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First Post
2 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Foreign fighters are no substitute: India must prioritise its own AMCA
The indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is not just a fighter jet project; it's a national security priority that requires swift and decisive action to maintain India's aerial dominance and strategic posture read more The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme in India is considered urgent due to the country's declining fighter squadron strength, the modernisation of rival air forces, and the need to maintain a technological edge in air combat. The programme aims to replace ageing aircraft and introduce a fifth-generation fighter, addressing both operational and strategic requirements. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is down to 29 fighter squadrons vis-à-vis the sanctioned strength of 42, and several more are scheduled for retirement in the coming years. IAF was forced to stretch the MiG-21 aircraft fleet, and the last of these squadrons will wind down in mid-September 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China has inducted fifth-generation J-20 fighters in large numbers and is already flight-testing two sixth-generation fighters. Pakistan has been upgrading its air force with advanced fighter jets and aerial weapons and is seeking stealth fifth-generation fighter aircraft from both China and Turkey. This is creating an imbalance in the region. The F-35 and Su-57 The American F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter has not been on formal offer to India; in fact, the US had denied the F-35 to its Nato ally Turkey since, like India, they had acquired the Russian S-400 air defence system. President Trump's unpredictable tariff policies have been targeting India, among many others. Historically, the US has often jettisoned global partners when its own interests were no longer in congruence. As per a Bloomberg report, India had notified the United States that it will not acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jets. The F-35 was reportedly proposed as part of a broader US plan to increase military sales to India. The F-35 is priced close to $100 million per unit and is quite expensive to maintain. The F-35 will have compatibility issues with India's Russian-origin equipment, such as the Il-78 refuelling aircraft. Additionally, the US is unlikely to meet India's requirements for co-production or technology transfer, which are central to the 'Make in India' initiative. In contrast, Russia has offered to co-produce its Su-57 stealth fighter in India, aligning with these goals. The Su-57 is much cheaper at nearly $60-65 million. But total numbers built are still very few (42), and earlier India had walked away from its predecessor, the joint fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). But then, the Su-57 is the only serious foreign offer to date. AMCA's early success is a strategic imperative for India, enhancing its air combat capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign platforms. The AMCA is meant to provide a technological advantage over adversaries and enable India to compete in modern air warfare. The programme aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and boost indigenous aerospace capabilities. Meeting the projected induction timeline of the AMCA is crucial to address the operational gaps and maintain a credible deterrent. In essence, the AMCA is not just a fighter jet project; it's a national security priority that requires swift and decisive action to maintain India's aerial dominance and strategic posture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD AMCA Status The single-seat, twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth, multirole AMCA is being designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an aircraft design agency under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The AMCA is intended to perform a multitude of missions, including air supremacy, ground strike, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and electronic warfare (EW) missions. It is intended to supplant the Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter, which forms the backbone of the IAF fighter fleet. The AMCA design is optimised for low radar cross section and supercruise capability. As of July 2025, the prototype development phase is underway after the completion of the feasibility study, preliminary design stage and detailed design phase. The AMCA programme, originally launched in 2010 as a 20-tonne class fighter, is now a 25-tonne class fighter. The design work was completed in 2023, and approval for the ₹15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) project for prototype development was received from CCS in March 2024. A total of five prototypes are to be built. The first three prototypes will carry out developmental flight trials, whereas the next two will focus on weapon trials. The prototype will be rolled out at an interval of 8-9 months. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The initial plan was to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) consisting of ADA, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and a private company for the development and production of AMCA. At Aero India 2025, a full-scale engineering model of the AMCA was publicly demonstrated for the first time. As revealed during the event, ADA had laid out a 10-year development roadmap from the phase that began in April 2024. The prototype rollout is planned for late 2026 or early 2027, followed by the first flight in 2028, certification by 2032 and induction in 2034. Each prototype will cost ₹1,000 crore ($120 million). Proposal for Industry Partnership Model It has been reported that the government is yet to decide the production partner for the aircraft since ADA has proposed to hand over the responsibility to private sector companies rather than HAL in view of