India is at a crossroads in upgrading its air force with a state-of-the-art American fighter jet being considered as a potential solution. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington, US President Donald Trump hinted at opening doors for India to procure F-35s, a highly advanced jet typically reserved for close allies and partners.
The F-35 is a cutting-edge “fifth-generation” multi-role fighter aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, AI-driven combat systems, and seamless data-sharing capabilities. Priced at $80 million per unit, this stealthy aircraft is renowned for its sophistication, making it one of the most expensive jets in existence. The attribute of stealth is a defining characteristic of a “fifth-generation” fighter.
With India’s fighter squadrons diminishing and China’s military strengthening, the country is faced with a critical decision: invest in the costly F-35 from the US or bolster defense ties with Russia by domestically producing the Sukhoi Su-57, its most advanced stealth fighter jet.
While some perceive the US-Russia fighter jet rivalry as exaggerated, recent appearances of both aircraft at Aero India, the region’s largest air show in Bengaluru, have sparked media frenzy. Ashley J. Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, suggests that Trump’s offer of F-35s to India is more emblematic than practical, driven by his agenda to promote US weapon sales.
Integrating a “fifth-generation” aircraft like the F-35 into India’s Air Force plans, which are centered around the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Rafales, presents challenges, especially without co-production rights. The AMCA, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents India’s own stealth fighter program.
Tellis points out that it is unlikely for India to obtain co-production rights for the F-35, and any acquisition is more likely to be a direct purchase. This approach may conflict with Modi’s emphasis on domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative, and India may be wary of the stringent end-user monitoring associated with an F-35 acquisition.
The F-35’s high cost, maintenance demands, and operational issues pose significant hurdles for India. With a reported availability of around 51% for the US Air Force, the jet’s viability in India remains uncertain. Stephen Bryen, a security expert and author, questions whether India should invest heavily in the F-35 when the Russian jet could offer a better alternative.
The Su-57, however, is viewed skeptically by many due to India’s withdrawal from the co-production program with Russia in 2018. Disagreements over technology transfer, cost-sharing, and specifications led to India’s exit from the decade-long initiative, casting doubt on the Su-57’s potential as a viable option.
India’s air force is grappling with
India’s quest for modernizing its air force is facing significant challenges, with hurdles ranging from funding constraints to delays in procurement processes. The latest developments in the Indian Air Force’s fleet include the Tejas fighter jets, which have seen a mixed reception.
The Tejas program has witnessed the induction of the Tejas Mark 1, with additional orders in the pipeline and the more advanced Tejas Mark 2 currently under development. However, the dream of a homegrown stealth jet still remains a distant reality, with estimates placing its arrival at least a decade away.
On the procurement front, India is looking to acquire 114 multirole fighter jets through the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, totaling a whopping $20 billion. The catch? These foreign jets must be built in India under a technology transfer agreement, marking a significant challenge for the country’s defense sector.
The road to modernization has been fraught with obstacles, with the Indian government facing criticism over previous acquisitions, notably the procurement of 36 Rafale jets in a government-to-government deal. In an effort to address concerns over transparency, a new procurement process is being explored, with five jets in contention, and the Rafale leading the pack due to its existing service record with the IAF.
Despite these efforts, experts point out three key obstacles hindering India’s air force modernization agenda: funding limitations, procurement delays, and a reliance on foreign aircraft. Real defense spending has dwindled in recent years, exacerbating the challenges posed by delays in critical acquisitions.
The Tejas program, initially met with skepticism by the air force, has undergone upgrades in the form of the Mark 1A and Mark 2 variants. However, the protracted development cycles of these aircraft have irked defense officials, especially as evolving requirements demand swift technological upgrades.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has been vocal about the frustrations stemming from delays in defense acquisitions, highlighting the critical need for timely deliveries to address operational gaps. Singh’s remarks underscore the urgency for India to bolster its fighter jet fleet to meet evolving security challenges.
The overarching goal for India remains the development of a homegrown stealth fighter, with substantial investments already allocated to its creation. While the immediate focus is on indigenous capabilities, the possibility of procuring foreign stealth jets remains contingent upon shifting threat perceptions.
The landscape of India’s airpower narrative extends beyond mere acquisitions – it underscores the imperative of self-reliance and indigenous production capabilities. Collaborating with Western partners to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities is a key strategy for India’s long-term defense objectives.
In navigating the complexities of defense modernization, India faces pivotal decisions that will shape its air force’s future trajectory. Balancing the need for immediate operational capabilities with long-term self-sufficiency goals poses a formidable challenge for policymakers and defense officials alike.
As India charts its course in the realm of airpower, the stakes are high, with the imperative of timely deliveries and strategic partnerships taking center stage. The journey towards a robust and self-re
