SOURCE: AFI
India’s strategic push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing is steering its air force away from acquiring advanced foreign fighter jets like the U.S.-made Lockheed Martin F-35 or Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57E, according to Mumin Chen, a professor at the Graduate Institute of International Politics at National Chung Hsing University. Speaking to international media, Chen emphasized that India’s current priorities center on bolstering domestic fighter jet programs, particularly the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is poised to become the cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) future capabilities.
The F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter renowned for its advanced sensors and network-centric warfare capabilities, has long been speculated as a potential addition to the IAF’s fleet. Similarly, Russia’s Su-57E, an export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, has been offered to India as part of longstanding defence ties. However, Chen argues that India’s commitment to its indigenous programs, driven by the “Make in India” initiative, makes the procurement of these foreign platforms unlikely in the near term.
At the heart of India’s strategy is the AMCA, a fifth-generation, multi-role stealth fighter being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry partners. The AMCA, designed to feature advanced stealth, supercruise capability, and cutting-edge avionics, aims to meet the IAF’s requirements for a next-generation fighter to counter evolving threats, particularly from China and Pakistan. With the first prototype expected to fly by 2028 and production targeted for the mid-2030s, the AMCA represents a significant leap in India’s aerospace ambitions.
Chen’s analysis highlights that India’s focus on the AMCA, alongside ongoing production of the Tejas Mk1A and development of the Tejas MkII, reflects a deliberate shift towards self-reliance. Procuring foreign fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 or Su-57E would divert substantial financial and strategic resources away from these indigenous programs. The IAF’s current fleet, bolstered by Rafale jets from France and upgraded Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs, provides sufficient capability to bridge the gap until the AMCA becomes operational.
Moreover, geopolitical and economic considerations further complicate the case for foreign acquisitions. The F-35, while technologically advanced, comes with stringent U.S. export controls and high operational costs, which could limit India’s strategic autonomy. Integrating the F-35 into the IAF’s diverse fleet would also pose logistical challenges, given its reliance on Western systems. Similarly, the Su-57E, despite Russia’s historical partnership with India, has faced criticism for its limited stealth capabilities and developmental delays, making it a less attractive option compared to the AMCA’s tailored design.
Posts on X reflect a similar sentiment among defence enthusiasts, with many advocating for investment in indigenous programs over foreign purchases. One user noted, “India’s bet on AMCA is the right call. Why spend billions on F-35s when we can build our own stealth fighters and keep the tech in-house?” Another post highlighted concerns about the Su-57’s readiness, stating, “Russia’s Su-57E is still a work in progress. AMCA’s potential is far greater for India’s needs.”
Chen’s assessment underscores that India’s defence strategy is increasingly inward-focused, prioritizing technological self-sufficiency and long-term capability development. The AMCA program, supported by advancements like the Kaveri 2.0 engine and indigenous radar systems, aims to position India as a global player in aerospace technology. While the F-35 and Su-57E remain formidable platforms, their acquisition would likely undermine India’s goal of building a self-reliant defence ecosystem.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.