the company's 'not-so-great delivery track record'. Multiple meetings had been held, and HAL pushed for an additional assembly line dedicated to AMCA if required. Meanwhile, the government has shifted to an 'industry partnership model' instead of the initial plans for SPV. ADA's push for changing the production partner is to avoid any further delays following setbacks from development funding and lack of clearance from the US government for licence production of engines. The private sector partner would be responsible for development, production and lifetime maintenance of the jet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The MoD formed a panel to examine increasing the role of private sector companies in the development of the AMCA. A top-level committee has evaluated a 'clear-cut strategy and production-cum-business model' to accelerate the development of AMCA. The committee is tasked to devise a plan to 'shrink timelines' to get AMCA from the drawing board to the air as well as the high-thrust indigenous engine development. On May 27, 2025, the MoD cleared the 'Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model'. Under the model, the ADA will release an Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop AMCA through industry partnership. Both private and public sector companies can bid either as independent entities or as consortia or joint ventures to get the contract. As of now, the prototype rollout is expected by 2028-29, the first flight by 2029, service introduction by 2034 and series production by 2035. The HAL is reportedly set to evaluate responses from 24 companies in order to select a partner firm for the formation of a consortium. This consortium, structured under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, will subsequently bid to become the designated AMCA development consortium. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On June 18, 2025, the EOI was released by ADA which is meant to shortlist Indian companies for prototype development, flight testing, and certification of the AMCA. The document calls for 'reputed' Indian companies which are compliant with Indian laws and are experienced in the aerospace and defence sector. The bidder has to establish dedicated facilities for series production of the aircraft. The bidder has to complete the development, prototyping, flight test and certification of the AMCA within eight years of signing the contract. While the deadline for responding to the EOI is 16 August, before which a pre-EOI meeting is scheduled. Engine development Initially ADA had plans to issue a request for proposal (RfP) to six original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for co-development of an afterburning low-bypass turbofan of the 110 kN thrust class. As per a government statement in the Rajya Sabha during the Winter Session 2021, there is a proposal to jointly develop the engine for AMCA with the help of a foreign partner using the know-how from the Kaveri engine development programme. On July 15, 2023, India and France agreed to collaborate for the joint development of a combat aircraft engine, which would power the Mark-2 variant of AMCA as part of the Horizon 2047 document for the India-France strategic partnership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On 18 November 2023, Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, announced that the United States has provided the necessary permits, opening the door for GE Aerospace and HAL to jointly produce the General Electric F414 engine in India for the HAL Tejas Mark 2 and for the first two squadrons of AMCA. As of September 2024, foreign firms who offered joint venture development include the US-origin General Electric, the UK-origin Rolls-Royce and the French-origin Safran. The latter two had also offered 100 per cent intellectual property (IP) of engine design. Safran and Rolls-Royce have also received clearance from their respective countries for the engine development. In October 2024, Safran and HAL also signed an MoU to develop industrial cooperation in forging parts' manufacturing for commercial engines, including those. HAL, in its Bangalore facility, would supply engine parts of CFM International LEAP to Safran Aircraft Engines. On February 18, 2025, it was also reported that while France was in an advanced stage of talks with India, Rolls-Royce Holdings was in talks with India for the engine co-development programme for AMCA. They have offered 'to co-develop and co-design, allowing India to own the IP in India, for India, for use in current as well as future programmes'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By July 18, the MoD officially recommended a strategic partnership with France to co-develop a next-generation engine with a thrust of 120 kN (27,000 lbf). The recommendation was forwarded to the government after a consultative process including feedback from stakeholders and a technical committee that went deep into all aspects of fighter jet engine manufacturing. This strategic project is worth ₹61,000 crore ($7.2 billion). Safran had earlier suggested a roadmap which would be synchronised with the developmental timeline of AMCA. As per estimates, India needs around 250 of these engines in the next decade. Government Support's Private Sector The Indian government is actively promoting private sector involvement through various initiatives and policies. A new model for the AMCA programme allows private firms to bid alongside HAL, either independently or in collaboration with other Indian or foreign partners. Increased private sector participation aligns with government goals to foster indigenous manufacturing and achieve self-reliance ('Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat') in defence production. The AMCA programme is categorised as a Make-I project under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. This offers government funding for Research & Development (R&D) and incentives like research grants, tax concessions, and preferential procurement terms to private companies. