F-35 or Su-57? As MiG-21s retire and China races ahead, India looks abroad for fifth-gen fighter jet
Indian Air Force
(IAF) is looking to buy 40 to 60
fifth-generation fighter jets
from abroad as its homegrown
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
(
AMCA
) project is still far from being operational. This development comes amid mounting pressure on the IAF to plug a widening capability gap, especially along India's sensitive northern and western borders.
A formal presentation by the IAF to the central government outlined these urgent needs. The matter is now being examined by an empowered committee led by Defence Secretary R K Singh, as reported by ANI. The committee has recommended that India induct fifth-generation fighters without delay to reinforce deterrence and boost operational readiness.
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MiG-21 phase-out leaves a vacuum
The situation is critical. With the final batch of ageing MiG-21s set to retire by September, the IAF's fighter strength is expected to fall to just 29 squadrons. That's far short of the sanctioned 42.
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Until the AMCA is ready, which could take up to a decade, the IAF wants an interim solution to maintain combat preparedness.
F-35 or Su-57? Talks are ongoing
Two offers are currently on the table. The United States has pitched its F-35 stealth fighter — widely deployed by its allies across the globe. Russia, on the other hand, has proposed its Su-57 jet. Both aircraft are classified as fifth-generation platforms.
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While India previously exited a joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme with Russia, officials confirm that the door remains open to rejoin the project.
No final decision has been made yet, but talks are active, according to defence sources quoted by ANI.
Geopolitical concerns add to the pressure
China's accelerated progress towards developing sixth-generation fighters has added urgency. There are also credible reports that Beijing may supply its existing fifth-generation jets to Pakistan, though Islamabad has officially denied this.
Defence planners are factoring in these scenarios as they weigh procurement options.
Veterans warn against importing
Not everyone agrees with the current path. Former IAF officer Ajay Ahlawat has openly criticised any plans to import fighters. He argues the country should instead double down on building the AMCA.
'It would be best if we eliminate the option to import FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft). We have two bad choices. F-35 comes with strings attached,' Ahlawat wrote on X.
He continued: 'The US can not be trusted to steer a predictable foreign policy. Su-57 is not really a FGFA. Moreover, a large part of electronics, avionics components and chips etc are sourced from China. Imagine being in a shooting war with your equipment vendor.'
Ahlawat called on the government to bring the AMCA under direct oversight. 'AMCA is the only viable option. Bring the program under PMO. Call it a mission of national importance. Nominate one IAF 3-star as program head, reporting to NSA. All agencies under one chain of command.'
Parallel plan to build 114 fighters under 'Make in India'
At the same time, India is also pushing ahead with a separate plan to build 114 modern 4.5-plus generation fighter jets with a foreign partner. This is part of the broader Make in India initiative aimed at reducing dependency on imports.
The deal could move forward via a government-to-government agreement once the tender process is completed.
This parallel track is meant to address long-term needs while ensuring local manufacturing capacity grows in step with strategic requirements.
The IAF is navigating a complex moment. The AMCA is promising but distant. Foreign imports come with geopolitical strings. And China is rapidly closing in on next-generation capabilities.
For now, the IAF's leadership is pushing for quick decisions to avoid falling behind. Whether that means betting on imports, accelerating local production or both, the pressure to act is unmistakable.
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