India’s acquisition of F-35s will not affect the balance of power in the region much as Pakistan and China already have fifth-generation stealth fighters.

Pakistan has the most advanced F-16 aircraft in the US but the F-35 is far ahead of the F-16 in features. The countries of the world that have purchased F-35 fighter jets so far include Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan and South Korea.

US President Donald Trump said during a conversation with reporters after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House on Thursday that the US will increase the sale of defense equipment to India from this year, which will pave the way for New Delhi to supply F-35 fighter jets.

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Pakistan expressed deep concern over the US’s proposed transfer of “advanced military technology” to India and said in a statement on Friday that such moves upset the military balance in the region.

If the US gives the final approval for the supply of F-35 jets to India, India will be the first country in South Asia to receive these aircraft. F-35 is an expensive aircraft and he thinks that India will not buy such an expensive aircraft. Even if India takes this aircraft, it will take eight to 10 years to operate it.

Speaking to Voice of America, F-35 is a fighter aircraft with more advanced technology and India will need time to adapt to it.America has offered to give F-35 aircraft to India, but the Indian military bureaucracy has to decide on its purchase.

Another important feature that distinguishes it from all other aircraft is its ability to land and take off without a runway. The F-35 can reverse its engine direction to land and take off like a helicopter on land or on an aircraft carrier at sea.

What is the threat to Pakistan and China?

Analyst and former Pakistan Air Force officer Zia Shamsi says that if India gets F-35 aircraft, there will be a slight difference in the balance of power in the region and India will feel more powerful in the presence of this aircraft, but New Delhi has neither bought nor used American fighter jets.

China will not have any problem because of this ship because China is already building the fifth generation ship, it has shown some ships and some have not been shown yet. Currently, China has the J10 stealth aircraft, while Pakistan and Turkey are jointly developing the Kan aircraft, which is also fully stealth.

Stealth technology is not completely invisible to radar, but rather low-observable technology, meaning it is designed so that it is not easily detected by radar. According to Lockheed Martin, the American company that manufactures the F-35 aircraft, this fifth-generation aircraft has stealth technology, which means that it is not visible on radar, while due to the advanced sensor fusion connect system, it remains connected with other aircraft and its base during the flight and is capable of carrying all types of warheads.