J-10: China-Pak deployed J-10 fighter jets near the border, what is the combat capability of the Indian Air Force news
J-10: China has recently deployed J-10 fighter jets near the Line of Actual Control with India and these fighter jets have been deployed at a distance of just 300 km from the Indian base J-10: China-Pak deployed J-10 fighter jets near the border, what is the combat capability of the Indian Air Force? This report has come at a time when a report has claimed, citing satellite images, that China has deployed its fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft J-20 near the Sikkim border. But, the dangerous thing is that not only China, but Pakistan has also deployed J-10 fighter jets purchased from China very close to the Indian border. Dangerous conspiracy of enemies near the Indian border
A report in the Eurasian Times said that China has deployed these fighter planes as well as 6 J-20 stealth fighter jets at Shigatse Airbase in Tibet, which is located less than 300 kilometres from Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal. India has deployed its Rafale fighter jets at Hasimara Air Base. Whereas, India does not currently have a fifth-generation aircraft in its arsenal.
Is there a possibility of conflict breaking out on LAC?
Although the leaders of both India and China are talking about regional peace and stability, but then the question arises, what is the purpose of deploying stealth fighter jets?
India is rapidly constructing in border areas, but its Air Force needs an immediate boost to match its neighbours. Adding stealth fighter jets to the fleet is crucial, especially to counter Chinese stealth fighter jets. While India has acquired Rafale fighter jets from France, the declining number of fighter squadrons is worrisome. However, there have been delays in the delivery of LCA Tejas Mk1A and no progress on acquiring more Rafale fighters or 114 multi-role fighters. In response to India’s Rafale purchase, Pakistan added J-10 fighter jets to its fleet.
J-10 vs Rafale
Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd), a former fighter test pilot and Director General of the Center for Air Power Studies, believes that comparing the J-10CE and Rafale fighters is unfair. He states that the Rafale, being a twin-engine aircraft, has unmatched electronic warfare capabilities and technology, weapons, aero-engine, and combat experience. However, when comparing the Chinese J-10 fighter with India’s indigenous LCA Mk1A, the situation is reversed. The Indian Air Force has heavily invested in the LCA Mk1A, with orders for 83 and 97 aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Multirole fighter aircraft for IAF?
The Indian Air Force had made a strong bid for 114 medium-role fighter aircraft (MRFA), but the Indian government did not relent and focused on Make in India. It is estimated that if the government had gone ahead with the purchase of 114 MRFA, it would have required a budget of at least $20 billion. However, experts say that while there is no doubt that the capabilities of the Indian Air Force have grown significantly, there is an urgent need to focus on its combat capability and the strength of its fighter aircraft and combat support platforms. The IAF’s deterrent capability to deter enemies is currently not keeping pace with the existing fleet.
When will the LCA Tejas Mk-2 be ready?
Tejas Mk 2 aims to provide the Indian Air Force with a 4.5-generation medium-weight fighter aircraft. It is considered to be an advanced variant of Tejas Mk 1A. India’s Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs (CCS) on September 1, 2022, officially approved the project for the development, flight testing and certification of the fighter aircraft. It has approved US$809.17 million.
