SOURCE: AFI
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), has sharply critiqued the prospects of India acquiring either the American F-35 or the Russian Su-57, labeling the potential procurement of either as a “disaster” for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Instead, he advocates for a strategic pivot towards enhancing India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
Mitra highlighted India’s previous decision to exit the Su-57 program, citing significant drawbacks. He noted that the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, despite being a fourth-generation fighter, has superior fit and finish compared to the Su-57. A major concern with the Su-57 is its lack of stealth, particularly due to its exposed engines, which compromises its fifth-generation credentials. This design flaw makes it vulnerable to radar detection, unlike other fifth-generation aircraft that prioritize stealth through internal engine placement and radar-absorbent materials.
On the F-35, Mitra pointed out the integration challenges within the IAF’s diverse fleet. The F-35 is optimized for operations within a NATO framework, heavily reliant on seamless integration with American air assets. However, the IAF operates a mix of Russian, French, and indigenous aircraft, many of which are not NATO-compatible. This mismatch would limit the F-35’s effectiveness, as it thrives in a highly integrated, data-linked environment that the IAF’s current setup cannot fully support.
Mitra’s core argument revolves around prioritizing the AMCA program, which is India’s indigenous effort to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter. Rather than relying on foreign platforms, India should focus on acquiring and developing critical technologies domestically. This approach would reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and enhance self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Mitra called for greater accountability within the DRDO to ensure timely and efficient progress on projects like the AMCA. He emphasized the need for rigorous oversight to avoid delays and cost overruns, which have plagued past programs.
Bringing the AMCA program under the PMO would ensure high-level political and administrative focus, streamlining decision-making and resource allocation. This centralized oversight could accelerate development and align the project with national strategic priorities.
Mitra urged the government to channel all available resources into the AMCA, arguing that this would yield a platform tailored to India’s specific operational needs, unlike foreign options that come with geopolitical and integration challenges.
Mitra’s stance reflects a broader debate within India’s defense community about balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategic autonomy. While foreign platforms like the F-35 and Su-57 offer proven capabilities, their procurement comes with significant trade-offs, including high costs, dependency on foreign suppliers, and integration challenges. In contrast, the AMCA promises a customized solution, though it requires significant investment in time, technology, and resources.
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