China's 6th-generation fighter jets: Gamechanger or Propaganda? Should India Be Concerned?

On December 26, 2024, China reached a major milestone by quietly unveiling its sixth-generation stealth fighters during their inaugural test flights over Sichuan. These advanced aircraft, believed to be sixth-generation, feature groundbreaking designs, including three engines, tailless configurations, and diamond-shaped structures. This marks a significant step in China's quest for military self-sufficiency, complementing its ongoing production of J-10, J-11, J-16, and J-20 jets. With this development, China claimes to have outpaced the U.S. in the arms race. But is this a global game-changer, or does it present a new global threat? Where does India stand in the face of this shift? To unpack these questions and provide an in-depth analysis of China’s revolutionary fighter jets, Foreign Affairs Editor Dr. Swasti Rao hosts a compelling discussion with retired Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat, a military veteran with 28+ years of experience as a former IAF fighter pilot who has flown both Russian and Western aircraft. Joining the conversation is ThePrint’s Defense Editor, Snehesh Alex Philip, offering sharp insights into the global and regional implications of this development. Together, they delve into the technical, strategic, and geopolitical dimensions of China’s advancements in airpower.

#china #stealth #fighterjet #chineseairforce

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction (0:00 - 1:48)
Overview of the discussion on China's sixth-generation fighter aircraft and India's challenges.

China's Sixth-Generation Fighters (1:48 - 2:27)
Details about China's unveiling of two sixth-generation aircraft and global reactions.

India's Security Landscape (2:27 - 3:00)
The interconnected nature of threats and India's preparedness challenges.

Unraveling China's Claims (3:00 - 3:18)
Psychological warfare and assessing China's advancements versus propaganda.

Guest Introduction: Group Captain A.Y. Lalot (3:18 - 9:43)
Insights from an experienced Indian Air Force pilot on global military strategies.

The Evolution of Fighter Aircraft Generations (9:43 - 13:09)
Understanding fighter jet generations, stealth, AI, and autonomous systems.

China's Fighter Aircraft Design (13:09 - 16:12)
Analysis of the "White Emperor" and its unique features compared to other jets.

India's Fighter Jet Program Status (16:12 - 19:19)
Discussion on the LCA program, its progress, and India's procurement challenges.

Procurement Challenges in India (19:19 - 21:50)
Delays and complexities in India's defense acquisition processes.

Engine Development and Challenges (21:50 - 28:10)
The status of India's indigenous engine development versus imported options.

China's Strategic Military Capabilities (28:10 - 39:49)
China's advances in space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum warfare.

India's Fighter Jet Needs (39:49 - 43:03)
Understanding the critical need for 42 squadrons and addressing shortages.

Unmanned Systems and Future Warfare (43:03 - 46:11)
The role of unmanned systems and lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war.

Recommendations for India's Defense Strategy (46:11 - 49:24)
Key steps to address procurement and production challenges.

Expert Recommendations (49:24 - 53:05)
Books, movies, and resources for understanding military strategy and air power.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways (53:05 - 54:38)
Striking the balance between indigenous development and timely procurement.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with ThePrint

[astt]

You guys can continue to assume it is propaganda....if that makes you happy. Jealousy is bad for health.

[adder]

I remember more than 10 years ago, during the ground display before the maiden flight of the Chinese J20, the Indians mocked and said it was a paper airplane that could never fly. Now, the same scene is reproduced.

[lordshiva]

Our Indian media like to spread lies that "India" had existed harmoniously with Tibet not China for ages. Nonsense, there was no "India" before British India. It is far more correct to say the creation of "India" was nothing but trouble. For thousands of years, China co-existed peacefully with the different nations south of the Himalayas. For example, Lord Buddha from the Newars of Kathmandu Valley in present-day Nepal was revered by the Chinese. There was never any border problems. The British Imperialists arrived to change all that by giving birth to this devious "India" that has every intention of subjugating every other nation that still exists on the Indian subcontinent, and even want more. These are predatory traits inherited from criminal Father England.

[loneranger]

A day without Jealousy and Envy towards China is a day WASTED - india 😂😂

[ProjektJay]

The fact that the host is trying hard in comparing China with India and also trying hard to downplay what the Chinese are capable off, continuously using the word “propaganda” even after seeing that they’ve got a plane in the air that is far beyond indias capabilities and surpassing what even the west has out in the air makes me wonder how delusional out of touch and non serious Indian intelligentsia is. Clearly in India Chinese propaganda has failed and western/indian propaganda has prevailed which risks the security and stability of India. Also, I don’t know she is making her own speech before every question and trying to showcase her own understanding of fighter planes rather than giving the entire spotlight to the expert. So cringe, I can’t handle this interview

[kshen]

As the Chinese chief aircraft designer said, China has already started its pre-research for the next gen aircraft while its last gen is in full scale of production.

