several US aircraft, including the Boeing P8I, Lockheed C-130J, and others. The upcoming purchase of General Atomics MQ-9B Predator Drones further solidifies US involvement. Evaluating the F-15EX and F-21 (an advanced F-16 variant) is essential.

The F-15EX, with its impressive payload and advanced features, is a heavy, costly option, adding complexity to India’s diverse fleet. The F-21, an advanced F-16, offers in-country production potential but faces public perception challenges due to Pakistan's use of F-16s.

Conclusion

India must make a one-time purchase of 114 aircraft, ideally the same type for the IAF and Navy, with significant technology transfer and in-country production. The US is eager to integrate into India’s fighter aircraft ecosystem, reflecting geopolitical closeness. Ideally, the US should offer the F-35, addressing technical barriers like the S-400 linkage.

Balancing India's aircraft mix to reduce dependence on Russian and Western suppliers while increasing indigenous production is crucial for long-term strategic autonomy.

India to Reconsider Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter to Counter China's J-20

 The Indian Air Force (IAF), recognized as the fourth largest air force globally, is currently without a fifth-generation fighter jet. Despite previous involvement in the Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project, which was based on Russia's Sukhoi Su-57, India withdrew from the program in 2018. However, the possibility of revisiting this decision remains open.

Globally, 19 countries operate fifth-generation fighters. China uses its Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon,’ while Russia employs the Sukhoi Su-57 ‘Felon.’ Seventeen other nations have adopted the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, with the U.S. exclusively operating the F-22 Raptor. Only the U.S., China, and Russia have developed original fifth-generation fighters, though many nations participate in F-35 development.

The FGFA project aimed to integrate 43 enhancements proposed by India into the Su-57, including advanced sensors and avionics. The Indian variant was planned to be a two-seater, featuring a pilot and a weapon systems operator (WSO). Since stepping away from FGFA, India has focused on developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). However, the Su-57 remains an option, especially given the F-35's unavailability due to India's acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system.

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a twin-engine, stealth multirole fighter first developed in 1999 and introduced to the Russian military in 2020. Known for its air superiority and ability to engage surface and maritime targets, the Su-57 boasts stealth features, super-maneuverability, and a large payload capacity. Despite its advanced capabilities, the Su-57 has faced technological and financial hurdles, including issues with structural integrity during early tests.

The Su-57 features a blended wing body fuselage, extensive use of composites, and advanced stealth technologies aimed at reducing radar and infrared signatures. It is equipped with sophisticated avionics, including a modular avionics system and various radar systems for enhanced situational awareness. The aircraft can deploy various countermeasures and is being tested for advanced AI and unmanned teaming technologies.

Russia's production of the Su-57 has been slow, with plans for significant expansion. Initial operational use included deployments in Syria and Ukraine, demonstrating the aircraft's capabilities in combat situations. Future developments include an upgraded Su-57M variant, a potential carrier-based version, and integration with the Okhotnik UCAV for uncrewed operations.

In contrast, China’s Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ has seen rapid production, with nearly 250 units built. Designed for air superiority and precision strikes, the J-20 features advanced stealth design, powerful radar systems, and high maneuverability. The J-20’s production and deployment have outpaced the Su-57, reflecting China's growing military capabilities.

India, once a partner in the FGFA project, remains cautious about fully committing to the Su-57. Given the challenges and delays in developing the AMCA, India might reconsider the Su-57 or explore other options like the Su-75 Checkmate. However, with China's expanding J-20 fleet and potential threats from neighboring countries, India must act swiftly to ensure its air force remains competitive.

The Su-57 and J-20 will likely compete for market share in regions like Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. Despite their differences, both aircraft offer cost-competitive solutions for countries seeking advanced air combat capabilities. As the global landscape of fifth-generation fighters evolves, India’s decisions will significantly impact its strategic military position.

Indian Air Force Bolsters Eastern Airbases Amid Rising Tensions with China

 In response to increasing tensions with China, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is upgrading infrastructure at 20 eastern airbases, enhancing capabilities to handle China-centric operations. This includes constructing hardened aircraft shelters, munitions centers, and additional runways to accommodate increased civilian traffic and ensure operational continuity in case of runway damage during conflict.

