In a significant advancement in military aviation, China has introduced a new stealth fighter jet, believed to be a 6th-generation strike aircraft. The jet’s first video appearance on social media has sparked global attention, with analysts highlighting its unconventional, tail-less design that could render it nearly invisible to conventional radar systems.
The cutting-edge stealth fighter, when inducted, is expected to pose a formidable challenge, particularly along India’s borders, given the already tense geopolitical dynamics. India currently does not possess a stealth fighter jet, relying instead on its fleet of 36 French-built Rafale fighters to counter China’s Chengdu J-20 jets.
Growing Threat at the Borders
China has reportedly stationed its advanced J-20 stealth fighters within 150 kilometers of the Indian border in Sikkim, as revealed by satellite imagery earlier this year. The deployment at Shigatse places these jets in close proximity to India’s second Rafale squadron based at Hasimara, West Bengal, just 290 kilometers away.
The Chengdu J-20, dubbed the “Mighty Dragon,” entered service in 2017 and has become a cornerstone of China’s air combat strategy. Reports suggest that China may have already deployed up to 250 J-20 aircraft, which are designed to evade radar detection.
Implications of the 6th-Generation Jet
The newly unveiled stealth fighter marks a leap in Chinese aviation technology, potentially surpassing the capabilities of the J-20. Military experts speculate that the jet’s design will enable it to perform complex strike missions with enhanced survivability.
India, which lacks a stealth fighter program of its own, faces a growing need to modernize its air force to match China’s advancements. The introduction of the 6th-generation fighter underscores the urgency for India to accelerate indigenous programs or explore international collaborations to counterbalance the evolving threat.
Strategic Impact
As China continues to bolster its military capabilities, the unveiling of this advanced stealth fighter adds a new dimension to the strategic competition in the region. The development is likely to influence defense strategies, procurement plans, and geopolitical equations in South Asia and beyond.
With tensions simmering along the Line of Actual Control, this latest development further underscores the pressing need for India to bolster its aerial defense and surveillance capabilities to safeguard its frontiers.
Sources By Agencies
