China's J-35 for Pak revives F-35 case for India despite Delhi's reluctance: Experts
American strategic analysts suggest that Pakistan's potential acquisition of China's J-35 stealth fighter could prompt the U.S. to offer India the F-35 to maintain regional military balance. India remains hesitant, preferring domestic manufacturing and technology transfer over direct foreign fighter imports.
Why it matters
The potential introduction of fifth-generation fighters in South Asia signals a shift in the regional arms race and complicates U.S.-India-China strategic relations.
As Pakistan is moving closer to acquiring China's J-35 stealth fighter, some American strategic experts believe the development could strengthen the case for the United States to eventually offer its F-35 Lightning II to India.While no such proposal is currently under consideration, analysts at leading American think tanks argue that a Pakistani J-35 fleet could strengthen the strategic case for equipping India with a fifth-generation fighter as part of the broader US effort to counter China's growing military influence in the Indo-Pacific.India's own position also remains a key factor in the debate.
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