A notable upgrade is the construction of a second runway at the strategic Leh airbase in Ladakh, a region of frequent India-China military clashes. Leh airbase is essential for maintaining operations along the Line of Actual Control with China and Siachen. The base supports night operations for fighters and transport aircraft, including Rafales, MiG-29s, Sukhoi-30s, and Apaches, and is vital for transporting troops and supplies during harsh winters when road access is limited.

The IAF’s infrastructure development extends to other key bases. Satellite imagery from April 2024 revealed significant enhancements at the Chabua Air Base, near the China border. Upgrades include additional taxiways, hardened shelters for fighter aircraft, underground munitions storage, and improved taxiways for drones, ensuring sustained high-tempo operations if tensions escalate.

In Ladakh, a new 2.7-km runway at Nyoma airbase, located 23 kilometers from the China border, is set for completion in October 2024. The new runway, at an elevation of 13,700 feet, will enhance IAF operations. Support infrastructure, such as hangars, air traffic control buildings, and hard standing areas, will be ready by the end of 2025. Nyoma airstrip, operational during the 1962 India-China war, was reactivated in 2009 and has since supported various military aircraft, including the C-130J Super Hercules.

China has been ramping up its air assets along the LAC since the 2020 Galwan standoff. Recent satellite images show the deployment of China’s Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon 5th-generation fighter jets at Shigatse Air Base, only 150 kilometers from the LAC. The base also hosts J-10 aircraft and KJ-500 Airborne early warning and control aircraft, posing a strategic challenge to India's Rafale-equipped Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal.

The Shigatse base, with its new 3,000-meter auxiliary runway and multiple helipads, is strategically located along the central China-India border, close to the Doklam area, site of a 2017 standoff. The oblique angle of the new runway complicates enemy strikes aiming to disable both runways simultaneously.

China’s infrastructure expansion along the LAC since 2020, which includes new airbases, missile sites, roads, bridges, bunkers, and underground facilities, has significantly enhanced its military capabilities. The Hotan airbase in Xinjiang now features a new runway, additional tarmacs, hangars, and upgraded air defenses.

According to the China Power Project at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China has upgraded dozens of airports and heliports in Tibet and Xinjiang, improving last-mile connectivity and enabling a wider range of military operations. Open-source data identifies 37 newly constructed or upgraded air facilities in these regions since 2017, with at least 22 being military or dual-use. The accelerated development in 2020, including the construction and upgrading of 14 air facilities, fills previous gaps along the Indian border, providing the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) new bases to project airpower against India.

China Aims for 1,000 J-20 Jets by 2035: Can India's AMCA Narrow the Gap?

 India is striving for self-reliance in developing indigenous fighter jets, with plans to launch the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program in 2024. However, by the time the AMCA becomes operational, China aims to have 1,000 J-20 'Mighty Dragon' 5th-generation jets in its arsenal.

China, the second country to deploy an operational 5th-generation fighter, is now advancing towards 6th-generation technologies. The J-20, a twinjet all-weather stealth fighter by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), first flew in 2011 and was revealed in 2016. Entering service in 2017, the PLAAF already has over 200 J-20s, targeting 400 by 2027 and 1,000 by 2035. Some J-20s are positioned less than 150 kilometers from India in the Sikkim region.

The J-20 is designed for air superiority and precision strikes. Currently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) counters with 36 French-built Rafale jets, stationed at the Hasimara air base in West Bengal, close to where J-20s are deployed.

Despite issues with jet engines, China’s early deployment of stealth aircraft gives it a significant lead in maturing 5th-generation capabilities compared to India's AMCA, which is still in the development phase. Retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra highlighted that India is still evolving technologies for its fifth-generation aircraft, including aero-engines, AESA radars, EW systems, and AI-based avionics.

