The British F-35B fighter jet which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram in the southern Indian state of Kerala nearly four weeks ago and has been stranded since then is finally being repaired by a team of UK specialists. If the effort fails, the aircraft will be dismantled and transported – likely in a C-17 Globemaster.

The incident was closely observed by global and Indian security establishments, highlighting the complexity of the F-35 and its reliance on specialized equipment and personnel. Dismantling an F-35 is a complex process involving detailed logging and security protocols to prevent data breaches.

The F-35’s misfortune in India attracted attention for several reasons. Just two months earlier, India and Pakistan were engaged in a four-day military standoff, which underscored the importance of air power. Both sides made competing claims of downing each other’s aircraft.

Amid the tension, Pakistan announced it would begin acquiring around 40 Chinese fifth-generation J-35A fighters as early as August 2025. Reports claimed that Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar finalized the logistics and financing of the deal during a post-ceasefire visit to China. However, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif denied the deal had been finalized, dismissing the reports as “media chatter.”

If realized, the J-35 deal would mark China’s first export of its kind. It could also include the KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft and HQ-19 ballistic missile defense systems. Some reports suggest a nearly 50% discount, valuing the package at approximately $4.6 billion. A key question remains: How would a financially struggling Pakistan, which is reliant on IMF loans, afford such an expensive acquisition? Though speculative for now, China’s potential J-35 export would be a milestone for its defense industry. Yet, only around ten have been built so far, and Chinese induction begins only this year. Earlier delivery timelines indicated 2029.

Should Pakistan acquire the J-35, it would alter the subcontinent’s air dominance equation. This development could pressure India to expedite both the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), currently expected by 2035, and secure an interim fifth-generation platform – thus sparking a growing debate.

What’s the deal with fifth-generation fighters?

Fifth-generation aircraft were pioneered by Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor in 2005. They are built for network-centric combat and feature low observable signatures using advanced materials and shaping, and employ multifunction AESA radars, low-probability-of-intercept capabilities, and IRST sensors for 360-degree situational awareness. Advanced avionics relies on high-speed integrated circuits and data buses. The combination aims to provide........

© RT.com