The air show is currently on since 12 to17 November, 2024, and is being held at Zhuhai, China. China does stage air shows regularly, however, these are shows primarily of Chinese aircrafts. This time they have a fair number of countries participating.
The highlights of the air show are primarily Chinese origin fighter aircraft and helicopters. The J-35 A stealth fighter is the show-stopper at the display.
However, a lot of reports suggest that the J-35 isn’t exactly as claimed by the Chinese. In fact, it’s more a copy of the American F 35 model. The J- 15 T (Catobar), designed for Peoples Liberation Army, Navy is also on display.
The rotary wing’s top representation is the Z-20 helicopter. This model is the latest in the rotary wing class and seems to have again been designed on existing western models. How far have the Chinese been able to improve on western designs cannot be ascertained.
Other equipment displayed include the Russian SU-57 FGFA, a fighter aircraft. The CH-7 UCAV is also on display. Air defence systems against drones are also on display.
As far as Indian defence preparedness to face these Chinese threats are concerned, we are definitely not at the technological level that the Chinese have attained. The Chinese would like to dominate both along the LAC and the Indian Ocean. We enjoy a tremendous advantage in the Indian Ocean because of our geographical location. Extended logistics impose a great hindrance to the Chinese. However, once they have another aircraft carrier sailing, they would like to attempt at least periodic fleet presence in the Indian Ocean.
For all its superiority in arms, the mountainous LAC inhibits technology’s overwhelming influence on the battlefield. In terms of a defensive posture, we are adequately poised.
It will be a battle between equals at the end of the day. In the interim, we have to pursue modernisation at a faster pace.
Guest: Air Commodore SP Singh (Retd). The officer has over 3000 years of flying experience. He is currently with the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi.
Host: Brig SK Chatterji (Retd) is the Editor BharatShakti.
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