As AMCA Decade Away, India Considering Stopgap 5th-Gen Jet Acquisition from Ally to Counter China-Pak Stealth Threats, Confirms Defence Secretary

The Indian government is considering the purchase of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets from allied nations as a stopgap measure to counter growing regional threats.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed this significant policy consideration, highlighting the urgent need to address the Indian Air Force's (IAF) decreasing squadron strength while its indigenous stealth fighter program is under development.

This move is intended to bridge a critical capability gap as the IAF's fleet is currently at 31 squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42.

The confirmation signals a pragmatic approach to national security as India's own fifth-generation platform, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is not expected to be inducted until around 2035.

The development of the AMCA, a sophisticated twin-engine stealth fighter being designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), received formal approval in May 2025.

While the AMCA is central to India's long-term air power strategy, its decade-long timeline necessitates an interim solution to maintain a tactical edge in the region.

The primary motivation for this potential acquisition is the evolving security landscape.

China has already operationalised its advanced J-20 stealth fighters and is developing the J-35. Reports also indicate that Pakistan may acquire the J-35 from China, which would significantly alter the strategic balance in South Asia.

Speaking recently, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh acknowledged that an "off-the-shelf" purchase of foreign jets could be an option if Pakistan's air capabilities are substantially enhanced, though he stressed that the indigenous AMCA program remains the top priority.

While the Defence Secretary did not name specific aircraft, defence analysts suggest the leading candidates are the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Russia's Sukhoi Su-57.

The United States has previously indicated a willingness to offer the F-35, a combat-proven platform known for its advanced sensors and networked warfare capabilities.

Russia, a traditional defence partner, has proposed co-manufacturing its Su-57 in India, potentially with a full transfer of technology.

The decision to explore a foreign purchase is part of a broader defence modernization strategy.

A high-level committee, chaired by the Defence Secretary and formed in late 2024 to address the IAF's capability shortfalls, recommended a balanced approach of strategic acquisitions alongside robust indigenous development.

This multi-pronged strategy is reflected in the planned ₹2 lakh crore in defence contracts for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes funding for the AMCA project as well as other key acquisitions.

However, a foreign acquisition presents significant challenges.

The F-35 comes with a high price tag, estimated between $80 to $110 million per aircraft, and is subject to strict U.S. end-user agreements that could limit operational independence and create interoperability issues with India's existing Russian-origin fleet.

Conversely, the Su-57 has faced scrutiny over its stealth characteristics and engine reliability. India had previously been a partner in a joint fifth-generation fighter program with Russia, known as the FGFA, but withdrew in 2018 citing concerns over the aircraft's performance and unmet technological benchmarks.

 

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[Capt Mahendra]

We should go for Russian Su57 as they are our reliable partner and with complete transfer of technology and Co production gives better control to keep upgrading the technology on a continuous basis. And it costs also much less than the American war machines which have a risk of blackmailing in future and also Denial of upgrades. USA is very unreliable when it comes to its consistency in keeping it's friends. We can see its bullying tactics even it's long-term allys and partners Like Japan, Europe and Canada to maintain its big brother attitude. And Russian Machines are rugged to Last under adverse conditions.

 

[pgahlot]

As I say all the time, buy SU-57 under MRFA or stand alone with at least 4-5 squadrons with S-70 Okhotnik-B drones. Try to get TOT for S-70 Okhotnik-B drones as well as this will further enhance our experience. And buy SU-57 only with izdelize 177s egine.
As far as CAATSA is concerned, Joker babu is only interested in Business. So we need to give him some orders for their products, and he will be quite happy.
We also need to quickly complete the deal with RR for the engine and focus on our own AMCA which is very important for us.

 

[Safari]

SU-57 Confirmed 60 to start with, the count might climb to 114 eventually

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

If this is the case, then just drop MRFA and build 100+ Su-57s in India. F-35 won't be built in India. Already many parts are common with Su-30. This also aligns with Super Sukhoi. If AMCA gets delayed, which it most likely will, then we just place more orders for Su-57.

 

[Steel Mathi]

As far as I am concerned, buying su57 with Indian domestic equipment is very good... Although su 57 is less capable in stealth than the fifth generation aircraft f35...

I believe that it is heavier than f 35, better maneuverability, UTTAM AESA radar will definitely be equal to F35... Also, Indian radars will easily detect the fifth generation aircraft of the enemy country...

Rather than buying the fifth generation aircraft of America and getting into trouble, it is better for us to use the familiar Russian aircraft with Indian technology...

Russia's fifth generation aircraft is only a temporary solution, the permanent solution is AMCA

And it is very wrong for India to rely on the United States and move away from Russia... It is in India's interest to have at least a certain percentage of Russian technology in the Indian defense sector at any time.

 

[Sunny]

Geopolitics seem to favour the US F-35, however with S-400 being backbone of our AD they might offer a variant with reduced stealth, a new version for export is rumoured to be in development. The SU-57 seems to be the logical choice, Russia has offered source code, can be integrated with our network and is compatible with S-400, but US will pressure us not to buy.

 

[KhuddiRamBose]

India shoud join japan and develop f-x program.. it's nearing its prototype phase..The program is also in collaboration with Northrop Grumman so India can learn many things through this joint venture

 

[Doc]

It is hoped that when we talk of allies in the field of fighter-aircraft production/acquisitions, we are not referring to USA. Why? Simply because we don’t need an aircraft like the one they have on offer. Why, again? It is far too expensive, has an incredibly poor maintenance record, has too many strings attached – try bucking any of those strings and the aircraft just won’t fly because of the ‘squeeze’ we’ll be in. I’m hoping the Don isn’t going to arm-twist us into going for the F-35, as ‘bait’ for a lucrative trade-deal!



To fill in the fighter aircraft shortages, we need to import (its manner is a matter under discussion and final approval by the government). This requirement has been the result of the Tejas Mk1, the Mk1A, Mk2 and the AMCA being inordinately delayed.

That is to say, our supplier is behind schedule on four fighter types. The cause factor in all cases is essentially due to lack of a suitable engine. It is known that the 404 GE engine is 3 years+ behind schedule. A similar delay can be expected for the 414 engine (which has still to be ordered) – it is needed for the Mk2 and presently possibly the AMCA too.



The long and the short of it is : we are trying to fill orders for close to 200 fighters without suitable/available engines which we hope will be delivered as per promised timelines. This does not make any sense whatsoever – logistically, tactically and strategically. It appears we have put the cart before the horse.



So, where lies the exit strategy that will get us out of the morass we find ourselves in? The AMCA is a good 10 years away from seeing induction into service, that too if there are no glitches in engine acquisitions. With our requirement for super-cruise etc, two 414 engines won’t do. The hunt for engines will be a problem that will come back to haunt us.



Where then lies the solution to boosting our depleted fighter-aircraft strengths? The answer is in stop-gap IMPORTS. The Russkys are offering us a ‘golden deal’ on a platter; local production of the Su-57 (5th gen fighter), along with ToT, source codes and licence to export (if NOT already agreed). Add to this is the offer of the Su-35 on a similar deal. The Su-35 will fill the stopgap requirement for about a 200 MRFA (conservative figure), if we wish to increase sqn strengths to 60. The production mix could be 50:50 for both the 35 and the 57 so that we have a potent 5th Gen force.