Pakistan's concerns have heightened following the United States' proposal to offer India the F-35 fighter jet. The Pakistan Air Force chief has implored the US not to provide India with this stealth fighter.
India F 35 fighter jet: Discussions regarding India's defense capabilities have once again intensified. The United States has proposed providing India with the state-of-the-art F-35 stealth fighter jet. This jet is the most advanced fighter in American technology, designed for highly classified operations. Following this proposal, debate has ensued regarding the strategic balance in South Asia, with a particularly significant impact felt in Pakistan.
Issue Raised During Trump and Modi's Talks
Former US President Donald Trump, during his visit to India in February, expressed his desire to offer India the F-35 fighter jet in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Subsequently, the issue was also discussed during US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India in April. The United States aims to further strengthen its strategic and defense relations with India.
Unease in Pakistan
Speculation about India receiving the F-35 has created unease within the Pakistani government and military. Pakistani Air Force chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu recently visited the United States. During this visit, he met with US Air Force Chief General David Allvin and appealed against providing India with the F-35.
Fear of Strategic Imbalance
The Pakistani Air Force chief stated that if the United States provides India with this advanced fighter jet, the strategic balance in South Asia would be severely affected. He acknowledged that Pakistan's Air Force is weaker compared to India's, and such a technological advantage for India could disrupt the regional power balance.
Pakistan's Dual Strategy
Interestingly, Pakistan itself is in the process of procuring modern fighter aircraft. It is preparing to purchase the J-35 stealth fighter jet from China. According to reports, this deal is in its final stages. The J-35 is developed by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and is considered a response to the F-35.
India's Defense Needs
India is continuously working towards modernizing its Air Force. India's needs did not end with the Rafale deal. Defense experts believe that India is seriously considering purchasing fifth-generation fighter jets like the F-35A or the SU-57E from Russia to address future challenges.
US-India Defense Cooperation
India and the United States have entered into several significant defense agreements in recent years. These include deals for Apache helicopters, C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, and MQ-9B drones. If the F-35 deal materializes, it would elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries to new heights.
Pakistan's Insecurity
Pakistan believes that if India receives the F-35, its defense capabilities will increase manifold. This would give India a significant advantage in air-to-air and air-to-ground attack capabilities. The Pakistani Air Force does not possess any fighter jet of this caliber.
India's Strategic Thinking
India has long been seeking advanced foreign defense technology alongside the development of indigenous weapons systems. The Tejas fighter jet developed by DRDO has been a successful project, but fighter jets like the F-35 would give a new dimension to India's air superiority.
