In a significant move to bolster its combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring options to acquire two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign manufacturers. Defence sources indicate that this procurement is aimed at bridging critical capability gaps amid delayed indigenous programs and growing regional threats.
Why Fifth-Generation Fighters Are Critical
Fifth-generation fighter jets are considered the pinnacle of air combat technology. They integrate stealth features, advanced avionics, high manoeuvrability, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Currently, only a few countries operate such aircraft, including the USA (F-35, F-22), Russia (Su-57), and China (J-20).
For India, these aircraft will strengthen deterrence against regional adversaries, particularly given China’s induction of the J-20 stealth fighter and Pakistan’s plans to acquire the J-31 from China.
Procurement Options Under Consideration
Defence officials suggest that while Russia’s Su-57 Felon and America’s F-35 Lightning II are potential options, geopolitical considerations and strategic alignment will influence final choices.
- Su-57 (Russia): Russia has offered technology sharing and local production options for the Su-57 under broader defence cooperation. However, concerns remain over its limited production numbers and integration with Western-origin systems in IAF inventory.
- F-35 (USA): The F-35 is the world’s most advanced multi-role stealth fighter. While India has not formally requested it, recent Indo-US defence dialogues suggest openness to exploring it, especially given India’s participation in the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
- Other Options: Some reports suggest that India is studying the South Korean KF-21 and possible collaboration under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the UK, Italy, and Japan for long-term needs.
Current IAF Fleet and Capability Gaps
The IAF operates around 30-32 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, leading to concerns about its ability to tackle a two-front war scenario. The delayed induction of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, which is expected to fly only by the early 2030s, has further accentuated the need for interim fifth-generation solutions.
Strategic and Budgetary Challenges
Acquiring fifth-generation fighters involves huge costs. For instance, a single F-35A unit costs approximately USD 80 million, excluding lifecycle maintenance and training infrastructure. Budget allocations and geopolitical alignments will determine procurement feasibility.
However, the acquisition aligns with India’s goal to maintain air superiority and deterrence capability amid evolving regional security dynamics, including Chinese aerial incursions in Eastern Ladakh and infrastructural upgrades along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Indigenous Efforts Continue
Meanwhile, India remains committed to developing its own fifth-generation fighter under the AMCA program led by HAL and DRDO. AMCA will integrate stealth, supercruise, AI-enabled avionics, and advanced electronic warfare suites, with the first prototype expected around 2028-29.
What Lies Ahead
The IAF is expected to issue formal requests for information (RFI) in the coming months to evaluate platforms on operational compatibility, stealth performance, weapons integration, and industrial benefits. Defence experts believe that a mix of indigenous AMCA and limited foreign acquisitions will form India’s two-pronged strategy for fifth-generation capabilities.
