Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter is becoming more and more recognized as a competitive alternative to the F-35 Lightning II, which the United States is offering in the fierce competition for India’s next-generation fighter jet. Even though the F-35 is regarded as one of the most sophisticated aircraft on the market, India may be put off by its high price and the strict terms frequently attached to U.S. defense contracts.
Classified as a fifth-generation multi-role fighter, the F-35 is expensive at $80 million per unit despite having advanced sensors and stealth capabilities.
In contrast, Russia is providing the Su-57 with the assurance of complete technology transfer and domestic manufacturing in India, in line with the nation’s “Make in India” campaign. Given India’s past reliance on Russian military hardware and the possibility of cost savings through domestic production, this proposal might be more enticing to the country.
Analysts contend that Russia has an advantage because of its practical approach, which incorporates co-production and technology transfer and fits in well with India’s goal of industrial self-sufficiency under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” campaign.
India debuted a full-scale model of its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at Aero India 2025, attracting a lot of interest due to its svelte, covert appearance and ambitious specifications. The AMCA has a top speed of over Mach-2, a range of about 1,700 miles (2,735 km), and is built to compete with the F-35’s radar cross-section. A key component of India’s defense modernization initiatives, this domestic fifth-generation stealth fighter aims to make the nation one of the few that can manufacture such cutting-edge aircraft.
With a $1.2 billion initial budget, the AMCA program aims to produce five prototypes by 2028. With a public-private partnership involving Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and an unidentified Indian company, serial production is anticipated to begin in 2035. In order to reduce its radar signature, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) designed the aircraft with sophisticated stealth features like internal weapon bays and materials that absorb radar. In order to improve its operational capabilities and situational awareness, the AMCA will also incorporate state-of-the-art AI technologies, such as net-centric warfare systems and an AI-powered electronic pilot.
The creation of the AMCA is a component of India’s larger plan to improve its defense capabilities and lessen its dependency on foreign technology. According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s emphasis during Aero India 2025, the project demonstrates India’s dedication to independence in defence manufacturing. India is still committed to creating its own domestic stealth fighter, making the AMCA a crucial part of its future air power strategy even though other fifth-generation fighters like the Su-57 and F-35 are present at the event.
AMCA is currently under development and is not anticipated to go into operation until 2036. Although this domestic project demonstrates India’s ambition for defense technology self-sufficiency, obtaining foreign jets is still a top priority due to the country’s urgent need for cutting-edge fighters to improve its air force capabilities.
India’s defense strategy places a strong emphasis on domestic development in order to strengthen its position as a major arms exporter and lessen reliance on foreign systems. A key component of this plan is the AMCA, which is anticipated to go into service by 2035. Purchasing a temporary stealth fighter, such as the F-35 or Su-57, may meet urgent demands, but it is only a temporary fix. The AMCA will continue to be given top priority in order to guarantee India’s technological independence and a fighter tailored to its unique needs.