There is pressure within India to accelerate its timeline. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved Rs. 15,000 crores ($1.9B) in March 2024 to develop the AMCA. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead the project, with manufacturing by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

HAL is currently focusing on producing more LCA Mk1A jets to fulfill IAF orders before progressing to the LCA Mk2 and then the AMCA. The ADA asserts that the 25-ton twin-engine AMCA will be on par with or superior to other 5th-generation fighters globally once completed.

Air Marshal Chopra suggested that India consider collaborative routes, like joining the GCAP or the French-led FCAS program, to share costs and risks. The IAF’s reliance on aging third-generation jets, while neighboring adversaries rapidly upgrade, adds urgency to the situation. Pakistan might even acquire a fifth-generation fighter before the AMCA.

India's initial quest for a next-gen fighter began 15 years ago with a collaboration with Russia on the Fifth Generation Fighter Jet (FGFA). However, delays and missed deadlines have plagued the DRDO. The AMCA project, originally expected to produce a prototype in three years, now faces a timeline of seven years for its first flight and ten years for induction, pushing initial expectations from 2027 to 2035.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari advised caution, recommending foreign partnerships for alternative systems if domestic development falters. DRDO Chairman Samir Kamat’s revised timeline aligns with this cautious approach.

Former IAF veteran Vijaindra K Thakur warned about the risks of project delays and technological shortfalls, emphasizing the need for the CCS to stay vigilant about the AMCA’s impact on the IAF’s combat readiness. Balancing self-reliance with operational capability remains crucial for India's defense strategy amidst growing regional threats.

Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Crashes in Maharashtra: Pilots Survive, Wreckage Scatters Over 500 Meters

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed a crash involving a Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. This aircraft is the only Sukhoi combat model operated by the IAF. Local reports, based on eyewitness accounts, indicated that the wreckage was dispersed over a 500-meter radius. Both pilots, Wing Commander Bokil and his co-pilot Biswas, successfully ejected and sustained only minor injuries. They are currently being treated at the HAL hospital. The aircraft caught fire post-crash, but the flames were quickly extinguished.

IAF sources revealed that the aircraft was undergoing post-overhaul flight testing under the management of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). After this phase, it was to be returned to the IAF for operational duties. The IAF operates around 260 Su-30 MKI fighters, developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under license by HAL. This multi-role fighter is well-regarded for its versatility, advanced avionics, and combat capabilities.

The IAF is currently upgrading its Su-30 MKI fleet to enhance operational effectiveness. Key upgrades include the integration of the BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile, significantly boosting the aircraft’s strike power. Additionally, the avionics suite is being modernized with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and improved navigation and communication systems to keep the aircraft technologically advanced. Other upgrades aim to improve the overall performance and maintainability of the aircraft, focusing on engines, airframe, and critical systems to extend service life and reliability.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI Overview:

The Su-30MKI, a multi-role air superiority fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and built by India’s HAL, is a variant specifically tailored for the IAF. It measures 21.9 meters in length, 14.7 meters in wingspan, and 6.4 meters in height, with a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 38,800 kilograms. Its propulsion system comprises two AL-31FP turbofan engines with thrust vectoring nozzles, each generating 27,557 pounds-force. The aircraft can achieve speeds up to Mach 2 and has a range of 3,000 kilometers without refueling. The thrust vectoring capability enhances its agility in combat.

The Su-30MKI features advanced technical characteristics, including a digital fly-by-wire system, canards, and thrust vectoring nozzles for improved maneuverability. It has a maximum operational ceiling of 17,300 meters and a rate of climb of 230 meters per second. The sophisticated avionics suite includes the N011M Bars radar, a passive electronically scanned array radar capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously, along with a head-up display, multifunctional displays, and a digital map generator, providing comprehensive situational awareness.

Equipped with a variety of systems for multirole capabilities, the Su-30MKI includes an electronic warfare suite, an infrared search and track system, and a laser rangefinder and target designator for precision targeting. Its armament includes R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, Kh-29 and Kh-59 air-to-ground missiles, and guided bombs like the KAB-500, as well as a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon for close-range combat.

