Source-This post on Implication of Chinese stealth fighters for India has been created based on the article “What do Chinese stealth fighters on a Tibetan base mean for India” published in “The Indian Express” on 2 July 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas
Context– A recent satellite image showed China’s J20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters and J10 Vigorous Dragon fighters at Tibet’s Shigatse air base. This has led to discussions and comparisons with India’s 4.5 generation Rafale fighters.
The IAF’s core fleet of fourth-generation fighters like Su30s, MiG29s, and Mirage 2000s, plus two squadrons of 4.5 generation Rafale fighters, gives it an advantage that China is striving to neutralize. The article stresses the importance of India maintaining its air power advantage to strengthen its military capability and deterrence.
What are the challenges with India’s air defense capabilities?
1) Slow Response-The IAF’s combat air power is declining, but the government’s response to address this critical issue has been slow.
2) Insufficient Air Power -India has a large hostile borders and extensive sovereign airspace. Hence, two squadrons of 4.5 generation Rafales are inadequate to meet both current and future security requirements.
3) AMCA vs China’s Sixth-Gen Fighters -India’s delayed fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), won’t be operational for another decade. By this time, China would have developed its sixth-generation fighters.
4) Obsolescence Risk -Upgraded MiG29, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar fleets will become obsolete before the AMCA is ready. This will further deplete India’s high-end platform inventory.
5) Delayed Induction of Tejas and AMCA -By the time Tejas Mk 1A, Mk 2, and AMCA are fully operational, China could irreversibly alter the air power and military balance in the region in its favor.
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What are its Strategic Implications for India?
1) China’s Growing Airborne Capabilities– The deployment includes various types of aircraft and a KJ 500 early warning aircraft. This demonstrates China’s growing ability to carry out extensive and intricate missions across significant distances.
3) Buffer Zones-Creation of buffer zones in disputed areas could set a precedent for aerial buffer zones. This could strategically restrict Indian Air Force (IAF) presence and operations in the region.
4) No Fly Zone-Forward airstrips and sovereign air spaces over disputed areas may become “no-fly zones” for Indian aircraft. This can impact intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics operations.
What should be the way forward?
1) There is an urgent need to fulfill the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) requirement to strengthen the inventory of 4.5-generation fighters.
2) India should consider bilateral partnership with France for additional jointly produced Rafales in India. This will ensure-
A) It ensures steady and stable induction from a reliable partner.
B) The partnership ensures greater platform commonality and future upgrades for platforms and weapons.
C) It includes technology transfer access for future 4.5 generation-plus variants and engine development for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
D) This partnership helps balance the inventory and reduces dependence on Russia.
E) It prevents reliance on a volatile US military industry and promotes indigenous defense production.
Question for practice
What are the difficulties India faces in its air defense capabilities, and what strategic implications do they hold for the country?
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