What if the next war in South Asia were won not by numbers but by stealth? On 6th July 2025, that very question took centre stage when India’s Defence Secretary confirmed what many had suspected — that India is actively exploring the procurement of fifth-generation fighter jets from its close allies.
The headline may read simple: India to buy 5th gen fighter jet, but the story underneath is one of strategy, sovereignty, and survival. Is India leaning towards the advanced, NATO-integrated F-35 from the United States? Or is the Russian Su-57 Felon, tested in battle and offered with joint production, the more logical path?
I’ve watched India’s airpower journey closely over the years, and I believe this isn’t just a military deal; it’s a defining crossroads for the IAF and India’s defence industry. As tensions rise and timelines shrink, let’s explore what India is considering, what it truly needs, and what lies ahead. concise this please
Why India Needs 5th Generation Fighter Jets Right Now
Bridging the India Air Force Fighter Jet Shortage 2025
With just 31 active squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a critical capability gap. Meanwhile, adversaries like China are expanding their stealth arsenal with the J-20, and Pakistan is expected to induct Chinese J-35 stealth fighters by 2025.
India needs an interim solution while its own AMCA 5th generation stealth fighter project matures. That’s where the urgent move for foreign procurement comes in, a stopgap fighter solution for the IAF before AMCA.
Why India Needs a 5th Generation Fighter Jet Now
Stealth technology, sensor fusion, and data superiority define modern warfare. Without a fifth-gen platform, India risks falling behind in a theatre increasingly dominated by radar-evading jets and AI-integrated avionics.
India to Buy 5th Gen Fighter Jet from Which Country?
The million-dollar question remains: India to buy 5th-generation fighter jet from which country?
India is considering two allies:
- Russia (Su-57)
- United States (F-35 Lightning II)
Both options come with trade-offs in cost, tech transfer, strategic alignment, and operational compatibility. Let’s break it down.
F-35 from the US: Advanced Yet Restrictive
Is India Buying F-35 from the USA?
The Lockheed Martin F-35 is arguably the most advanced operational fifth-generation jet today. It offers:
- Exceptional stealth
- Sensor fusion and AI-based targeting
- NATO-standard multirole capability
USA Offering F-35 Fighter Jets to India
Yes, the US has shown a willingness to export the F-35 to India under the India-US defence partnership 2025 fighter jets proposal.
But there are concerns:
- F-35 is not yet battle-tested in large-scale warfare
- Recently, an F-35 was tracked by Indian radar systems and made an unscheduled landing at Kerala airbase for mechanical inspection by the UK’s Royal Navy
- High maintenance and cost—estimated $80–110 million per unit
- India operates the Russian S-400, which could compromise F-35 stealth signatures and strain Indo-US ties
- End-user restrictions and limited technology transfer are deal-breakers for Indian strategic autonomy
Will India Join the F-35 Fighter Jet Program?
Given the cost, political conditions, and lack of seamless integration with Russian systems, my view is that India might not join the F-35 fighter jet program, at least not for frontline service.
Su-57 from Russia: Familiar, Feasible, and Future-Ready
India Considering Su-57 Fighter Jet from Russia
The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia’s answer to the fifth-generation race. While it may not match the F-35 in stealth, it is:
- Battle-tested in Syria and Ukraine
- Built with high manoeuvrability, supercruise, and open architecture
- Offered with joint production at HAL Nashik
- Integrated easily with India’s current Russian-heavy fleet
India Su-57 Fighter Jet Deal Update
Russia’s proposal includes:
- Full transfer of technology
- Potential to adapt the Su-57 for Indian-specific requirements
- Support for domestic capability building through AMCA
India-Russia Defence Deal Su-57
This deal complements India’s historic ties with Russia and aligns with India’s future stealth fighter jet roadmap.
My take: India will most likely go with the Su-57. It checks all boxes: affordability, sovereignty, and domestic capability enhancement.
F-35 vs Su-57: Which Is Better for India?
| Criteria | F-35 Lightning II | Su-57 Felon |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth | Superior | Moderate+ |
| Combat Record | Limited | Proven in Ukraine/Syria |
| Unit Cost | $80–110 million | $35–45 million |
| Tech Transfer | Limited | High |
| Compatibility with IAF | Low | High |
| Availability | Restricted | Flexible |
F-35 vs Su-57: Which is Better for India?
While the F-35 is technically superior, India needs a practical, deployable, and strategically independent solution, which makes the Su-57 the right fit.
Su-57 vs AMCA vs F-35 Comparison
| Feature | AMCA (Upcoming) | F-35 | Su-57 |
| Origin | India (DRDO) | USA | Russia |
| Entry Year | ~2035 | In Service | In Service |
| Stealth | High | Very High | Moderate+ |
| Role | Multirole + AI support | Multirole | Multirole + Air Dominance |
| Export Control | Full control | Restricted | Cooperative |
Comparison of India AMCA and F-35
Operating the Su-57 now will help bridge AMCA seamlessly. Su-57 allows India to build infrastructure, gain training, and transfer experience into its indigenous program.
India to Buy 36-40 Stealth Fighters by 2028
According to official inputs, India is to procure 5th-generation fighter aircraft through a batch of 36–40 units by 2028, either via lease or purchase.
This step will:
- Train IAF squadrons
- Plug the fighter gap
- Provide India’s stealth jet procurement latest news and milestones
Will India Lease 5th Gen Fighter Jets?
Yes, it’s likely. Leasing allows:
- Budget flexibility
- Immediate deployment
- Low political commitment
This becomes a stopgap fighter solution for the IAF before AMCA readiness.
Geopolitical Strategy: How India Balances Russia and the US
India is adopting a non-aligned, multi-vector strategy:
- Engaging the US under the India-US defence partnership 2025 fighter jets
- Preserving traditional ties via the India-Russia defence deal of Su-57
- Managing operational autonomy amid global tensions
How India Balances Russia and the US in Defence Deals
This tightrope walk ensures India gains the best of both systems while avoiding dependency.
DRDO’s Indigenous Push: Can India Build Its Own 5th Gen Fighter Jet?
Yes, and AMCA is proof.
When Will India’s AMCA Fighter Jet Be Ready?
- First flight: ~2030
- Service induction: ~2035
The program is key to India’s future stealth fighter jet roadmap.
AMCA vs Foreign 5th Generation Fighter Jets
India’s AMCA may rival imported platforms in stealth, range, and AI autonomy. With Su-57 as interim support, AMCA’s success is more likely.
Final Thoughts: Which Stealth Fighter Jet Is India Choosing?
India’s fifth-gen journey is about strategic sovereignty, not just procurement.
- Which 5th-generation fighter jet is India buying? Su-57 seems more aligned.
- India to buy a 5th-generation fighter jet from Russia or the USA? — Strategic evidence favours Russia.
- India buying fighter jets amid China J-20 threat — Urgency meets realism here.
From my perspective, India is wisely preparing for today and tomorrow by buying Su-57 now and building AMCA for the future.