As China and Pakistan move forward with their fifth-generation fighter plans, India faces a critical decision to address its depleting air force squadrons and delayed indigenous programs. Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to deepening ties with India, offering the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet with technology transfer and local production. Addressing journalists in St. Petersburg, Putin stated, "We are ready to work with India to supply the Sukhoi Su-57, to develop it."
Urgency to Acquire Fifth-Generation Fighter
India's security environment is rapidly changing, increasing the need for a fifth-generation fighter. China has significantly expanded its fleet of J-20 stealth fighters, while Pakistan seeks to acquire the J-35 stealth fighter from China in the next few years. India's own program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has received government approval and funding but is unlikely to enter operational service for at least a decade. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates only 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, with several older aircraft approaching retirement.
Fifth-generation fighters are becoming increasingly important due to their stealth and advanced sensors. Modern air defenses are becoming more comprehensive and capable, making non-stealth fighters vulnerable in contested airspace. Fifth-generation fighters provide a decisive advantage through stealth, sensor fusion, and superior situational awareness.
Options for India
As the indigenous AMCA is at least a decade away, the IAF is exploring interim options to acquire a fifth-generation aircraft. Currently, only two platforms are viable: the Russian Su-57 Felon and the American F-35 Lightning II. Moscow has actively pitched the Su-57 to New Delhi, offering technology transfer, local production, and integration with India's defense industry. Meanwhile, Washington has shown willingness to provide the F-35 to India. In February 2025, former US President Donald Trump publicly raised the prospect, stating, "We'll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We're also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters." However, no formal offer or negotiations have followed, and Indian officials clarified that discussions on a potential F-35 acquisition had not begun, remaining at a preliminary stage.
Su-57 vs F-35
The F-35 is widely regarded as the world's most advanced operational fifth-generation fighter. Its AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), and secure data links allow it to detect, track, and engage threats at long ranges. The F-35's combination of stealth technology with advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems, and sensor fusion provides pilots with unmatched situational awareness and a real-time battlefield picture.
The Su-57 follows a different approach. While incorporating stealth features, Russia designed the aircraft to balance stealth with high speed, maneuverability, and long-range combat performance. The Su-57 can also carry a larger weapons payload. One of the biggest hurdles for the F-35 is India's operation of the Russian S-400 air defense system. The United States has consistently expressed concerns about operating the F-35 alongside the S-400, arguing it risks exposing sensitive information about the aircraft's stealth and electronic warfare capabilities. These concerns led Washington to remove Turkey, a foundational member of the F-35 program, after Ankara acquired the S-400.
Technology transfer is another major concern. The F-35 program remains tightly controlled by the United States, with limited access to key software, mission systems, and critical technologies. India, by contrast, has increasingly prioritized defense acquisitions that contribute to domestic manufacturing and indigenous capability development. On the other hand, Russia has offered technology transfer, local production, and greater flexibility in integrating Indian weapons and systems. The IAF already operates a large fleet of Russian-origin aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, giving it decades of experience with Russian weapons, logistics, and maintenance systems. The Su-57's long combat radius, high speed, supercruise capability, and large weapons payload would support missions across vast distances, helping India project power.
As India weighs its air combat requirements, the urgency to acquire a fifth-generation fighter is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Ultimately, New Delhi's decision will extend beyond mere spec-sheet data, involving strategic partnerships, technology access, and geopolitical considerations.
