India’s desire to purchase fifth-generation fighter jets is making headlines once more, but there are a number of obstacles in the way. By 2035, the country’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) should be operational, but by then, China and Pakistan, in particular, would have further bolstered their air power.
While there are still concerns about Russia’s Su-57, India recently requested permission from the US to purchase the fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II.
However, Pakistan’s intention to buy China’s J-35A stealth jets has raised India’s concerns. Under such circumstances, the question of when India will acquire fifth-generation fighter jets and whether it will be able to meet regional challenges in a timely manner emerges.
India is currently at a crossroads in its quest to modernize its military might and obtain a competitive advantage in the airspace industry. The Swadeshi Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the nation’s in-house fifth-generation fighter jet project, is still at least ten years away.
There are concerns about the Russian Su-57, but Donald Trump is also putting pressure on the US to sell the F-35, a fifth-generation fighter jet.
However, Pakistan’s intention to buy China’s J-35A stealth jets has raised India’s concerns. A crucial question in this context is whether India will have fifth-generation fighter aircraft in time. Will India lose this race to Pakistan?
To what extent are fifth-generation fighter jets required?
There are currently only 29 squadrons in the Indian Air Force (IAF). This shortage has been made worse by the retirement of outdated MiG-21 aircraft and the postponement of the acquisition of new aircraft. Meanwhile, by 2035, the domestic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) should be operational.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) are working on the AMCA program.
This twin-engine stealth jet will have features like an internal weapons bay, super cruise, and an AI-based electronic pilot, but it will take longer for full production to start and only be feasible for the prototype to fly for the first time in 2027–2028.
In the meantime, the air power of India’s Neighbours is growing. China is testing sixth-generation models such as the J-36 and J-50 and already has J-20 stealth jets. On the other hand, Pakistan wants to purchase 40 J-35A stealth jets by 2026–2027.
Since tensions between India and Pakistan were at their highest following the recent Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, this presents a significant challenge for India.
Why is India not interested in purchasing F-35s?
The F-35A Lightning II fighter jet was made available to India earlier this year by US President Donald Trump. Trump had discussed bolstering India-US defense ties and referred to it as the “world’s most high-tech stealth jet.”
India, however, showed no particular interest in this proposal. India has told the US that it does not want to purchase the F-35, according to a Bloomberg report. This icy attitude has numerous political and strategic justifications.
An F-35 fighter jet costs $80 million, which is more than Rs 700 crore. Additionally, the cost of its upkeep and replacement parts is very high. India’s strategic autonomy may be impacted by America’s complete control over this jet’s software and stealth coatings.
However, Russia provides a significant portion of India’s defense purchases. Turkey’s use of the Russian S-400 defense system was the reason the US had already barred it from the F-35 program.
India worries that buying the F-35 could have an impact on its strategic ties with Russia in such a scenario.
Why should India stay away from the Russian Su-57E?
However, Russia has an offer for Su-57E. Technology transfer and the promise of domestic production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are included in the agreement. India finds this appealing since it makes use of the Su-30MKI’s current infrastructure.
However, the Su-57’s stealth capabilities are in doubt, and India chose to terminate its co-development program (FGFA) in 2018 due to the aircraft’s failure to meet expectations. The Su-57’s production has also been impacted by Western sanctions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Is it India’s plan or Pakistan’s ruse?
India is concerned about Pakistan’s claim to be acquiring J-35A aircraft. Pakistan, which gets over 80 percent of its armaments from China, is now talking to Turkey about constructing KAAN aircraft.
The northern and western borders of India are under more strain as a result. According to defense experts, India urgently needs fifth-generation jets because it could be dangerous to wait ten years for AMCA.
In a recent presentation to the government, the IAF suggested importing two to three squadrons, or 40 to 60 aircraft. The necessity of 5th Gen jets to improve preparedness on the northern and western borders was also emphasized by a committee led by Defense Secretary RK Singh.
However, according to retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra, neither the F-35 nor the Su-57 are entirely appropriate for India. He promoted involving the private sector and concentrating on AMCA.
Disclaimer: This article is based on open-source information and defence analysis. It does not reflect official policies of any government.
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