New Delhi: Chinas next-generation carrier-based stealth fighter jet, the J-35, has reportedly started trial operations on the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning, signaling a significant leap in the countrys naval capabilities. An Indian defense expert warns that this development could pose an omnidirectional stealth threat to Indias national security.J-35 takes flight from CNS liaoningOn September 18, Chinese state media announced that the J-35 had successfully landed and taken off from the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning, marking the first public acknowledgment of its operations on the vessel. Though the footage aired by China Central Television (CCTV) did not show the J-35s takeoff or landing, it confirmed that the aircraft has begun trial operations.Zhang Naigang, a senior noncommissioned officer on the Liaoning, expressed pride in the jets deployment, comparing it to the earlier J-15s first takeoff from the same carrier. While he refrained from sharing specific details about the J-35s performance, his remarks underscored its role in enhancing Chinas naval air power.The J-35 is the carrier-based variant of the FC-31 stealth fighter, which has been the subject of rumors for years. The aircraft is expected to replace the J-15, Chinas existing carrier-based fighter, which has been in service for over a decade. The J-35, significantly lighter than the J-15, promises greater agility, operational range, and payload capacity, enhancing the combat capabilities of Chinas aircraft carriers.Chinas J-35 emerging as omnidirectional stealth threat for IndiaThe operationalization of the J-35 has raised alarms in Indian defense circles. Veteran Indian Air Force officer Vijainder K Thakur described the development as an “omnidirectional stealth threat” to Indias national security. His concerns center on Chinas growing ability to project power in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) with stealth-capable fighter jets.Thakur also pointed out a critical detail about the Liaoning: unlike advanced carriers that use Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS), the Liaoning relies on a ski-jump ramp for launching its aircraft. This suggests that the J-35, like Russias MiG-29K and Frances Rafale-M, has a strong power-to-weight ratio, making it a formidable addition to Chinas naval fleet.Impact on Indias securityThakur emphasized the potential for these developments to affect India. He suggested that within two to three years, India might witness the Liaoning entering the Indian Ocean, accompanied by a fleet of stealth fighters. Additionally, Pakistan could deploy land-based analogs of the FC-31, further complicating the security dynamics in the region.While India is pursuing the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), delays in production and procurement have hampered the countrys ability to counter evolving threats. India is also negotiating with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets, but the delivery timeline remains uncertain as the contract is yet to be finalized.How will this impact regional securityChinas rapid progress in stealth aircraft technology, evidenced by the mass production of the J-20 stealth fighter, is reshaping the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. With over 200 J-20s believed to be in active service, China has demonstrated its ability to develop and deploy advanced fifth-generation aircraft on a large scale.In contrast, India is grappling with delays in modernizing its air fleet and maintaining its fighter squadron strength. The gradual phase-out of older jets, combined with procurement delays, has left India vulnerable to the evolving stealth threats posed by both China and Pakistan.The rise of Chinas stealth capabilities is a stark reminder of the need for India to accelerate its defense modernization efforts to maintain regional security and counterbalance growing threats in the Indo-Pacific.
