Context:
China’s rapid technological and military advancements, including stealth fighters and naval capabilities, highlight its growing dominance in the Indo-Pacific.
Relevance: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)
China’s Technological Advancements
High-Tech Developments:
- Unveiled two stealth fighter jets, a supersonic civil jet prototype, an amphibious naval ship, a global deep-sea research vessel, and the world’s fastest bullet train.
Military Aviation Supremacy:
- PLAAF fields two fifth-generation jets (J-20 and J-35).
- Emerging sixth-generation prototypes (delta-wing and twin-engine designs).
- Rapid progress in aviation technology, approaching U.S. standards.
- Largest aviation force in the Indo-Pacific with over 1,300 fourth-generation fighters.
Global Impact:
- Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35 jets, strengthening its military capabilities.
India’s Challenges and Plans
Fighter Squadron Deficit
- Current strength: 31 squadrons (against the sanctioned 42).
- Delays in fifth-generation aircraft induction.
- Extended use of ageing MIG-21 squadrons due to delays in LCA-Mk1A deliveries.
Indigenous Development
- Plans to acquire 500+ fighters, primarily domestically manufactured.
- Key projects:
- LCA variants (Mk1A and Mk2).
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
- Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TED-BF) for the Navy.
- LCA-Mk1A delivery delayed due to engine supply issues from GE.
Procurement Delays
- Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA): Stalled since 2019, unlikely to deliver significant numbers before the mid-2030s.
- Upgrade of existing Sukhoi Su-30MKIs in final approval stages.
Aero-Engine Dependency
- Reliance on imported engines (e.g., GE-404, F-414, and French engines).
- Indigenous aero-engine development remains a critical gap.
Comparative Analysis
China:
- Rapid advancements in aviation and naval capabilities.
- Fielding multiple fifth-generation fighters, with prototypes of advanced jets.
India:
- Focused on indigenous production but hampered by delays and dependence on foreign technology.
- Urgent need to modernize and bridge the gap with regional powers.
Implications
- Strategic Disparities:
China’s rapid progress highlights a widening gap in military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. - Urgency for India:
Accelerating timelines for domestic projects and reducing reliance on foreign technology are critical for India’s defence readiness. - Global Dynamics:
China’s technological strides bolster its influence in the region, impacting India’s strategic interests.
Conclusion
India’s ambitious plans for indigenous fighter production and modernization are essential but face significant delays. Meanwhile, China’s technological advances emphasize the need for India to fast-track its defence projects and achieve self-reliance, especially in aero-engine development.
