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Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
China to supply J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Pakistan. How IAF veterans reacted: 'It's worrying news'
Several Indian Air Force (IAF) veterans have raised alarms over reports that China will supply Pakistan with 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. Earlier this month, the government of Pakistan said in a social media post that it would acquire 40 J-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and HQ-19 ballistic missile defence systems, Bloomberg reported. The J-35 sale to Pakistan would mark China's first export of the fifth-generation jet, which has advanced stealth capabilities. The fighter jet was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and publicly unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Group Captain (Retd.) Ajay Ahlawat, a former IAF fighter pilot and defence analyst, told NDTV that the development is not a surprise as Pakistani pilots have been training in China. "Pakistan receiving these jets is not a surprise at all because their team of nominated fighter pilots have been in China for more than six months," he told the news channel. Also Read | India's strike on air bases forced Pakistan to request ceasefire, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar admits "They were training on the type before they were inducted. It was reported that the version that China will give to Pakistan is the FC-31, a slightly toned-down version of the J-35, which is practised across the globe. Nobody gives the full version," he added. He further said that Pakistan receiving the J-35 is going to raise concerns in India. Also Read | Amid Iran-Israel war, Pakistan fears Baloch militants rise; Asim Munir raises alarm with Donald Trump "It's worrying news," Group Captain Ahlawat told NDTV. "Ever since independence, we have fought a very hard battle in the procurement sphere to retain an edge over at least Pakistan, if not China. And any version of J-35 in Pakistani colours is going to raise concerns on our side. It's concerning." Air Marshal (Retd.) Sanjeev Kapoor also acknowledged the challenge and said India needs to have its own indigenous platform. "As per news reports, the Pakistanis are likely to get 40 aircraft by December this year," he told NDTV. "Nine to 10 years is the official figure by the time we could induct AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft). There is absolutely no doubt that we need to have our own indigenous platform. But as a nation, can we wait ten more years with adversaries on both sides acquiring more and better equipment?" Developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the J-35 is a twin-engine stealth fighter intended to complement the larger J-20 and potentially operate from China's expanding fleet of aircraft carriers. An evolution of the FC-31 prototype showcased at the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow, the J-35 features stealth-enhancing elements such as a streamlined, faceted fuselage, angled vertical stabilisers, and internal weapons bays to minimise its radar signature.
New York Post
2 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Iran rejects US talks after Trump gives two-week deadline to allow for negotiations
Iran said Friday it would refuse to hold nuclear talks with the US while it was still under attack from Israel after President Trump essentially gave a two-week deadline to allow for renewed negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi vowed there was no room for negotiations with the United States 'until Israeli aggression stops.' 5 An IAF fighter jet taking off at night. IDF Advertisement 5 Night vision footage of Iranian missile systems and radar installations. IDF 'Americans want to negotiate and have sent messages several times, but we clearly said that as long as this aggression doesn't stop, there's no place for talk of dialogue,' he said in an address on state television. He accused the US, too, of being a 'partner to Israeli crime against Iran.' Advertisement Israeli forces on Friday were ordered to intensify strikes on Iran in an effort to completely 'destabilize' the regime — a week after first launching a barrage of missiles at Tehran. 5 A crane lifts a destroyed car at an impact site following Iran's missile strike on in Be'er Sheva, Israel, June 20, 2025. REUTERS 5 Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses the nation in a state television broadcast on June 18. Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images The latest attacks come after President Trump said Thursday he'd make a final decision on whether to strike Iran in the 'next two weeks' as he held out hope that negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program could continue. Advertisement 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' Trump said in a statement. Read the latest on the conflict between Israel and Iran Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister was due to meet his European counterparts in Geneva later on Friday to discuss, in part, the nuclear program. 5 Trump speaks to the media from the Oval Office on June 18. REUTERS Advertisement Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has been in charge of negotiations with Iran, is not slated to attend the talks. With Post wires
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
40 China J-35 Jets For Pak, India's 5th Gen Decade Away: IAF Veterans Weigh In
New Delhi: China will reportedly supply 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Pakistan. With the J-35 induction, Pakistan joins a small group of countries operating stealth technology. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently lacks any stealth fighters in operational service, is still at least a decade away from inducting its indigenous fifth-generation stealth aircraft - the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Official estimates place the AMCA's induction around 2035. NDTV spoke to senior IAF veterans for insight into the implications of this development and to assess India's operational preparedness to tackle fifth-generation stealth fighters. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat (Retd.), a former IAF fighter pilot and defence analyst, confirmed the developments with regard to Pakistani pilot training in China. "Pakistan receiving these jets is not a surprise at all because their team of nominated fighter pilots have been in China for more than six months," he said. "They were training on the type before they were inducted. It was reported that the version that China will give to Pakistan is the FC-31, a slightly toned-down version of the J-35, which is practised across the globe. Nobody gives the full version." The FC-31 is an export variant of the J-35 and is widely understood to possess reduced capability compared to the frontline aircraft serving the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF). "The only surprise element," Group Captain Ahlawat added, "is that they're coming a little ahead of schedule. That's the only surprise." The Indian Air Force has long maintained air superiority over Pakistan, based on superior training, tactics, and a more diversified inventory. The J-35 deliveries threaten to narrow that advantage. "It's worrying news," Group Captain Ahlawat said. "Ever since independence, we have fought a very hard battle in the procurement sphere to retain an edge over at least Pakistan, if not China. And any version of J-35 in Pakistani colours is going to raise concerns on our side. It's concerning." "Unfortunately, we have only two bad choices, the F-35 and the Su-57. The only good choice is the AMCA. The only way we can get past this problem is to give it a national mission-mode push and get it online as soon as we can." The AMCA, an ambitious twin-engine stealth fighter programme being developed by India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with the air force and navy, is still in the early stages of development. Prototype roll-out is targeted for 2028-29, and full induction is not expected before 2035. Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd.), who served in key planning roles within the IAF, acknowledged the seriousness of the challenge and offered an interim solution. "As per news reports, the Pakistanis are likely to get 40 aircraft by December this year," he told NDTV. "Nine to ten years is the official figure by the time we could induct AMCA. There is absolutely no doubt that we need to have our own indigenous platform. But as a nation, can we wait ten more years with adversaries on both sides acquiring more and better equipment?" Air Marshal Kapoor advocated for an off-the-shelf acquisition of Russian Sukhoi Su-57 jets in a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement, similar to the Rafale deal, to bridge the capability gap. "The Su-57 has a lot of compatibility with our equipment, weapons, radars and other systems," he explained. "And in many parameters, it is better than the F-35. Both these aircraft flew in Aero India. I spoke to certain people who saw both performing. There's no doubt that F-35 is state-of-the-art. But Su-57 ticks more boxes in many ways." Air Marshal Kapoor suggested that such a deal should come with the transfer of technology and coding access to allow the integration of India's own DRDO-developed weapon systems. "With Russian support, we could build on this," he added. "Our aircrew and ground crew, until AMCA is ready, will gain valuable experience. Also, our AMCA design and development teams can draw lessons from operating a fifth-generation fighter in Indian conditions." Group Captain Ahlawat disagreed with this proposition. "I'm sorry. I'm going to completely and absolutely disagree with you," he said. "Transfer of Technology makes sense if we didn't have AMCA. It would make sense if we did not have the technology research cells. But we do." He cited the IAF's prior involvement in the now-aborted FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) programme with Russia, from which India withdrew after evaluating the Su-57's early iterations. "We were part of the Su-57 programme," Ahlawat noted. "We didn't like what we saw. We spent $350 million and we walked away. There is a lot we know about it, and we didn't like it. Russia doesn't have one full operational regiment of Su-57s. They haven't produced what they need for themselves. We're filling the gap before our own homegrown fighter gets airborne. We should go for something proven. It's a bad choice, but among the two bad choices, F-35 is the less bad choice."
Hans India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Pakistan To Receive 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters While India's Indigenous Program Faces Decade-Long Wait
China is set to deliver 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft to Pakistan, marking a significant shift in South Asian air power dynamics. This development places Pakistan among the select nations operating advanced stealth technology, while India's Air Force continues to operate without any stealth fighters in its current inventory. The delivery timeline suggests Pakistan could have these advanced aircraft operational by December 2025, according to defense analysts. Meanwhile, India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program remains at least a decade away from fielding operational units, with official projections indicating full induction around 2035. According to sources, senior Indian Air Force veterans have confirmed that Pakistani pilots have already been training in China for over six months on these aircraft systems. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat, a retired IAF fighter pilot and defense analyst, noted that the pilot training program had been ongoing well before the official delivery announcement, indicating China's methodical approach to this technology transfer. The aircraft Pakistan will receive is reportedly the FC-31, an export variant of China's J-35 with reduced capabilities compared to the full-specification version used by the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force. This practice aligns with standard international arms export protocols where nations typically provide downgraded versions of their most advanced military equipment to foreign buyers. The development has raised significant concerns within India's defense establishment. The Indian Air Force has historically maintained air superiority over Pakistan through superior pilot training, advanced tactics, and a more diverse aircraft inventory. However, the introduction of stealth technology into Pakistani service threatens to narrow this advantage considerably. Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, who previously served in key planning positions within the IAF, has suggested pursuing an interim solution to address this capability gap. He advocates for acquiring Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighters through a government-to-government arrangement, similar to India's previous Rafale acquisition deal. His proposal includes securing technology transfer agreements and coding access to integrate India's domestically developed weapon systems. The Su-57 option presents both advantages and challenges. Proponents argue that Russian systems would offer better compatibility with existing Indian equipment, weapons, and radar systems. Additionally, operating fifth-generation fighters would provide valuable experience for Indian aircrew and ground personnel while the AMCA program continues development. However, not all defense experts support this approach. Critics point to India's previous involvement in the abandoned Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program with Russia, from which India withdrew after investing approximately $350 million. Concerns about the Su-57's performance capabilities and Russia's limited production capacity for its own air force have influenced this skepticism. Alternative suggestions include considering the American F-35 Lightning II, despite its higher cost and potential technology transfer restrictions. Some analysts view it as a more proven platform with established operational history across multiple air forces worldwide. The AMCA program represents India's long-term solution to achieving fifth-generation fighter capability. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with the Air Force and Navy, this twin-engine stealth fighter aims to provide India with an indigenous alternative to foreign systems. The program targets prototype rollout by 2028-29, with full operational capability expected in the mid-2030s. The timing disparity between Pakistan's near-term acquisition and India's long-term development timeline has intensified debates about interim procurement options. Defense analysts emphasize that waiting another decade while regional adversaries enhance their capabilities could compromise India's strategic position. This development occurs within the broader context of evolving regional security dynamics, where both China and Pakistan continue modernizing their military capabilities. The stealth fighter acquisition represents Pakistan's most significant air power enhancement in recent years and could influence tactical considerations across the subcontinent. The situation underscores the challenges facing India's defense procurement and indigenous development strategies. While self-reliance in defense manufacturing remains a national priority, the immediate operational requirements may necessitate difficult decisions about bridging capability gaps through foreign acquisitions. As this technological shift unfolds, it will likely influence regional military planning, defense spending priorities, and strategic partnerships. The introduction of fifth-generation fighter technology into the South Asian theater marks a new chapter in the ongoing regional military competition.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Honoured to meet Pak army chief Asim Munir, says Trump after their discussion
Two "very smart" leaders of India and Pakistan decided to end last month's conflict that could have turned into a nuclear war, US President Donald Trump said after holding a rare luncheon meeting with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Those are two nuclear powers, big ones, big, big nuclear powers, and they decided that (to end the conflict)," Trump said. The comments were seen at variance with his claims over a dozen times in the last few weeks that he brokered the India-Pakistan "ceasefire deal". The unusual display of self-restraint by the US President in not squeezing himself in the frame immediately attracted attention in India because it followed PM Modi's Tuesday conversation with Trump, in which Modi had made plain that India would never let anyone meddle in its dealings with Pakistan. tnn & agencies In the telephonic conversation, Modi had also refuted Donald Trump's public claim that he had brandished the threat of not doing a trade deal to get India agree to suspend the conflict with Pakistan, and asserted that Islamabad sued for peace after severe damage to its nine strategically crucial airbases by the IAF. In his remarks to the media, Trump said he was "honoured" to meet Munir and that he discussed with the army chief the situation arising out of Iran-Israel conflict, amid speculation that Washington was looking at using Pakistani military bases in case it decides to launch attacks on Iran. Trump was effusive in lauding Modi, and referred to his telephonic conversation with the PM Tuesday night. In a statement, the Pakistani Army said the US President expressed keen interest in forging a "mutually beneficial" trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests. Trump was accompanied at the meeting by secretary of state Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Munir was joined in by Pakistan national security adviser and spy agency ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik. Ahead of his meeting with Trump, Munir reportedly pitched for Nobel Peace Prize for the president for "preventing a nuclear war" between India and Pakistan. "The reason I had him here was that I want to thank him for not going into war (with India)... Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And, I want to thank PM Modi as well," Trump said. "We're working on a trade deal with India. We're working on a trade deal with Pakistan." Hours before hosting Munir, Trump claimed credit for ending the conflict but he did not repeat it in his media remarks after the meet. Asked if Iran was discussed in the meeting with Munir, Trump said: "Well, they know Iran very well, better than most..." "It's not that they're bad with Israel. They know them both, actually, but they probably, maybe they know Iran better, but they see what's going on, and he agreed with me," he said. The US-Pakistan trade partnership discussions, the Pakistan army said, encompassed avenues for expanding cooperation in domains such as economic development, mines and minerals, AI, energy, cryptocurrency and emerging technologies. It is rare for the US President to host a lunch for a foreign country's army chief. There have been precedents of Pakistan army chiefs, including Ayub Khan, Zia ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf, receiving such invites. But they were holding the post of president as well.
