J-31 to be inducted soon| Pilot training reportedly in progress

Beijingwalker said:

Pakistan trains pilots on Chinese J-31 stealth fighters to counter India's Rafale jets​


According to the Pakistani TV network BOL News on July 30, 2024, as well as Raad on August 1, 2024, Pakistan has begun training its fighter pilots on the Chinese Shenyang FC-31, also known as the J-31, a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). This development is part of a broader initiative by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to modernize its fleet and improve its operational readiness, particularly in the context of its ongoing rivalry with India.

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The Pakistan Air Force (PAF)'s focus on acquiring advanced military technology comes in response to India's progress in developing its own air capabilities. To address this, Pakistan has already integrated several Chinese-origin platforms, including J-10C fighter jets, advanced radar systems, and missile technologies, into its air force. The induction of the Chinese J-31 stealth aircraft represents a continuation of this trend, aimed at maintaining a balance of power in the region.

The rivalry between the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) is rooted in their historical conflicts and ongoing strategic competition. Both nations have prioritized modernizing their air fleets, with Pakistan introducing the JF-17 Block III, developed in collaboration with China, while India has invested in aircraft such as the locally-made Tejas and the French-made Rafale. The competition extends beyond technology to strategic positioning, with each air force aiming to maintain an edge through international collaborations and enhancing combat readiness. The rivalry has been marked by significant events like the aerial engagements in 2019, which highlighted the ongoing tension and the importance each country places on air superiority in the region.

The J-31, also known as the FC-31 Gyrfalcon or J-35, is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter developed by bot SAC and AVIC. The aircraft is designed to enhance air combat capabilities with its advanced stealth features, situational awareness, and munitions loadout. Comparisons have been drawn between the J-31 and the U.S. F-35, as both aircraft offer similar technological advancements. The acquisition of the J-31 is expected to be a key component of Pakistan's strategy to ensure its air force remains competitive in the region.

The development of the J-31 by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has been closely monitored by defense analysts. The aircraft first gained attention in 2011 when images of a model labeled as the F-60 surfaced online, leading to speculation about its capabilities and market intentions. Initially, the J-31 was developed as an export-oriented fighter without direct funding from the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The prototype's first public appearance occurred in 2012, generating further interest in the aircraft.

The J-31 was officially unveiled at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in November 2014, where SAC disclosed that the project had been self-funded. The aircraft's design, which includes forward-swept intake ramps, diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) bumps, and oblique vertical stabilizers, is intended to make it competitive in the global market.

Over the course of its development, the J-31 has undergone several design revisions and testing phases. While initially positioned for export, the aircraft has also attracted interest from the PLA, particularly the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The PLAN is considering a carrier-based variant of the J-31, often referred to as the J-35, which conducted its maiden flight on October 29, 2021. This naval version includes modifications such as a catapult launch bar and folding wings designed for carrier operations.

The development of the J-31 has been subject to controversy, particularly concerning reports in 2009 that Chinese hackers had accessed sensitive information from the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter program. There has been speculation that this data may have influenced the J-31's design. However, some Russian aviation experts have characterized the J-31 as an indigenous design, distinct from existing Western aircraft.

The J-31 is expected to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 at high altitude, with a service ceiling of 16,000 meters. Its combat radius is reported to be around 1,200 kilometers, extendable to 1,900 kilometers with aerial refueling. The aircraft is designed to carry up to 8,000 kilograms of munitions on both internal and external hardpoints, but while the Rafale (in service with India) is a reliable and battle-tested platform, the FC-31 represents China's push into the next generation of stealth fighters, though it still has to prove its capabilities in real-world operations.

