Given China’s quick transition to sixth-generation aircraft, India faces a formidable obstacle in enhancing its fifth-generation fighter capabilities. India’s defense strategy must be reevaluated in light of this circumstance in order to preserve air superiority in the face of changing regional threats.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s main project for a fifth-generation fighter, was recently approved with a ₹15,000 crore budget. With an anticipated prototype by 2026 and operational induction scheduled for the 2030s, the AMCA hopes to provide cutting-edge technologies including better avionics, stealth, and supercruise capability. But the program has significant obstacles to overcome, especially in the areas of stealth technology and propulsion systems, which could cause it to take longer to finish.
As a temporary fix, India is thinking about purchasing Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57. With major upgrades and currently in service, the Su-57 offers India a fifth-generation platform that may help fill the void until the AMCA is prepared. But at the moment, India’s air force does not have a fifth-generation fighter in service, instead depending on
China’s military aviation is developing quickly, especially with its new sixth-generation fighter jets, such the recently debuted J-36 and the Chengdu J-20. Advanced stealth features, artificial intelligence for self-governing operations, hypersonic capabilities, and possible integration with directed energy weapons are just a few of the cutting-edge technology incorporated into these aircraft. These jets’ recent successful flights demonstrate China’s resolve to outshine its competitors, such as the US and India, in terms of technology.
The J-36 directly challenges India’s air defense strategy because of its long-range missions and battlefield survivability characteristics. India’s stance is further complicated by China’s emphasis on incorporating these aircraft into a larger network-centric combat strategy.
India must act quickly to address the dual-front threat posed by China’s developments and Pakistan’s desire to purchase stealth fighters (such as the J-35). With an aging fleet and delays in domestic programs like the AMCA and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-2, the Indian Air Force (IAF) now only has 31 squadrons in operation, far less than its authorized strength of 42.
Accelerate the AMCA project while making sure that international cooperation is used to address propulsion-related challenges.
Examine Immediate Purchases: Assess the viability of acquiring more Sukhoi Su-57s or other cutting-edge combatants to improve capabilities right away.
For technology transfer and cooperative development initiatives, fortify relationships with nations such as France and the UK.
Create a comprehensive strategy that counters aerial threats from China and Pakistan by utilizing integrated defense systems in addition to air power.
