SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant revelation about the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strategic priorities, a senior IAF official, speaking anonymously to idrw.org, has confirmed that the IAF is not considering the purchase of Russia’s Su-57E or the US-made F-35 Lightning II, two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Instead, the IAF is firmly backing the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which it views as crucial for its long-term operational needs and India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense technology.
This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the IAF’s fighter acquisition strategy, including the long-delayed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program and the production challenges faced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The Su-57E, an export variant of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, and the F-35, a cornerstone of US and allied air forces, have been prominently featured at international airshows like Aero India 2025, sparking speculation about their potential acquisition by the IAF. However, the senior official clarified that these aircraft are not being considered for purchase. “The offers of Su-57E and F-35 to the IAF are not being considered,” the official told idrw.org. “Our focus is on the AMCA program, which is crucial for the IAF and aligns with our long-term vision.”
The senior official emphasized the AMCA’s importance, stating, “The AMCA program is crucial for the IAF. It represents our commitment to building a fifth-generation capability indigenously, ensuring that we are not dependent on foreign suppliers for our most advanced platforms.” This focus on the AMCA comes from regional security challenges, particularly from China, which has deployed its J-20 stealth fighter and recently unveiled the J-35A, alongside advancements in sixth-generation fighter technology. Pakistan’s potential acquisition of the J-35 from China further underscores the urgency of developing a competitive indigenous stealth fighter.
When asked about the delays in the MRFA program, which aims to procure 114 multi-role fighter jets to address the IAF’s critical squadron shortfall, the official pointed to an ongoing review process. “Once the committee files its report, we will have a clearer picture,” the official told idrw.org. The committee, formed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and headed by the Defence Secretary, is tasked with assessing the IAF’s fighter jet shortages, weapons, and equipment needs, and proposing solutions. The report, expected by early-March 2025, will likely influence the future course of the MRFA program, which has been mired in bureaucratic delays since its Request for Information (RFI) was issued in 2018.
The senior official also addressed the production challenges faced by HAL, which is currently stretched thin due to its extensive workload. HAL is responsible for delivering 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft (with an additional order for 97 jets under consideration), developing and producing the Tejas MkII, manufacturing the HTT-40 basic trainer, and supporting the AMCA program. This heavy burden has raised concerns about HAL’s ability to meet the IAF’s requirements in a timely manner.
To address this, the IAF is pushing the MoD to involve private sector companies in the production of the Tejas MkII, a next-generation variant of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). “The IAF is pushing the MoD to allow private sector companies to manufacture the Tejas MkII in India,” the official stated. “HAL is stretched out and might fail to manufacture the required numbers, which could impact our operational readiness.”
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