India’s quest to modernize its air force has sparked significant debate over the acquisition of fifth-generation stealth fighters. Among the most discussed options are the American F-35 Lightning II and the Russian Su-57 Felon. Both jets represent cutting-edge technologies and offer distinct advantages in combat scenarios, but their suitability for India’s defence ecosystem depends on strategic, operational, and economic factors.
So, the question remains: What should India buy—F-35 or Su-57? Or should it invest more heavily in its indigenous programs like the AMCA? This article explores the capabilities of both jets, their geopolitical implications, and the best course of action for India’s national defence strategy.
Understanding the Contenders: F-35 Lightning II
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Lightning II is a single-engine, multi-role stealth fighter jet available in three variants—F-35A (conventional takeoff), F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier operations).
Key Features:
- Stealth Capability: Radar Cross Section (RCS) as low as 0.0015 m², making it nearly invisible to enemy radars.
- Speed & Range: Top speed of Mach 1.6 with a combat range of around 1,500 km.
- Sensor Fusion: Advanced avionics provide 360-degree situational awareness and real-time data sharing across platforms.
- Global Usage: Over 1,000 F-35s are operational across NATO countries and US allies, improving interoperability.
- Unit Cost: $80–$115 million depending on the variant.
The F-35 is designed as a “first-strike” platform, capable of penetrating deep into enemy territory, suppressing air defences, and engaging targets before being detected.
Enter the Russian Su-57 Felon
The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia’s answer to American stealth dominance. Unlike the F-35, it is a twin-engine aircraft built for air superiority, dogfighting, and multirole missions.
Key Features:
- Speed & Maneuverability: Mach 2 top speed and 3D thrust-vectoring make it extremely agile in close combat.
- Combat Radius: Around 1,900 km, giving it longer reach than the F-35.
- Radar Suite: Equipped with five radars, including two L-band AESAs designed to detect stealth aircraft.
- Stealth: Estimated RCS between 0.1 to 0.5 m²—less stealthy than the F-35, but optimized for frontal engagements.
- Unit Cost: Estimated at $35–$50 million for export version Su-57E.
While the Su-57 may not match the F-35 in stealth, it offers superior speed, maneuverability, and potentially a lower cost—a tempting offer for nations not aligned with the U.S.
India’s Operational Needs: The Bigger Picture
The Indian Air Force currently faces a shortfall of fighter squadrons, operating only about 30 against the sanctioned 42.5 squadrons. With an ageing fleet of MiG-21s and Jaguars being phased out, new acquisitions are critical.
Key requirements for India’s future fighters include:
- Stealth and advanced radar systems
- Multirole capability (air superiority, strike, and SEAD)
- Interoperability with current platforms like Rafale
- Indigenous maintenance and logistical support
- Geopolitical independence and strategic flexibility
F-35: The Pros and Cons for India
Pros:
- Unmatched stealth and data-sharing abilities.
- Combat-proven across multiple war zones.
- Compatibility with Western partners and QUAD allies.
Cons:
- Potential US restrictions on technology transfer.
- High maintenance costs and complex logistics.
- May limit India’s defence autonomy due to End User Monitoring Agreements (EUMA).
- US reluctance to export sensitive platforms like F-35 to India without strict conditions.
Su-57: The Pros and Cons for India
Pros:
- More freedom in terms of technology sharing and customization.
- Potential for joint production with Russian firms.
- Lower upfront cost compared to the F-35.
- Strategic depth due to long-standing Indo-Russian defence ties.
Cons:
- Not yet combat-proven; limited operational history.
- Inferior stealth compared to Western counterparts.
- Possible sanctions risk under CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).
- Russia’s delivery schedules have historically faced delays (e.g., S-400, spare parts).
Why India Might Avoid Both (For Now)
In recent statements, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh have both clarified that India is not in formal talks with either the US or Russia regarding these aircraft. There is a growing understanding that importing a 5th-gen fighter may not be the ideal long-term solution.
India is placing its bets on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—a home-grown 5th-gen stealth fighter expected to roll out by the early 2030s. The AMCA project, if successful, will:
- Reduce dependency on foreign suppliers
- Support the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative
- Create a competitive defence manufacturing ecosystem in India
- Provide a sustainable, customizable solution tailored to Indian needs
Strategic and Geopolitical Considerations
Buying the F-35 would tie India more closely to the U.S.-led defence bloc, potentially irritating Russia and limiting India’s strategic neutrality. Conversely, acquiring the Su-57 might strain India-US relations and trigger sanctions under CAATSA.
Moreover, recent global conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Gaza-Israel, China-Taiwan tensions) have disrupted global supply chains, proving that self-reliance in defence is more critical than ever.
Conclusion: What Should India Buy?
Short Answer: Neither—for now.
India is right to hold off on purchasing foreign fifth-gen fighters at this moment. Both the F-35 and Su-57 offer impressive capabilities, but each comes with risks—whether strategic, financial, or technological.
Instead, India should:
- Continue to invest heavily in the AMCA program
- Support private-sector defence manufacturing under the competitive execution model
- Collaborate internationally only for technology partnerships, not direct imports
- Strengthen existing 4.5-gen fleets like Rafale and upgrade Su-30MKIs
In the long run, India’s ability to produce, field, and export its own stealth fighter will not only secure its skies but elevate its global standing as a self-reliant military power.
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