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiatives provide grants and support to start-ups and MSMEs for developing innovative defence technologies, creating a vibrant ecosystem for private sector involvement. Companies can take advantage of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and simplified FDI norms. Programmes like the Defence Industrial Corridors and the DRDO Technology Development Fund encourage participation from smaller firms. Private Sector and AMCA For long, the military aircraft development and production in India have been the preserve of India's DRDO and Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), the HAL. The recent contract for IAF's CASA C-295W broke that trend, and the contract was given to the private sector firm Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). HAL has a huge captive order book of Indian armed forces aircraft. These include the LCA Mk1 and Mk2 variants, a variety of helicopters, trainers, aero-engines, and aircraft overhauls. DRDO Chief Kamat recently announced that ADA will select an AMCA production partner by year-end. It seeks private sector efficiency to avoid past defence delays. Private firms can participate in designing and engineering various components and subsystems of the AMCA. From structural elements like the fuselage and wings to specialised parts like composite panels, private companies are involved in producing numerous AMCA components. Firms with expertise in avionics, propulsion, stealth features, advanced materials, and electronic warfare can contribute to the integration of complex systems within the AMCA. Private companies can provide crucial support throughout the aircraft's lifecycle, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services and spare parts supply. The private sector can support skill development and technological advancement. Their participation in the AMCA programme fosters the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities, high-precision machining, avionics, embedded software, and other critical technologies within the private sector. Consortium Approach Companies like TASL, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Vem Technologies, and Alpha Tocol Engineering Services are already involved in manufacturing various components and assemblies for HAL's projects and are well-positioned to play a significant role in AMCA development. Other players like Mahindra Defence, Bharat Forge, and Adani Defence are also big in defence production and expanding into aerospace manufacturing and likely to contribute to the AMCA supply chains. Even IT giants like Infosys, TCS, and Cyient have cleared technical evaluation for designing the AMCA stealth fighter airframe and subsystems, highlighting the broadening scope of private sector involvement. Private companies are known for their agility and efficiency, which can help speed up the design, development, and production phases of the AMCA programme. Increased private sector involvement fosters the growth of indigenous capabilities, reducing India's dependence on foreign technology and boosting domestic aerospace expertise. Competition among private players can drive down costs and encourage innovation, leading to a more robust and advanced AMCA. The AMCA project, with its substantial investment and long-term scope, creates numerous job opportunities across various skill levels and contributes to the growth of India's defence and aerospace industrial ecosystem. A good approach would be a consortium of private companies. Such an approach is being followed in most aircraft building programmes around the world. The F-22 Raptor was a joint programme between Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a joint initiative between the UK, Japan, and Italy-based companies. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme includes Dassault Aviation, Airbus, Thales, Indra Sistemas, and EUMET, among others. Large corporates like TASL or L&T could be the 'prime contractor' and the main integrator. Others with individual strengths could be partners. Companies with stealth technologies can focus on manufacturing radar-absorbing composites, designing stealth airframe parts, and engineering internal weapon systems crucial for maintaining low radar cross-sections for low electromagnetic signatures. Private players can engage in building AI-powered avionics, sensor fusion, advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems, net-centric capabilities, electronics, and sensor suites. Firms can contribute by developing engines, components, and technologies that enhance supersonic flight capabilities without afterburners and support thrust-vectoring systems for improved agility. With propulsion systems initially using GE F414 engines, private industry can participate in the co-production and supply of key engine components. Private companies can work on smart weapons. Companies in the aerospace supply chain can contribute precision components and machined parts and perform quality testing and certification services. The production of advanced alloys is another significant area for private sector involvement. Bharat Forge has strength in forgings. Private companies can engage in supplying parts, sub-assemblies, and specialised materials. In the LCA project, over 500 Indian companies, including MSMEs, are involved, indicating a broad and deep ecosystem of Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers. This collaborative approach, the dynamism and innovation of private firms, is expected to accelerate the development and production of India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, contributing significantly to national security and self-reliance. Time to take calls quickly and get going, India. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Neither F-35 nor Su-57... Why is India not buying 5th Gen fighter jets? Will Pakistan benefit from this?
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.
