China’s Technological Advancements
In the last two weeks, China showcased a series of high-tech platforms, including two stealth fighter jets, an amphibious ship, and the world’s fastest bullet train.
These technological strides reinforce China’s growing technological supremacy, signaling significant progress in both military and civilian sectors.
The timing highlights the widening technological gap with India, which is struggling to modernize its defense sector and maintain a competitive edge.
China's Military Modernisation
China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has fielded two fifth-generation fighter jets (J-20 and J-35), becoming the only country other than the U.S. to have more than one fifth-gen fighter in active service.
Recently, China introduced two new fighter jets (one with a delta-wing design and another smaller twin-engine version), sparking speculation about the development of sixth-gen fighters.
According to a U.S. Congressional report, the PLAAF and PLAN (Navy) Aviation together form the largest aviation force in the Indo-Pacific region, with a growing number of 4th generation aircraft.
India’s IAF Modernisation Challenges
The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates only 31 fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, and faces delays in modernizing its fleet.
New aircraft inductions have been delayed due to issues with engine supplies for the LCA variants, and the IAF is without any fifth-gen fighters in its lineup for the next decade.
The IAF’s modernization plan involves procuring over 500 fighter jets, but most of these are still in the development phase, with timelines uncertain.
Key projects like the LCA-Mk2, AMCA, and MRFA have ambitious timelines but face challenges, such as delays in component deliveries and procurement processes.
Additionally, the phase-out of older aircraft, like MIG-21s and MIG-29s, exacerbates the IAF’s readiness issues.
Aero-engine Development Issues
A critical issue hindering India’s self-reliance in defense technology is its dependency on imported aero-engines for indigenous fighter jets and helicopters.
Delays in the supply of engines, particularly the F-404 for LCA variants, have set back production timelines, with expectations for engine delivery to stabilize only in 2024.
Even with efforts to develop indigenous engines like the F-414 and AMCA’s 110KN engine with France, India will continue to rely on foreign technology for the most critical components.
The government’s ongoing negotiations with General Electric (GE) and France aim to alleviate this dependency
But India’s pursuit of full self-reliance in defense technology remains a long-term challenge.
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