China & Pakistan’s J 10s Breathe Down India’s Neck On ‘Both Sides’

 China has positioned its J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter jets just 300 kilometers from the Indian base housing Rafale jets, adding a new dimension to the military posturing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While the presence of J-20 jets has been well-documented, the deployment of J-10s, considered challengers to the Rafale, has not received as much attention. These J-10s are the only fighters stationed on both the Chinese and Pakistani sides of the Indian border.

Pakistan has integrated these single-engine multi-role fighters to specifically counter the Rafale jets acquired by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The key question is whether India’s Rafale and LCA Tejas MK1A jets can effectively challenge the capabilities of the J-10s.

According to the EurAsian Times, China has deployed these fighters along with six J-20s at the Shigatse Airbase, located less than 300 kilometers from Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal, where India’s Rafale jets are stationed. Unlike China, India does not have a fifth-generation aircraft in its arsenal.

The latest satellite imagery of China’s fighter jets coincides with India’s announcement to raise a new Army division for eastern Ladakh. Since the Galwan clash in 2020, relations have deteriorated, with Beijing criticizing the deployment of 10,000 Indian troops as harmful to peace and stability.

The Indian Army has been preparing for possible Chinese aggression with the onset of summer. During a visit to the US, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande received detailed technical-signal intelligence and satellite data on Chinese military movements in Tibet and nearby regions.

Despite these preparations, Indian air power urgently needs enhancement to match the combined capabilities of its neighbors. The induction of 36 Rafales was the initial step in modernizing the IAF’s aging fleet and addressing the declining number of fighter squadrons.

However, the delivery of the LCA Tejas Mk1A has been delayed, and there has been no progress on acquiring 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft or additional Rafale jets.

Pakistan added the J-10C to its fleet in response to India’s Rafales. Equipped with an indigenous AESA radar, the J-10C is designed for all-weather operations, primarily in air-to-air combat but also capable of strike missions. The J-10C is often compared to upgraded versions of the American F-16, featuring advanced avionics, beyond-visual-range engagement, and electronic warfare capabilities.

Retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra of the IAF believes comparing the J-10CE with the Rafale is “somewhat unfair” since the Rafale is a twin-engine, combat-proven jet with superior technology, weaponry, and combat experience.

The IAF faces challenges with only 36 Rafales and adversaries on both eastern and western fronts. The situation is different when comparing the J-10C with the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A, which is still under production. The IAF has ordered over 180 of these jets to replace the aging MiG-21 bison aircraft, but delivery has been delayed.

The IAF needs 42 squadrons for combat parity but currently has only 31. Phasing out MiG-21s without replacements would reduce numbers further. The J-10C is larger, heavier, and faster than the Tejas LCA, which offers better range and agility. However, the J-10C is already operational in China and Pakistan, while the LCA Tejas Mk1A is still being assembled.

The Indian government, emphasizing “Make in India,” has not proceeded with purchasing 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft from foreign manufacturers, an estimated $20 billion investment. The IAF’s overall deterrence capability has not kept pace with the existing threat perception, necessitating new-generation multi-role aircraft until domestic projects like Tejas Mk II and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft are ready.

The Tejas Mk2 project, despite receiving official approval and funding in September 2022, is still pending due to reliance on US approval for engine technology transfer. The LCA Mk-2, featuring enhanced range and payload capacity, is expected to have significant improvements over the earlier variants, aiming to bolster India’s defense capabilities.

JF-17 Outshines LCA Tejas in Export Market: India and Pakistan Unveil Advanced Fighter Jets

 The skies over the Indian subcontinent are heating up as India and Pakistan introduce their latest supersonic fighter jets, the Tejas Mk 1A and the JF-17 Block III, both competing for regional air supremacy and a share in the global market for cost-effective combat jets.

India and Pakistan's New Fighter Jets

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive the upgraded Tejas Mk 1A by July, while the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) recently incorporated the JF-17 Block III in December 2023. These aircraft represent advanced iterations of their predecessors and are designed for a variety of military missions.

