Look, when I used to praise MKIs some time back, some people here(
@Hydra et al) used to get offended. But I always maintained MKI as our premier Air-Dominance fighter(even above Rafale) and if you read
@vstol Jockey's report about the latest OP you'll know that my viewpoint has been vindicated. Now why am I talking about MKI when you asked how to counter PAF's J-35s, right?
Because IAF believes that with MKI UPG. they can take down J-20 & J-35 both. I have said that before here but no one believed me cause the Americans have told us how 4th gen die when they meet 5th gen, correct?
But that's what IAF believes in. They believe that with AI-enabled algorithms of both Virupaksha and our Long Range Dual Band IRST along with complete AI enabled sensor fusion of Anidra & Yodha, MKI can get first shot on J-35 despite its own larger RCS. As per IAF these 5th gen jets are only VLO from the frontal aspect and not from other aspects. IAF believes that only tailless planes like B-2 etc. are full-on all-aspect stealth. You may take it or leave it as a fable or truth as per your discretion. But I stand by everything I just wrote.
Now onto plan B: Su-57 with Indian avionics. Backdoor talks are on about this jet and the moment first J-35 lands in PAF, we'll immediately order it. IAF has evaluated Su-57 at this year's Aero India and are impressed with it.
Why not F-35 you may ask? Cause the current American administration has shot itself in foot by threatening India via trade deal. One thing India & Modi hate is a threat. So F-35 is out along with all high-end American weapons from our market for good. That leaves Su-57 as our only 5th gen option within this decade to take on both PAF & PLAAF.