DNA Decodes: Russia, US in Spotlight as India Gears Up to Dominate Skies with Fifth-Gen Fighter Jets

India’s ambition to bolster its air superiority has taken center stage as the Indian Air Force (IAF) evaluates fifth-generation fighter jets to modernize its fleet. With regional tensions escalating and the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) still a decade away, India is considering acquiring 40–60 advanced fighters from foreign partners, notably the United States’ F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Su-57 Felon. This strategic decision, highlighted in recent discussions at Aero India 2025 and reported by Zee News on July 25, 2025, involves a delicate balance of technology, geopolitics, and self-reliance. Here’s a deep dive into the options, their implications, and India’s path to dominating the skies.

The Need for Fifth-Generation Fighters

The IAF is grappling with a critical shortfall, operating only 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. The retirement of aging MiG-21s has intensified the urgency to acquire modern fighters capable of countering regional threats, particularly from China’s J-20 and J-35 stealth jets and Pakistan’s potential acquisition of 40 J-35s by 2026. Fifth-generation fighters, defined by stealth, supercruise, sensor fusion, and advanced avionics, are essential for penetrating contested airspace and maintaining air dominance in high-intensity conflicts. India’s deliberations come at a pivotal moment, as both the U.S. and Russia vie to secure a deal that could reshape South Asia’s strategic landscape.

The Contenders: F-35 vs. Su-57

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (United States)

The F-35, offered by the U.S. in February 2025 during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, is a combat-proven stealth fighter renowned for its advanced sensor fusion and networked warfare capabilities. Its key features include:

• Stealth: A radar cross-section (RCS) of approximately -40 dBsm, making it nearly invisible to radars like the S-400’s 91N6E until 27 kilometers, compared to the Su-57’s 155 kilometers.
• Performance: Top speed of Mach 1.6, a combat radius of 1,092 kilometers, and the ability to coordinate with drones and missile defense systems.
• Technology: Equipped with the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, electro-optical targeting, and electronic warfare capabilities, ideal for countering advanced systems like China’s S-400.
• Cost: $80–110 million per unit, with lifetime operational costs exceeding $1.7 trillion for the program, posing a financial challenge.
• Geopolitical Factors: The U.S. offer marks a shift from restricting F-35 exports to treaty allies, but India’s operation of Russian S-400 systems raises concerns about technology leaks, as seen with Turkey’s expulsion from the F-35 program in 2019. Integration with India’s Russian-origin equipment also presents challenges.

Sukhoi Su-57E Felon (Russia)

Russia, a long-standing defense partner supplying 60–70% of India’s military hardware, has pitched the Su-57E with an unprecedented offer of full source code access and co-production. Key features include:

• Stealth: An RCS of 0.1–1 square meters, less stealthy than the F-35 but improved with radar-absorbent materials and aerodynamic design.
• Performance: Top speed of Mach 2, a combat radius of 1,500–2,000 kilometers, and a payload capacity of 10 tons, including R-77 missiles compatible with India’s arsenal.
• Technology: Features the Sh-121 AESA radar and advanced avionics. The Izdeliye 30 engine, expected in mid-2020s deliveries, will enable supercruise, addressing earlier IAF concerns from the failed Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program.
• Cost: Estimated at $35–40 million per unit, significantly cheaper than the F-35, with technology transfer and local production via Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Geopolitical Factors: Russia’s offer avoids U.S. sanctions risks (e.g., CAATSA) and aligns with India’s existing Su-30MKI production line. However, concerns linger about reliability and stealth performance, as noted in a 2021 CSIS report.

India’s Indigenous AMCA: The Long-Term Vision

Parallel to foreign procurement, India is fast-tracking its AMCA program, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in May 2025. Led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL, the AMCA is a twin-engine, multirole stealth fighter designed for air superiority, ground strikes, and electronic warfare. Its specifications include:

• Weight: Approximately 12,000 kg (empty), lighter than the F-35 (13,290 kg) and Su-57 (18,500 kg).
• Features: Internal weapons bays, radar-absorbent materials, AI-assisted mission systems, and an Integrated Vehicle Health Management system for predictive maintenance.
• Timeline: First prototype by 2028, induction by 2035, with an estimated development cost of ₹15,000 crore.
• Strategic Role: Designed to replace aging Su-30MKIs and form the backbone of the IAF alongside the Tejas LCA, with plans for 125 units across seven squadrons.

