New Delhi, India – A routine emergency landing by a British F-35 fighter jet in southern India has inadvertently put a spotlight on the capabilities of India's air defense systems, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) claiming its radar network successfully detected and tracked the advanced stealth aircraft.
The assertion is particularly significant because the F-35 Lightning II is considered one of the world's most sophisticated 5th-generation fighter jets, engineered with advanced stealth technology specifically designed to make it nearly invisible to radar.
Incident in Kerala
The incident occurred on the evening of June 14, when a British Royal Navy F-35B, part of a UK Carrier Strike Group operating in the Indian Ocean, was forced to divert and make an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala. Poor weather conditions reportedly prevented the jet from returning to its aircraft carrier, leading to a fuel shortage.
Images of the distinctive jet on the civilian airport tarmac quickly circulated, confirming the unusual event.
IAF Claims Detection of 'Invisible' Jet
Following the landing, the Indian Air Force released a statement indicating that its radar systems had detected the F-35B while it was still airborne. The IAF stated that the aircraft was "detected and identified by the IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) network."
"Permission for the emergency landing was granted based on this detection and identification," the IAF's report noted.
What is Stealth?
Stealth technology aims to reduce an aircraft's 'Radar Cross Section' (RCS) – how much radar energy it reflects back. 5th-generation jets like the F-35 use special shapes, materials, and electronic measures to achieve an extremely low RCS, making them very difficult or impossible for conventional radar to track.This claim stands in stark contrast to the F-35's reputation. Its low RCS is often compared to that of a golf ball or even smaller on radar, a key feature intended to allow it to operate undetected in contested airspace.
Challenging Stealth Assumptions?
The IAF's assertion that its operational radar network could detect and identify such a highly stealthy aircraft has prompted debate among defense analysts worldwide.
While some other nations, like Iran and China, have made past claims of detecting F-35s, these have often lacked independent verification. The IAF's statement, directly related to an incident within its controlled airspace, carries significant weight.
The detection, if confirmed under standard operational conditions, could challenge assumptions about the absolute effectiveness of current stealth technology against modern, integrated air defense systems.
The Radar Reflector Theory
One potential explanation being discussed is that the F-35 might have been flying with radar reflectors, known as Luneburg Lenses, installed. Stealth aircraft sometimes use these lenses to intentionally increase their radar signature during non-combat flights or when operating near civilian air traffic control to ensure they are visible to friendly systems and prevent accidental engagement.
However, it remains unclear if the aircraft was indeed configured with these lenses during its operation from the carrier strike group, adding to the discussion around the nature of the detection.
India's Growing Radar Prowess
Regardless of the specifics of this particular detection, the IAF's claim highlights the sophisticated nature of India's integrated air defense network. The IACCS is designed to fuse data from various sensors, including ground-based radars, airborne early warning systems (AWACS), and other sources, to create a comprehensive air picture.
The ability of this system to potentially pick up a target with an extremely low radar signature underscores India's advancements in radar and command and control capabilities, solidifying its position as a major player in regional security architecture.
The incident also implicitly underscores the increasing trust and interoperability between India and Western nations like the UK, evidenced by the choice of an Indian airport for the emergency landing of a sensitive military asset.