As part of its modernization efforts, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to suggest to the Indian government the purchase of stealth aircraft. This recommendation is primarily motivated by India’s security assessments regarding the risks it faces from its neighbors, especially China. According to the Business Standard news portal, this decision was made in response to growing regional tensions and a serious operational capability gap in the IAF, which now only has 31 active squadrons out of an authorized 42.
A thorough threat assessment, especially with regard to China’s growing military capabilities and its cutting-edge fighter jets like the Chengdu J-20, is what motivates the IAF’s pursuit for stealth capabilities. In order to protect national security, the IAF seeks to close a technology deficit. The IAF is aware that by avoiding traditional radar systems and postponing enemy reactions during battles, contemporary stealth capabilities can greatly improve operational effectiveness.
U.S. F-35: The sale of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth fighter has been proposed by the United States. Its hefty cost (about $80 million per unit) and maintenance costs, however, have drawn criticism.
As an alternative, Russia proposes to use India’s “Make in India” program, which includes complete knowledge transfer, to manufacture the Su-57 stealth fighter locally. India’s strategic objectives to increase its domestic defense production capabilities are in line with this approach.
At the same time, India is working on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter project that should be operational by 2034. This aircraft, which will have cutting-edge stealth technology, is a component of India’s larger plan to become self-sufficient in defense manufacture.
The IAF’s proposal to acquire stealth aircraft represents a two-pronged approach: building up domestic capabilities while also increasing immediate operational capability through foreign procurement. This strategy seeks to guarantee India’s competitiveness in a geopolitical environment that is becoming more complex, especially in light of China’s and Pakistan’s military developments.
There are notable distinctions in capabilities, prices, and operational duties between the F-35 and the Sukhoi Su-57.
The F-35 is a multipurpose stealth aircraft that is mostly used for precision strikes and breaking into restricted airspace. There are three variations: carrier-based, short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL), and conventional take-off and landing (CTOL). Its battle range is roughly 1,500 kilometers, and its maximum speed is Mach 1.6. With a radar cross-section (RCS) of roughly 0.0015 square meters, the F-35’s sophisticated stealth technology makes it challenging to detect. It has proven to be effective in real-world operations after being tested in a variety of combat circumstances.
With an emphasis on agility and dogfighting skills, the Su-57 is primarily an air superiority fighter. For improved maneuverability, it has thrust-vectoring engines installed. The Su-57 has a combat range of about 1,900 kilometers and a faster peak speed of Mach 2. Although it is larger than the F-35’s RCS, which is expected to be between 0.1 and 0.5 square meters, it still has stealth qualities. The F-35 has a vast combat history, whereas the Su-57 has seen little action, including operations in Ukraine.
Given India’s long-standing reliance on Russian military hardware and its expanding connections with the United States, the final decision is expected to take into account a number of considerations, including cost, technology transfer agreements, and geopolitical affiliations.