Despite its promise, the AMCA’s long timeline necessitates an interim solution, as delays in engine development and past challenges with the Tejas program highlight India’s technological and manufacturing hurdles.

Strategic and Geopolitical Considerations

India’s decision involves more than technology—it’s a geopolitical chess game:

• Regional Threats: China’s 300+ J-20s and Pakistan’s potential J-35 acquisition by 2026 underscore the need for advanced fighters. Recent clashes in Kashmir, where a Pakistani J-10 reportedly downed an IAF Rafale, exposed limitations in India’s current fleet, particularly against Chinese-supplied air defenses like the HQ-9.
• U.S. vs. Russia: Choosing the F-35 could strengthen U.S.-India ties but risks CAATSA sanctions due to India’s S-400 systems. The Su-57 aligns with India’s Russian ecosystem and offers technology transfer, but its performance in Ukraine has raised reliability concerns.
• Self-Reliance: The AMCA is a cornerstone of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy, but acquiring foreign jets could provide critical technology insights. Russia’s source code offer for the Su-57 could accelerate AMCA development, while the F-35’s proprietary systems limit such benefits.
• Diverse Sourcing: Experts suggest India may avoid relying on one supplier, potentially acquiring a mix of F-35s and Su-57s to balance capabilities and diplomacy.

Aero India 2025: A Showcase of Rivalry

The Aero India 2025 airshow in Bengaluru was a historic moment, with the F-35 and Su-57 sharing the tarmac for the first time. The event, attended by defense analysts and IAF officials, showcased the jets’ capabilities and intensified the competition. Russia’s Rosoboronexport emphasized co-production and technology transfer, while the U.S. highlighted the F-35’s combat-proven record. Indian scientists from ADA praised the Su-57’s design, particularly its rotatable fins and landing gear, but the F-35’s stealth and networking capabilities also drew attention.

Challenges and Criticisms

• F-35 Drawbacks: High costs, U.S. end-user monitoring, and interoperability issues with India’s Russian equipment are significant hurdles. Concerns about data leaks to Russia via S-400 systems persist.
• Su-57 Concerns: Limited stealth and past reliability issues, highlighted during India’s 2018 withdrawal from the FGFA program, remain points of contention. However, recent operational use in Ukraine and upgrades like the Izdeliye 30 engine have addressed some concerns.
• AMCA Risks: India’s history of delays in defense projects, such as the Tejas LCA, raises doubts about meeting the 2035 timeline. Dependence on foreign partners for engines (e.g., Safran or General Electric) adds complexity.

What’s Next for India?

The IAF aims to acquire 2–3 squadrons (40–60 jets) by 2028 as a stopgap until the AMCA is ready. Posts on X reflect public enthusiasm, with users like @FrontalForce and @SouleFacts highlighting the strategic importance of the decision. However, the choice between the F-35 and Su-57—or a mix of both—depends on:

1. Operational Needs: The F-35 excels in stealth and networked warfare, ideal for countering China’s S-400s, while the Su-57’s speed and payload suit air superiority missions.
2. Budget: The Su-57’s lower cost and co-production offer affordability, while the F-35’s high price demands long-term investment.
3. Geopolitics: Balancing ties with the U.S. and Russia is critical, especially amid tensions with China and Pakistan.
4. Technology Transfer: Russia’s source code offer could boost AMCA development, while the F-35’s closed systems limit such benefits.

The Path to Air Dominance

India’s pursuit of fifth-generation fighters is a strategic necessity to counter regional threats and maintain air superiority. The F-35 and Su-57 offer immediate solutions, each with unique strengths and challenges, while the AMCA represents India’s long-term vision for self-reliance. By carefully navigating this decision, India aims to not only strengthen its air force but also join the elite club of nations with cutting-edge aerospace capabilities. As deliberations continue, the world watches to see whether India will lean toward Washington, Moscow, or a blend of both to dominate the skies.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute defense or investment advice. Always consult trusted sources and conduct your own research for accurate information.