India faces critical decision on fighter jet modernisation: Weighing F-35, Su-57, indigenous development

India has plans to buy 114 foreign multirole fighter aircraft worth $20 billion under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft

India stands at a crossroads of modernising its air force, with a strategic choice between buying the cutting-edge but costly American F-35, bolstering defence cooperation with Russia's Sukhoi Su-57, or concentrating on its indigenous fighter aircraft programmes. With an aging fleet and a rising security threat from China, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has to navigate this intricate choice amidst cost, technology, and long-term self-reliance, according to the BBC.

The F-35 bid and challenges

While visiting Washington recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a meeting with US President Donald Trump, who made public his plans to "pave the way" for India to buy F-35 stealth fighters. The F-35 is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter that is one of the world's most advanced aircraft, with advanced sensors, AI-based combat systems, and stealth technology. But at $80 million per aircraft, it is also one of the costliest options on the market.

Apart from pricing, the arrangement poses great difficulty for India. The denial of co-production rights goes against India's "Make in India" policy, and the US's draconian end-user conditions may conflict with India's operational adaptability. Furthermore, incorporating the F-35 in India's inventory, which currently has Russian, French, and indigenous planes, would be a logistical and technical nightmare. Considering these barriers, experts opine that the F-35 proposal is symbolic in nature, intended more to enhance US arms exports than offer a realistic solution for Indian defence requirements.

Russia's Su-57: An adequate substitute? 

Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 was once considered a strong contender for India’s next-generation fighter jet. However, in 2018, India withdrew from a decade-long joint development programme, citing concerns over technology transfer, cost-sharing, and performance reliability. The Su-57 remains in limited operational use, raising doubts about its combat effectiveness.
Other issues regarding the Su-57 are production problems, geopolitical challenges posed by Russia's continued war effort in Ukraine, and issues of reliability. India has already moved away from excessive dependence on Russian defence technology, favouring more sources.
Although less expensive than the F-35, the Su-57 is no longer perceived as a long-term option for Indian fighter jets.

India's shrinking fighter fleet

India's fighter jet force is aging and dwindling, with 31 combat squadrons currently operational, far short of the authorized strength of 42. China, in contrast, has acquired 435 fighter and ground attack aircraft over the last decade, while India has lost 151. A long-term replacement plan is needed urgently to ensure regional air dominance.

India's indigenous fighter jet development 

To address this crisis, India is prioritising homegrown fighter jets, with plans to acquire over 500 domestically produced aircraft. Key programs include Tejas Mark 1A, with 83 units ordered and another 97 expected soon, and Tejas Mark 2, a more advanced variant currently in development. India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), its indigenous stealth fighter, remains at least a decade away from operational deployment.

India has plans to buy 114 foreign multirole fighter aircraft worth $20 billion under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, which mandates foreign manufacturers to produce in India under technology transfer agreements. The programme, however, has been delayed since 2019, and the Rafale is in the front line because of delays in its ordered but yet-to-be-delivered induction into the IAF.

Key challenges in India's fighter jet acquisition 

Even with a robust emphasis on self-sufficiency, India has three key challenges. Stringent budget constraints have resulted in a dwindling defence budget, which curtails its shopping power. Domestic programme delays, particularly DRDO-driven aircraft development, have compelled temporary foreign buyouts. Foreign engine dependence, especially General Electric's F-404 engines powering Tejas fighters, has exposed supply chain vulnerabilities.

Road ahead: Finding a middle ground between urgency and long-term objectives 

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has recognised that delayed delivery of Tejas Mark 1A may push India to undertake emergency foreign acquisition. But majority of the experts are of the view that in the near term, India won't go for either the F-35 or Su-57. Rather, the emphasis would be on the bridging gap with more Rafales or Tejas Mark 1As in the short run, enhancing co-production deals on multirole aircraft, and rushing AMCA to become self-reliant in the truest sense.
India's air power strategy in the future is not merely a matter of buying jets—it is a matter of making them.

While Western technology collaborations might be essential, the delivery of indigenous aircraft on schedule is the largest challenge. Shattering the cycle of delays and foreign dependence is the key to India's long-term air superiority and defence autonomy.