BY: Qaiser Bashir Makhdoom
*Islamabad/New Delhi* – The South Asian airpower race is set to intensifyas Pakistan reportedly plans to purchase more than 50 additionalChinese-made J-10C fighter aircraft, while India is moving toward acquiring114 Rafale jets through a government-to-government arrangement, bypassingits long-stalled MRFA tender.PAF’s Growing J-10C Fleet
The J-10C, often described as a “4.5-generation” multirole fighter, enteredPakistan Air Force (PAF) service in 2022. Equipped with the *KLJ-7A AESAradar*, *PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles (over 200 km range)*, andmodern electronic warfare systems, the J-10C is designed to counteradvanced fighters like the Rafale.
The J-10C offers Pakistan:
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*Beyond Visual Range (BVR) dominance* with PL-15 missiles. –
*Multirole capability* for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. –
*Cost-effectiveness* compared to Western jets.
If the PAF expands its fleet with 50+ additional J-10Cs, it wouldsignificantly boost squadron strength, enabling Pakistan to maintain acredible deterrent against the Indian Air Force (IAF).India’s Rafale Advantage
The Rafale, already in service with the IAF since 2020, is considered oneof the most advanced non-stealth fighters in the world. With *Meteor BVRmissiles (150+ km range but superior no-escape zone)*, *Spectra electronicwarfare suite*, and *combat-proven multirole capabilities*, the Rafaleprovides India with unmatched precision strike and air superiority capacity.
If India secures 114 Rafales, its frontline fleet would consist of:
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*36 Rafales* (currently operational). –
*114 Rafales* (future induction). –
*Upgraded Su-30MKIs* with indigenous and Israeli avionics. –
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*Tejas Mk1A & future Tejas Mk2* for lightweight multirole roles.
Comparing the Air Forces
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*Numerical Strength*: India’s IAF already fields around 600–650 combat aircraft, compared to PAF’s 400–450. –
*Technology*: Rafale’s Spectra system and Meteor missile provide a qualitative edge, while J-10C’s PL-15 aims to balance the equation. –
*Future Modernization*: India plans to add 5th-gen AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) and imported stealth platforms, while Pakistan relies on Chinese cooperation, including JF-17 Block III and J-31/FC-31 in the long term.
Strategic Implications for South Asia
The simultaneous expansions highlight a *regional arms race* where bothcountries seek to outmatch each other’s aerial capabilities.
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For Pakistan, acquiring more J-10Cs ensures *strategic balance* and deters India’s growing Rafale fleet. –
For India, expanding Rafale numbers secures *air dominance* and deep-strike capability against both Pakistan and China. –
The rivalry could push both sides into *higher defense spending*, straining budgets but reshaping South Asia’s strategic environment.
While the Rafale may retain an edge in technology and combat systems, theJ-10C’s affordability and advanced PL-15 missile system make it aformidable counterpart. The future airpower equation in South Asia willdepend on numbers, training, and integration of emerging technologies suchas *drones, electronic warfare, and network-centric warfare*.