India’s Air Force Faces Critical Fighter Jet Decision
India is at a pivotal crossroads in modernizing its air force, with the potential acquisition of American F-35 fighter jets sparking intense debate. During a recent visit to Washington, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the possibility of India obtaining these advanced jets, which are primarily reserved for close allies. As India’s military confronts dwindling fighter squadrons and a rising Chinese threat, the decision to invest in the costly F-35 or bolster ties with Russia through the domestic production of the Sukhoi Su-57 has become increasingly urgent.
F-35: A Costly Yet Advanced Option
The F-35 is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter jet known for its cutting-edge technology, including advanced sensors and AI-driven combat systems. Priced at approximately $80 million each, the F-35 is designed to evade radar detection, making it one of the most sophisticated aircraft available. However, experts caution that the integration of such an advanced fighter into the Indian Air Force (IAF) could be challenging, particularly without co-production rights. Ashley J. Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, suggests that Trump’s offer for the F-35 may be more symbolic than practical, driven by a desire to boost U.S. arms sales.
India’s air force currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned 42, and is heavily reliant on aging Russian and Soviet-era aircraft. The need for modernization is pressing, especially as China continues to expand its military capabilities. Between 2014 and 2024, China added 435 fighter and ground attack aircraft, while India’s fleet shrank by 151. This stark contrast highlights the urgency for India to make a strategic decision regarding its future airpower.
Challenges with the Sukhoi Su-57
While the Sukhoi Su-57 is another option for India, many experts view it as a less viable contender. India previously exited a decade-long co-production program with Russia in 2018 due to disputes over technology transfer and cost-sharing. The IAF’s current fleet is aging, and the Sukhoi-30, a versatile workhorse, requires a long-term replacement. India’s planned fighter jet expansion is largely focused on homegrown solutions, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Tejas Mark 1A, with over 500 jets expected to be acquired.
Despite the ambitious plans, the development of India’s stealth fighter remains at least a decade away. The IAF has confirmed orders for 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets, with an additional 97 expected soon. However, delays in the procurement process and challenges in securing foreign technology transfer agreements pose significant hurdles. The Indian government is striving for a transparent procurement process after facing criticism over previous deals, particularly the acquisition of 36 Rafale jets.
Funding and Strategic Considerations
India’s air force modernization faces three primary challenges: funding, delays, and dependence on foreign jets. Defence spending has decreased in real terms, complicating the foreign fighter jet program. The Indian government is under pressure to deliver capable homegrown jets on time, as delays in the Tejas Mark 1A deliveries have left the IAF in a precarious position. Air Marshal AP Singh has expressed frustration over the slow pace of deliveries, emphasizing the urgent need for a solution to fill the gaps in India’s airpower.
Experts suggest that while India may consider foreign jets in the short term to address immediate needs, the long-term strategy is clear: to build its own advanced fighter jets. The future of India’s airpower hinges not just on purchasing aircraft but on developing them domestically, ideally in partnership with a strong Western ally. For this vision to materialize, timely delivery of homegrown fighters is essential.
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