SOURCE: AFI
India plans to begin laying the groundwork for the development of a 6th-generation air superiority fighter that will replace the older batches of the Su-30MKI fighter jets, beginning in the mid-2040s. This ambitious plan aims to ensure India’s air dominance for decades to come as the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to phase out its ageing fleet of Su-30MKIs, the backbone of its current combat force.
The Su-30MKI fleet, which was introduced in the early 2000s, remains a critical asset for the IAF. However, with technological advancements and evolving global threats, the older batches of these aircraft will become increasingly outdated by the mid-2040s, necessitating a replacement. India’s plan for a 6th generation fighter will bridge the gap between the IAF’s current fleet and the future demands of modern warfare.
While India’s 5th generation AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program is underway, with plans to begin induction in 2033-35, the development of a 6th generation fighter marks a significant leap. A 6th generation aircraft would offer unprecedented levels of stealth, autonomy, artificial intelligence integration, and advanced sensor capabilities, making it a critical tool for air superiority in a future battlefield dominated by drones, hypersonic weapons, and next-generation electronic warfare systems.
India’s fleet of 100 units of the Su-30MKI jets is set to enter the final phase of its operational lifecycle by the 2040s. These jets, while heavily upgraded and still formidable, will no longer meet the technological demands of future conflicts. The decision to develop a 6th generation fighter as a replacement highlights India’s long-term commitment to maintaining air superiority in the region.
Developing a 6th generation fighter is a massive technological and financial challenge. The success of the AMCA program will play a crucial role in shaping India’s capacity to undertake the development of the next-generation fighter. Collaborations with international partners, similar to what other countries like the United States and the UK are doing with their NGAD and Tempest programs, may be essential to achieving the desired results.