Production and Evolution

The Tejas, developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the JF-17, a product of the Sino-Pakistani partnership between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Complex (CAC), are both classified as 4.5-generation aircraft, with the JF-17 Block III described as “fourth-generation plus.”

Budget-Friendly Powerhouses

Both the Tejas Mk 1A and the JF-17 Block III are single-engine, lightweight, multirole fighters designed to replace aging fleets—India’s MiG-21 and Pakistan’s assortment of Chinese and French jets. The Tejas Mk 1A completed its first test flight on March 28, 2024, while the JF-17 Block III had its inaugural flight on December 15, 2019.

Specifications and Features

The Tejas Mk 1A boasts advanced technology, including new electronics, processors, and fly-by-wire hardware, with approximately nine hard points for various weaponry. The JF-17 Block III features superior maneuverability, extended range, advanced electronics, and the NRIET/CETC KLJ-7A AESA radar.

Cost and Export Potential

The Tejas Mk 1A development has a reported budget of $5.9 billion, while the JF-17 Block III costs around $55 million per unit, as indicated by Iraq’s interest in purchasing 12 units for $664 million. The JF-17 has been exported to countries like Nigeria and Myanmar, with potential deals with Azerbaijan and Iraq. Meanwhile, despite negotiations with Malaysia and Argentina, the Tejas has yet to secure export orders.

Future Developments

The PAF plans to develop the JF-17 PFX, continuing the evolution of the JF-17 series. India aims to expedite the delivery of the Tejas Mk 1A to pave the way for the LCA Mk 2, featuring more capable engines and extended flight duration. The first squadron of Tejas Mk 1A is planned for deployment at the Nal air base in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district.

As these advanced fighter jets take to the skies, the rivalry between India and Pakistan intensifies, setting the stage for an electrifying aerial showdown.

China Deploys Stealth J-20 Fighters Near Indian Border, Sparking Concerns

 

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has deployed J-20 and J-10 fighters at the Shigatse Air Base, just 150 kilometers from the Indian border, also known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Satellite images obtained by All Source Analysis reveal six J-20 stealth fighters, eight J-10 aircraft, and one KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft at the high-altitude, dual-use airport.

This significant deployment puts the J-20s less than 300 kilometers from India’s Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) has stationed its Rafale jets. This proximity has raised alarms among Indian military bloggers, highlighting the disparity between the two air forces. Unlike China, India does not have a fifth-generation aircraft.

The IAF's Rafales, considered one of its strongest defenses against the Chinese threat, are strategically positioned at Hasimara for quick deployment in case of a border threat. During the 2020 standoff, China deployed five times more J-20 fighters compared to India’s Rafales. This recent deployment at Shigatse is one of the largest near the Indian border in recent memory, following previous sightings at the Hotan airbase in Xinjiang.

China first positioned J-20s near the Indian border during the 2020 conflict, responding to the perceived threat from India’s Rafale jets. In June 2022, the PLAAF stationed about two dozen combat aircraft, including J-20s, at Hotan.

The J-20s have become a symbol of China’s military prowess. Recently, the PLA Eastern Command showcased the J-20s' capabilities in a video emphasizing their “cross-strait” lethality. This display followed military drills in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's speech on independence. By 2026, each of China’s five theatre commands will have one to two J-20 brigades.

The J-20, featuring advanced electronics and sensors, is designed for “intelligentized combat,” functioning as a “sniper” by targeting vulnerable assets like airborne early warning planes with near-invisibility. Chinese media claims the J-20 is superior to the Rafale due to its stealth capabilities, though analysts argue the two jets are designed for different roles.

In a 2020 simulation drill, Chinese pilots claimed to have shot down 17 Rafale fighters using J-20s. Despite these claims, Indian officials and experts maintain that the Rafale’s combat history in various conflicts puts it above the still-developing J-20. Ironically, while Chinese J-20s are near the Indian border, Indian Rafales are in the US for the Red Flag military exercises to enhance their combat skills.