l
F-35, Su-57 or AMCA: Which Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Will Help India Soar Higher and Stronger?
The Indian Air Force presently operates a mix of fighter jets, including the Russian-origin Su-30MKI, French Rafale, indigenous Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar.
India’s requirement for a fifth-generation fighter aircraft has led to ongoing discussions in recent months, as the country evaluates its choices in the backdrop of a complex geopolitical scenario.
With the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) still years away from being combat-ready, attention is shifting towards possible acquisitions from foreign sources. Only two practical options exist at present: the American F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Su-57 Felon.
However, despite the speculation, neither the Indian government nor defence experts have shown any concrete inclination, keeping the fate of this significant acquisition unclear.
Considering recent developments in bilateral trade between India and the US, reports suggest that India has conveyed its stance on the F-35 to Washington. However, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh recently clarified in Parliament that “no formal discussions have been held as yet on this issue” in connection with the F-35. He referred to the India-US Joint Statement from February 2025, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Trump, where the US agreed to “undertake a review of its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters (like the F-35) and undersea platforms to India.” This was merely a policy review, and no concrete proposal or negotiation has been initiated.
The US offer to potentially supply F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters has created headlines since it surfaced. However, when analysing India’s defence ecosystem, operational requirements, and self-reliance goals, many believe this deal is unlikely to be finalised in the near future.
Commenting on the present situation, Dinakar Peri, Fellow, Security Studies at Carnegie India, stated, “While the absence of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft remains a critical gap in the IAF’s capabilities, purchasing such an aircraft in limited numbers is a tough call. The indigenous AMCA has only begun its development phase and is about a decade away from entering service. Any interim acquisition may divert funds and attention from the vital indigenous project.”
Why Not the F-35?
The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet comprising the Russian Su-30MKI, French Rafale, Indian Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar. Over the years, India has developed a domestic support ecosystem around these platforms, enabling effective integration, interoperability, skilled crew availability, and strong maintenance facilities.
“When acquiring an aircraft, it’s not merely about buying a flying machine. It must fit well into your operational framework—can it sync with your existing systems, communicate seamlessly with other platforms, and support your current weapons and infrastructure? The F-35 brings a wholly new ecosystem that’s heavily American, which might reduce operational flexibility and pose compatibility issues,” said a senior IAF fighter pilot, requesting anonymity.
Dinakar Peri added, “The F-35 represents the latest in stealth and aviation technology. But that does not automatically make it the ideal choice for India. Our forces do not have an existing US-based fighter ecosystem, and transitioning to it will take considerable time and effort.”
He further said, “A key consideration is how far the US is willing to integrate the F-35 into India’s military framework, which already includes advanced Russian systems like the SU-30MKI, S-400 air defence systems, as well as French and Israeli platforms. Without smooth integration, the F-35 cannot deliver its promised performance, nor can its full potential be realised.”
Is the Su-57 a Better Option?
With the F-35 option appearing unlikely, the Russian Su-57 is being viewed by many as a practical alternative. However, this option, too, comes with complications. Along with fears of international sanctions and political backlash, there are valid concerns regarding production delays and whether the jet will truly meet India’s needs.
The Su-57’s advantages include a higher likelihood of technology transfer and smoother integration within India’s current Russian-heavy air force structure. However, its drawbacks—such as production delays, risk of sanctions, unresolved technological flaws, payment and delivery issues, and geopolitical alignment—make the decision far from straightforward.
Waiting for the AMCA
With Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clearing the path, both public and private sector firms are now allowed to jointly implement India’s AMCA project. Though development work is progressing rapidly, the prototype is expected only around 2027–28. DRDO officials estimate the aircraft will not enter operational service before 2036.
This timeline only deepens the existing shortfall of fighter jets in the Indian Air Force. Hence, defence analysts recommend that the IAF induct 4.5 generation aircraft in the interim to manage the capability gap until the AMCA is ready.
Dinakar Peri, reflecting on the path ahead, noted, “The real concern in the IAF today is the decreasing number of fighter squadrons, especially in the 4th-gen plus category. The emphasis must be on speeding up LCA Tejas production and finalising the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) deal, both of which aim to address this problem.”
The IAF currently maintains around 30–31 squadrons, compared to a sanctioned strength of 42.5. Although the LCA Mk1A and Mk2 were expected to help reduce the shortfall, delivery delays have hampered progress.
Meanwhile, rivals China and Pakistan are rapidly ramping up aircraft production and fleet inductions. This heightens the urgency for India to act swiftly to bolster its fighter strength—a move defence experts say is vital for maintaining strategic balance in the region.
