Now I believe most people did not expect Pakistan to get the offer from Beijing to supply the J31 so soon.
Obviously there must have been some signal from China after which the PAF Chief talked about a potential acquisition.
Why the Chinese Government is proceeding to fast track the potential supply of J31 to the PAF is something to be analyzed.
Because I believe the PAF is still In the process of inducting the J10C fighter. Usually it takes a few years for any Airforce to successfully integrate a new aircraft. New tactics have to be developed along with training to optimize the use of the aircraft.
A question arises - does the PAF feel that the J10C is not capable enough to face the latest IAF fighters especially the Rafale.
And how many J10C fighters have been actually inducted into the PAF.
Anyway if the J31 does indeed enter PAF service, it will no doubt complicate the situation for the IAF.
Not because the J31 is another F22.But because it will give a psychological boost to the PAF pilots.
Our Rafales had flummoxed the PAF because it is a full generation ahead of whatever aircraft the PAF has.Making the PAF very wary of any unilateral hostile action against India.
But the J31(though God knows how good it is)would embolden the nut cases(fanatic Islamic fundamentalists) in the PAF to wrongly think that they have established superiority over the IAF.
The risk of military adventurism by Pakistan might increase.
So an equalizer will become necessary. India will have no option but to consider an counter acquisition.
The options are limited. Because the AMCA will not arrive within this decade.
Getting the F35 is like opening a Pandora's Box.
Washington tries to turn whoever buys it's topline defence equipment into a meek impotent client state and a puppet.
How good is the Su57.We had rejected it before.
A lot depends on the actual capability of the J31. I can bet 100% we(our intelligence agencies) have zero knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the J31. We probably have zero penetration of the PLA leave alone the PLAAF or PLAN.I believe the J31 is a Chinese Navy baby. Not very sure.
A few arrows,shooting in the dark.
Like, can the Rafale AESA radar detect the J31 at a safe distance. Guide the Meteor BVR missile till the missile locks on to the aircraft using it's heat seeker(IIR).
Or can the S400 system radar be able to detect an supposedly stealth shaped J31. Create a firing solution.
An interesting fact is that the S400 actually plays the role of an offensive weapon system as regards Pakistan. Even if placed about 100 kms inside our border in order to be out of normal artillery range.
It creates an 250 -300 kms No Fly Zone inside Pakistan.
Usually SAM systems play an defensive role in guarding ones own airspace.
Will the J31 actually be offered to Pakistan or is it nothing but a fart from the PAF Chief.Time alone will tell.