The Indian Air Force is currently undergoing a significant process of modernization and capability expansion in order to meet the strategic requirements set by its top planners, both in terms of the number of available squadrons and the diversification of platforms within its combat fleets, including the need to incorporate fifth-generation stealth fighters. As of today, and with the AMCA program still having a long road ahead before maturity, the country finds itself weighing Russia’s Su-57 against the U.S.-backed F-35.
Understanding India’s needs
To understand the current situation of the Indian Air Force—particularly in light of the above—it is worth recalling that the country’s military authorities have established a strategic requirement of 42 operational squadrons. This figure responds to concerns over China’s growing air capabilities, as well as the persistent possibility of military conflict with neighboring Pakistan, against whom India engaged in combat over the past year.
At present, however, the country fields only around 29 squadrons, a number affected by the recent retirement of the aging and obsolete Soviet-origin MiG-21 aircraft. The backbone of India’s fighter aviation currently rests on the Su-30MKI, while the service is preparing to add more than one hundred Rafale aircraft to be acquired from France, marking an initial step in this transition in exchange for a substantial investment exceeding 325 billion rupees. Additionally, the country is slowly advancing in the formation of a fleet of 180 LCA Tejas Mk1A fighters, although delays in the delivery of the F404 engines that will power them have slowed progress—despite the added value of this being a domestically produced platform.
The AMCA program: still an unripe fruit
Turning to the fifth-generation domain, it is important to note that India is also pursuing a program to design and locally manufacture a fifth-generation fighter known as the AMCA. The project received government approval in May 2025 to move forward with the construction of a first prototype. At that time, it was stated: “In a significant effort to enhance India’s indigenous defence capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Raksha Mantri Shri (Editor’s note: Hindi designation for the Defence Minister) has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Program Execution Model.”
However, since then, few substantial developments have been made public that would suggest rapid progress—meaning that AMCA cannot yet be considered a viable near-term option to equip the Indian Air Force, even though its design phase has been underway since 2023. Among the more notable developments is the selection of France’s Safran to contribute to the co-development of the platform’s engines alongside the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), with plans to produce a 110–120 kN turbofan engine.
Given this landscape, it remains to be seen whether India will meet its originally established timeline, which envisioned building a prototype within three years and conducting its first flight within a year thereafter. With plans to produce at least five prototypes for testing, New Delhi is expected to invest around 150 billion rupees, though the program remains in a very early stage of development.
Near-term alternatives: Su-57 or F-35?
In light of the above, the Indian Air Force has two primary alternatives to acquire a fifth-generation platform in the near term, allowing AMCA to mature without being driven by immediate operational pressures. According to local reports, the current competition is between the Su-57 and the F-35, with the Russian candidate appearing to gain more traction at present. China—the only other manufacturer of fifth-generation fighters—would be entirely ruled out due to the aforementioned geopolitical concerns and the fact that it has reportedly offered its J-35 to Pakistan.
Indian analysts note that the Russian platform’s main advantage lies in the possibility of joint production with local industrial partners, aligning with the “Made in India” policy that has characterized several of the country’s recent acquisitions. In fact, as reported in August 2025, the government of Narendra Modi has shown reluctance to advance defense agreements that would further deepen ties with the United States, as well as toward purchases that do not strengthen the country’s strategic autonomy—unsurprising given New Delhi’s longstanding foreign policy approach.
Another argument raised in various reports concerns the operational restrictions associated with the U.S.-origin platform, which would reportedly face greater limitations—particularly bureaucratic ones—when it comes to integrating indigenous weaponry into the Lockheed Martin-built aircraft. Additionally, strained relations with Washington due to its distinctive tariff policy could also be a factor, since long-term operation of the platform would depend on maintaining favorable ties, especially for the acquisition of upgrade packages.
Finally, it should not be overlooked that Russia has reportedly offered assistance to India in developing the aforementioned AMCA should New Delhi opt for the Su-57. Such cooperation could significantly accelerate the program’s progress. On previous occasions, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) CEO Vadim Badekha suggested that his company would be willing to work with the facilities used to manufacture the Su-30MKI, involving Indian industrial partners in the process.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
You may also like: India confirms it will proceed with the purchase of six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the U.S.