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Neither F-35 Nor Su-57: Why India Is Taking Its Time On 5th-Gen Fighter Jets
Pakistan's reported plans to acquire China's J-35A stealth jets have added pressure on India's fifth-gen fighter jet timeline, bringing renewed focus to regional air power dynamics India's pursuit of fifth-generation fighter jets is once again in the spotlight, as the race for aerial superiority in the region intensifies. With the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) expected to take to the skies by 2035, the spotlight is now on how India plans to bridge the capability gap in the interim. While reports suggest that India has opted against acquiring the US-made F-35 Lightning II and remains cautious about Russia's Su-57, neighbouring countries are rapidly modernising their air forces. Pakistan's reported plans to acquire China's J-35A stealth jets have introduced a new layer to the regional security landscape, prompting renewed focus on the timeline of India's fifth-generation fighter jet programme and adding urgency to discussions around future capabilities and preparedness in the evolving regional balance. India's aspiration to modernise its military and strengthen its air power has reached a pivotal moment. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been advocating for the sale of the F-35 fighter jet, even as doubts continue to surround Russia's Su-57. How Crucial Are Fifth-Gen Jets For India? The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates only 29 squadrons, a number reduced by the retirement of old MiG-21 aircraft and delayed purchases of new jets. The AMCA programme, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is expected to be ready by 2035. This twin-engine stealth jet will feature an AI-based electronic pilot, supercruise, and an internal weapons bay, but its prototype is likely to be ready only by 2027-28, with full production taking even longer. Meanwhile, neighbouring countries are enhancing their air power. China possesses J-20 stealth jets and is testing sixth-generation prototypes like J-36 and J-50. Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35A stealth jets by 2026-27, posing a serious challenge for India, particularly in light of recent tensions such as the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Why Is India Not Opting For The F-35? Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump offered India the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, touted as the 'world's most high-tech stealth jet', aiming to strengthen India-US defence relations. However, India expressed little interest in this proposal. According to Bloomberg, India has indicated its reluctance to purchase the F-35, citing several strategic and political reasons. The cost of an F-35 fighter aircraft is $80 million (over Rs 700 crore), and its maintenance and spare parts are also expensive. The US retains full control over the jet's software and stealth coatings, potentially compromising India's strategic autonomy. Additionally, a substantial portion of India's defence purchases come from Russia. The US had previously excluded Turkey from the F-35 programme due to its use of the Russian S-400 defence system, raising fears in India that buying F-35s could impact its strategic relations with Russia. Why Is India Wary Of The Su-57E? Russia, on the other hand, has offered the Su-57E, including technology transfer and local production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This offer is appealing to India, given the existing infrastructure of the Su-30MKI. However, there are concerns about the Su-57's stealth capabilities, and India exited its co-development programme (FGFA) in 2018 due to unmet expectations. Moreover, the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions have affected the Su-57's production. What Is Pakistan's Ploy And India's Strategy? Pakistan's intentions to acquire J-35A jets are worrying for India. Pakistan, which imports more than 80% of its weapons from China, is also discussing building KAAN aircraft with Turkey, increasing pressure on India's northern and western borders. Defence experts assert that India urgently needs fifth-gen jets, as waiting ten years for the AMCA could be risky. The IAF recently presented to the government, recommending the import of 2-3 squadrons (40-60 jets). A committee led by Defence Secretary RK Singh highlighted the need for fifth-gen jets to bolster readiness on the northern and western borders. However, retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra stated that neither the F-35 nor the Su-57 are entirely suitable for India, advocating instead for focusing on AMCA and involving the private sector. What Lies Ahead For India India now faces three options to acquire fifth-gen fighter jets. According to defence experts, priority should be given to AMCA, acquiring technology from private companies and Western countries. Moreover, immediate needs could be met by increasing the purchase and production of aircraft like Rafale and Tejas Mk2. Experts have also suggested that AMCA should be developed in parallel with limited purchases of F-35 or Su-57. Pakistan's J-35A plans and China's progress in sixth-gen aircraft have challenged India's defence strategy. While both the F-35 and Su-57 have their advantages and risks, India's current stance focuses on self-reliance and the AMCA. Trump's policies and geopolitical complexities have complicated the acquisition of foreign jets. Experts have suggested that India must rapidly develop the AMCA, involve the private sector, and find an interim solution with 4.5th-gen jets. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : AMCA China F-35 fighter jet pakistan Rafale Su-57 tejas mk2 view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 11:07 IST News india Neither F-35 Nor Su-57: Why India Is Taking Its Time On 5th-Gen Fighter Jets Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
5 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Su-57 Or F-35? Which Jet Could Power India's Next Leap In Air Dominance
