92nd Air Force Day: A Comparison of the Indian Air Force and Its Northern Counterpart, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force, Today
PLAAF: A Technological Powerhouse
The PLAAF boasts an impressive array of aircraft and advanced technological platforms, many of which are domestically produced. This indigenous development is a significant advantage for China, allowing the PLAAF to modernize rapidly and remain largely self-sufficient. Some of the most notable aircraft in the PLAAF’s inventory include the J-20 stealth fighter, the Su-35 multi-role strike fighter, and the J-10C interceptor. The PLAAF also operates a substantial bomber fleet, including 126 Xian H-6 bombers, capable of carrying out a variety of roles, from electronic warfare to nuclear weapon delivery.
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| Top 4 Fighter Jets of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF): From Top Left: Sukhoi Su-35MKKAir Superiority Fighter, Top Right: J-20 stealth fighter, Bottom Left: J-10 Multi role fighter, Bottom Right: J-11 Air Superiority Fighter |
Moreover, the PLAAF benefits from numerous force multipliers such as aerial refuelling tankers, airborne early warning and control systems (AWACS), and electronic warfare (EW) aircraft. These assets are critical for extended operations, giving China the ability to project power far beyond its borders. The PLAAF has also emphasized the integration of advanced weaponry, including precision-guided munitions (PGMs) and cruise missiles like the KD-63 and CJ-20, which significantly bolster its long-range strike capabilities.
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| Current Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force AEW&CS fleet strength |
However, despite its technological edge, the PLAAF faces logistical challenges, particularly in deploying high-performance aircraft to the high-altitude airfields of Tibet, where reduced air density limits payloads and flight endurance.
IAF: Geographic and Strategic Advantages
In contrast to the PLAAF’s technological edge, the IAF enjoys significant geographic and strategic advantages, particularly when operating along the mountainous terrain of the India-China border. With a network of air bases close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the IAF can quickly mobilize and provide close air support to Indian Army operations. These bases also allow the IAF to interdict PLA supply lines and conduct counter-air operations, undermining PLAAF efforts to establish air superiority.
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| Top 6 Indian Air Force Fighter jets currently in service, From Top Left: Sukhoi Su-30MKI Air Superiority Fighter, Top Right: Mikoyan Mig-29UPG Fighter Interceptor, Middle Left: Dassault Rafale F3R Multirole Fighter, Middle Right: Dasault Mirage-2000H Mk2 Multirole Fighter, Bottom Left: SEPECAT Jaguar DARIN-III Deep Penetration Bomber, Bottom Right: Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1 Multirole Fighter/Interceptor |
The IAF’s fighter fleet, including Mirage 2000s, Sukhoi Su-30MKIs, and Rafales, is highly capable, particularly in low-altitude operations, where they excel in terrain-hugging strikes. These aircraft, honed for low-level flying, can operate effectively in the rugged, high-altitude environment of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, giving India a tactical edge in any potential conflict scenario.
While the IAF lacks the sheer size of the PLAAF, it compensates with superior training and operational experience, particularly in high-intensity combat environments. India’s history of conflict with neighbouring countries and its participation in multinational exercises have ensured that its pilots are well-prepared for a range of combat scenarios.
Training and Tactics: IAF vs. PLAAF
One of the critical differences between the IAF and PLAAF lies in their approach to training and tactics. The PLAAF, traditionally focused on scripted and ground-controlled exercises, has recently undertaken significant reforms to modernize its pilot training programs. These reforms aim to enhance combat readiness by emphasizing unscripted, more realistic combat scenarios and multi-branch exercises. The PLAAF has also placed greater emphasis on joint operations, integrating fighters with surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), anti-aircraft artillery, and electronic warfare systems.
Despite these advancements, the PLAAF still faces challenges in maintaining uniformity in tactical practices across its units, particularly due to the absence of a centralized institution like the USAF’s Weapons School. As a result, much of the PLAAF’s tactical prowess relies on the autonomy of unit commanders, leading to varying levels of competency across the force.
The IAF, by contrast, has a long-established tradition of rigorous pilot training. Its experience in real-world combat situations, such as the Kargil War and the Balakot airstrikes, provides the IAF with a wealth of practical knowledge. Additionally, the IAF’s participation in international exercises, including Red Flag (with the USAF) and Garuda (with the French Air Force), ensures that Indian pilots are well-versed in the latest combat tactics and interoperability with allied forces.
The J-20 Stealth Fighter: A Game-Changer?
The J-20 stealth fighter is arguably the most advanced aircraft in the PLAAF’s inventory and presents a significant challenge to the IAF. Its low observability (LO) features and advanced avionics make it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat, particularly in scenarios involving beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. However, the J-20’s effectiveness in the high-altitude environment of Tibet is limited by payload constraints and logistical challenges.
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| Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force's pride, indigenously designed and manufactured 5th Generation Stealth Fighter, J-20 Vigorous Dragon |
While the J-20 can potentially penetrate Indian airspace undetected, its ability to maintain prolonged operations in the border region is questionable. High-altitude bases in Tibet, such as Hotan and Ngari Gunsa, limit the J-20’s payload and fuel capacity, reducing its combat range and time over target. Additionally, the vast distance from PLAAF air bases to the LAC makes it difficult for the J-20 to sustain continuous patrols, giving the IAF more breathing room in managing its air defences.
The Strategic Importance of Air Defences
Both the IAF and PLAAF have invested heavily in air defence systems, with China relying on a network of integrated air defence systems (IADS) such as the S-300 and S-400, which provide long-range coverage. These systems pose a serious threat to Indian aircraft attempting to strike deep into Chinese territory. However, India’s mountainous terrain offers a natural shield, making it difficult for PLAAF air defences to effectively target IAF aircraft operating close to the LAC.
The IAF’s low-level strike capabilities are well-suited to evading Chinese air defences, allowing Indian aircraft to carry out precision strikes on key targets without exposing themselves to PLAAF SAM systems.
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