The Rafale, a 4.5-generation fighter developed by France, is known for its multirole capabilities, with extensive combat deployment across various global conflicts. It combines advanced avionics with a wide range of armaments, making it adaptable to different missions. The FC-31 Gyrfalcon, a Chinese fifth-generation stealth fighter, aims to offer advanced stealth features and modern avionics, with an emphasis on air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. While the Rafale has a well-documented service record, the FC-31, still in development, represents China's push to compete in the stealth fighter category but lacks operational experience.
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Yaar --- i have seen threads

Rafale vs F16
Rafale vs J10
Rafale vs Jf17

Now,
Rafale vs J31

o_Oo_Oo_O
 
Waz said:
Must be incredible sitting in a fifth generation machine for the first time, after years on fourth/third generation jets.
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Modern high end computing power is soo commoditized now - that it is feeding into so much innovation interms of what countries can achieve now. Before - all this technology was restricted ( and still is in some cases - but that "veto" is starting to lose its value as China becomes a global innovator ). Not now.

The future is interesting for sure as the barrier to entry to make your own systems is so much cheaper now and so much easier than it was before.
 
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Waz said:
Must be incredible sitting in a fifth generation machine for the first time, after years on fourth/third generation jets.
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A PAF Mirage III (or F7PG) driver, going to a FC-31 is going to get his mind blown on the level of capability increase and situation awareness increase for sure.
 
The author of this article is clearly not familiar with the basic military knowledge of China and Pakistan. The article is full of a lot of common-sense mistakes.

It's not worth commenting on!
 
Ali_Baba said:
A PAF Mirage III (or F7PG) driver, going to a FC-31 is going to get his mind blown on the level of capability increase and situation awareness increase for sure.
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I'd probably think it would be pilots from the J-10 squadrons who would be selected as in they have experience in operating a Chinese jet and it's only one generation behind.
 
Waz said:
I'd probably think it would be pilots from the J-10 squadrons who would be selected as in they have experience in operating a Chinese jet and it's only one generation behind.
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And probably F16 block 52 pilots too
 
UKBengali said:
No I don't think so.

PAF is probably looking for quality to make up for Indian numerical superiority.

Even a fleet of 40 J-31s would give PAF air superiority over IAF due to the fact they would have such a lop-sided kill ratios against 4th generation fighters.
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That's not how it works!

Let me say another way: (Example) - IAF will start shooting all Chinese and PAF - 4++ fighters if it inducts 60, SU 75 checkmate fighters.

Let the platform mature and prove its capabilities rather than start claiming anything.
 
Raj-Hindustani said:
That's not how it works!

Let me say another way: (Example) - IAF will start shooting all Chinese and PAF - 4++ fighters if it inducts 60, SU 75 checkmate fighters.

Let the platform mature and prove its capabilities rather than start claiming anything.
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Su-75 Checkmate will be the worst stealth jet among all 5th gen jets
 
Raj-Hindustani said:
That's not how it works!

Let me say another way: (Example) - IAF will start shooting all Chinese and PAF - 4++ fighters if it inducts 60, SU 75 checkmate fighters.

Let the platform mature and prove its capabilities rather than start claiming anything.
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If you have two stealth fighters fight each other - it ends up being a WVR knife fight with equal losses based on pilot quality, as BVR doesnt work well in that scenario. DSI/IRST may make some difference, but it is difficult to guide missiles at long ranges guided by them ?

FC-31 is "more real" that the made up Su-75 which only exists in plastic form! At least the FC-31 prototype is flying and China maybe is getting closer to the -35 variant for its aircraft carriers.

PAF will of course do well to wait for the PLAN to induct the J-35 before it commits to the platform. It does not want to find itself in the same scenario as the FC-1 programme, where China was going to purchase an equal number of FC-1s as Pakistan, before pulling out and leaving PAF to deal with the programme alone ...
 
Raj-Hindustani said:
Let me say another way: (Example) - IAF will start shooting all Chinese and PAF - 4++ fighters if it inducts 60, SU 75 checkmate fighters.

Let the platform mature and prove its capabilities rather than start claiming anything.
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Are you good?

You are taking about "mature platform" and comparison J31/35 with SU75, WHICH ONLY EXISTS ON DRAWING BOARD.

Speak some sense at least.
 
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