New Delhi: India's skies are about to change. Not today, maybe not this year, but the Indian Air Force (IAF) is already preparing for what is coming next. It will mark a new era and a new generation of fighter jets. The clock is ticking. India is working on its own fifth-generation fighter jet project. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has already moved past the blueprint stage. Engineers are building and scientists are testing. But the finish line is still years away. That is why New Delhi is now weighing options beyond its borders. No fighter jet defines power like a fifth-gen stealth aircraft. China already flies the J-20. The United States has its F-35. Russia flies the Su-57. But India, which is a nuclear-armed regional power, has none in active service so far. The IAF knows the gap is growing. It knows the future belongs to low-observable jets that can fly deep into enemy airspace and return unseen. Stealth is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. So, where does India go next? India's Jet of the Future Still in the Making The AMCA is a homegrown dream. It stands for autonomy and reflects capability. But the aircraft is not going to take to the skies before the end of this decade. That is the reality. This timeline has opened space for new discussions. Foreign platforms are being evaluated. India is not rushing. It is watching, listening and calculating. Among the contenders, two names often come up – the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35. Both are stealth fighters, which promise air superiority. But both come with complex political baggage. The government has not made its choice. Experts, too, remain cautious. No official confirmation exists about which jet, if any, India is truly leaning toward. F-35 Still a Name on Paper There were murmurs and headlines. Some even claimed India had shown interest in the F-35. But Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh set the record straight in Parliament. He said there have been no formal talks between India and the United States on the F-35. He referred to a joint statement made in February 2025, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump. In that statement, Washington said it would review its fifth-gen fighter export policy to India. But that was it. There were no follow-ups, no negotiations and no detailed proposals. For now, the F-35 remains outside India's hangars. Experts Flag Integration Issues Defense expert Dinakar Peri said India cannot ignore the fifth-gen void for long. The IAF needs it. But even a small batch of jets would come with cost, infrastructure changes and long-term support requirements. He said India's own AMCA project is making steady progress. It may take up to 10 more years, but it will be India's own. If New Delhi buys foreign jets in the meantime, the risks are resources, manpower and focus may shift away from the AMCA. A senior fighter pilot from the IAF, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said picking a jet is not only about its top speed or radar profile, It is about compatibility. Can it work with our current systems? Can it talk to our radar? Will it fit our airbases and logistics chains? He raised a flag about the F-35. It is embedded in America's digital warfighting ecosystem. Plugging it into India's mixed inventory, which is Russian, French and Israeli, will not be seamless. F-35 Might Be Overkill Peri also made another point. The F-35 may be the best fighter jet in the world, but the best is not always the best fit. India does not have the digital infrastructure that supports the F-35. Building that framework would take time, effort and billions. He also questioned how much the United States would allow India to modify or customise the jet. India uses Su-30MKI fighters. It operates the S-400 missile system. Its radars and guidance systems come from multiple countries. If the F-35 cannot 'speak' to these systems, its stealth and combat edge could be wasted. Could Su-57 Fill the Gap? If the F-35 feels too distant, some believe the Su-57 might be closer. Russia and India share decades of military cooperation. Many Indian pilots already fly Russian aircraft. The Su-57 would not be a cultural shock. But nothing is simple. Western sanctions on Moscow are real. Supply lines are not stable. Payments could get stuck. Production delays have happened before. Technical concerns have also surfaced. Trusting the Su-57 would still be a gamble. That said, the Su-57 does offer one potential advantage that Russia may be willing to share more technology than the United States would. The jet could integrate better with India's Russian-made airframes. Maintenance, too, may be easier. But even this path remains full of 'ifs'. The Sky Is Watching India has time but not forever. The AMCA is coming. But the wait is long. China is moving fast and Pakistan is watching closely. The geopolitical chessboard is shifting. The IAF has always flown a mixed fleet. It has managed French, Russian and indigenous jets with discipline and skill. But fifth-gen warfare will test every system, every radar and every pilot. The decision India makes in the coming months could define its air dominance for the next two decades. Will it fly stealth with America, partner deeper with Russia or wait for its own jet to rise? No one knows. But the sky will not wait forever.
India.com
5 days ago
- Business
- India.com
US' F-35 Lightning II and Russia's Su-57 Felon fighter: Why India need fifth generation fighter jets, they are special because..., India's AMCA is...
The F-35 Fighter jet-Image for representational purpose In a major push towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme recently. As per a report by IANS news agency, the AMCA clearance marks a critical step towards realising India's goal of joining an elite club of nations in designing and producing its own fleet of next-generation combat aircraft. India's answer to fifth-generation air power The AMCA, widely seen as India's answer to fifth-generation air power, will give a major boost to achieving 'atmanirbharata' in the defence sector and will become a hallmark of India's growing defence capabilities. Why India's AMCA will be special? Being the fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter equipped with cutting-edge technology, it will be suited for all-weather operation. Designed with low radar cross-section and supercruise capability, the AMCA is seen as the successor to the frontline Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. (With inputs from agencies)