[gaobili]

You guys are overthinking this, India is simply not at a level where it needs to be targeted by PLA.

[CheeLiekHo]

The problem is most people do not understand that it just does not miraculously appear. Actually the Chinese had been working quietly on stealth technology since their embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia was bombed by USA with a stealth B1 bomber in 1988. It is a long process of hard work in research, design and testing involving many disciplines like material science, engineering, building wind tunnels etc

[feizai]

Propaganda? How? Those things are real. Do Indians seriously think you can just take a regular aircraft, saw off the tails, weld additional metal plates on the wings to make it diamond-shaped and make it fly? Wtf.

[Ppintu-points]

This lady is still living in Tom cruise and Hollywood movies. Don't worry madam, India will build 7G aircraft in Bollywood movies. 😂🤣😂

[mynameisyourname]

"If you want something said, ask India; if you want something done, ask China." ~ Anonymous

[Donut]

China’s goal is not world hegemony. It’s to keep the US military out of East Asia. Very different

[raymond_beding_on_earth]

The Chinese strategy is: announce a generation (already behind), produce a generation (equipment), and research a generation (future).

[DaniMagnes]

India trying to take on China is like Mexico trying to take on the US. You are not on the same level. Be humble.

[donmisme]

Now I understand why indian say they are superpower, they always win in the discussion.

[bishal_vlogs]

As a nepali we love china..but why indian so jelouse & obsessed with china..😂😂

[watb]

she talks so much throwing in all the propaganda, reality is that China is already 3 generation ahead. Tejas is just 3.5 gen. F404 is an old engine. Tejas hardly scratch the 4th gen, it can't multirole as it is just a light weight aircraft.
She is the reason why everyone says india talks alot, nothing ever materialized

[Huaxiaviewpoint华夏观点]

Let me tell you a secret. Why has China launched an explosive launch of advanced equipment in the past two years?
Let me make a list first:
Hurricane 3000 high-power microwave weapon (anti-drone weapon);
J35A fifth-generation fighter;
J-35 carrier-based version;
J20S two-seat fifth-generation fighter (can command drone wingman);
076 electromagnetic catapult amphibious assault ship;
Swarm attack drone (Chinese military recently ordered 1 million);
Shen Diao unmanned early warning aircraft (can detect stealth aircraft);
KJ3000 large early warning aircraft (can detect stealth aircraft, detection distance reaches 5, 000 kilometers);
MD-22 hypersonic attack aircraft (recoverable, can Carrying nuclear bombs, more than 7 times the speed of sound, combat radius of 10, 000 kilometers);
Rotary detonation transmitter (combustion efficiency exceeds 50%, which can make the aircraft reach 20 times the speed of sound and can work in critical space);
JH-36 sixth-generation fighter-bomber
J-50 sixth-generation fighter
Fourth-generation micro-nuclear reactor (15 years ahead of the United States, used by China's 004 aircraft carrier)
HQ-19 anti-missile weapon (can counter hypersonic missiles in the mid-course and terminal)
Black barrier communication technology (there should be not many people who understand the application of this technology)

Do you still remember the Chinese lunar rover landing on the back of the moon? China encountered aliens on the back of the moon and obtained alien technology, so there are so many advanced equipment.
This is China's top secret, I am taking the risk to tell you.

[lordshiva]

Not only is India inciting Tibetan separatism. India is also surreptitiously building up a separatist Tibetan army against China. China has every reason to deal with India as an enemy. Yet with a pretentious aggrieved look, we self-righteously ask why China should be so hostile against India!

[lordshiva]

Our soldiers did not venture out on their own to raid the Chinese border guards. They did not choose to die at the Galwan Valley border. They were ordered by higher command. So we must ask why the Indian high command decided to carry out this ill-fated military operation. Did they do so with the blessings or permission of our political leaders? Or was it a misunderstanding / mistake down the army command line that led to the very sorry consequences of scores of Indian deaths and casualties? Many more Indians were actually taken prisoners but the China government had magnanimously released them back to India. Or leaders - military or politicians - must be held to account!