Neither F-35 nor Su-57... Why is India not buying 5th Gen fighter jets? Will Pakistan benefit from this?

India.com

17 hours ago

Neither F-35 nor Su-57... Why is India not buying 5th Gen fighter jets? Will Pakistan benefit from this?
India's ambition to acquire fifth generation fighter jets is once again in the news, but there are several roadblocks. The indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to be ready by 2035, but by then regional rivals, especially Pakistan and China, would have further strengthened their air power. Recently, India has sought the US's permission to acquire the fifth generation fighter jet.F-35 LightningII, while doubts also remain over Russia's Su-57. On the other hand, Pakistan has increased India's concern by planning to purchase China's J-35A stealth jets. In such a situation, the question arises: when will India have 5th Gen fighter jets, and will it be able to face regional challenges in time?
India's ambition to modernise its military power and gain a strategic edge in the air is currently at a crossroads. The country's indigenous fifth generation fighter jet project, the Swadeshi Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is still at least a decade away. While Donald Trump is pressuring the US to sell the 5th Gen fighter jet F-35, there are also clouds of uncertainty over the Russian Su-57.
On the other hand, Pakistan has increased India's concern by planning to purchase China's J-35A stealth jets. In such a situation, a very important question is being raised whether India will have fifth generation fighter aircraft in time? And will Pakistan leave India behind in this race?
How much is the need for 5th Gen fighter jets?
The strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently limited to 29 squadrons. The retirement of old MiG-21 aircraft and the delay in the purchase of new jets have further deepened this shortage. At the same time, the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to be ready by 2035. The AMCA program is being developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). This twin-engine stealth jet will be equipped with features like AI-based electronic pilot, supercruise, and internal weapons bay, but the first flight of its prototype is possible only by 2027-28 and it will take more time for full production to begin.
Meanwhile, India's neighbours are increasing their air power. China already has J-20 stealth jets, and is testing sixth-generation prototypes like the J-36 and J-50. Pakistan, on the other hand, plans to acquire 40 J-35A stealth jets by 2026-27. This is a serious challenge for India, especially after the recent Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, when tensions between India and Pakistan were at their peak.
Why does India not want to buy F-35?
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had offered India the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet. Trump had described it as the 'world's most high-tech stealth jet' and talked about strengthening India-US defense relations. However, India did not show any special interest in this proposal. According to a Bloomberg report, India has indicated to the US that it does not want to buy the F-35. There are many strategic and political reasons behind this cold attitude.
The cost of an F-35 fighter jet is $80 million (more than Rs 700 crore). Then the cost of its maintenance and spare parts is also huge. America has full control over the software and stealth coatings of this jet, which can affect India's strategic autonomy.
On the other hand, a large part of India's defense purchases comes from Russia. The US had already excluded Turkey from the F-35 program due to the use of the Russian S-400 defense system. In such a situation, India fears that purchasing the F-35 may affect its strategic relations with Russia.
Why should India avoid the Russian Su-57E?
Russia, on the other hand, hasSu-57E offerThe deal includes technology transfer and the promise of local production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This is attractive to India because the existing infrastructure of the Su-30MKI can be used. But the Su-57's stealth capability is questionable, and in 2018 India decided to exit its co-development program (FGFA) because it did not live up to expectations. In addition, the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions have affected the production of the Su-57.
Is it Pakistan's ploy or India's strategy?
Pakistan's claim of acquiring J-35A jets is a matter of concern for India. Pakistan, which imports more than 80% of its weapons from China, is now also discussing building KAAN aircraft with Turkey. This increases pressure on India's northern and western borders. Defense experts believe that India needs 5th Gen jets urgently, as waiting for 10 years for AMCA can be risky.
The IAF recently made a presentation to the government, recommending the import of 2-3 squadrons (40-60 jets). A committee headed by Defence Secretary RK Singh also highlighted the need for 5th Gen jets to enhance readiness on the northern and western borders. But retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra says neither the F-35 nor the Su-57 are fully suitable for India. He advocated focusing on AMCA and involving the private sector.