Calls Grow for India to Prioritize 5th-Gen Fighters like F-35 and AMCA over MRFA Tender Amid China's Growing J-20 Fleet

India's pursuit of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) under the 4.5-generation category is facing increasing scrutiny as regional threats rapidly evolve.

With China already operating an estimated 200-250 fifth-generation J-20A fighters, and reportedly having another 200 in production, along with the recent unveiling of its sixth-generation strike aircraft prototype, the Indian Air Force (IAF) finds itself at a critical juncture.

Continuing to invest in 4++ generation fighters could leave India at a significant technological disadvantage in the near future.

The MRFA tender was initially conceived to acquire advanced 4.5-generation fighters to address the IAF's dwindling squadron strength. However, these aircraft may not provide the necessary edge in a battlespace increasingly dominated by fifth-generation and beyond platforms.

The lack of low observability in 4.5-generation aircraft makes them vulnerable to fifth-generation stealth fighters like the J-20A. Furthermore, fifth-generation fighters excel in sensor fusion and network-centric warfare, capabilities where 4.5-generation aircraft lag behind. Against integrated air defence systems and modern adversary fighter fleets, 4.5-generation aircraft face a higher risk of attrition.

China's substantial fleet of operational J-20A fighters and its development of a sixth-generation strike aircraft underscore its commitment to maintaining air superiority.

Moreover, China's efforts to export platforms like the FC-31, a lighter fifth-generation fighter, could lead to the proliferation of advanced fighters in the region, potentially even reaching Pakistan.

This evolving threat landscape necessitates a reassessment of India's approach to the MRFA tender. Many defence experts argue that the IAF must prioritize acquiring fifth-generation platforms to maintain a credible deterrent.

A combination of indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and off-the-shelf fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 could strengthen the IAF's capabilities while supporting India's domestic defence industry.

The IAF's leadership must strongly advocate for fifth-generation platforms in the MRFA tender to ensure India's continued air superiority. Approving another generation of 4.5-generation fighters could not only result in wasted resources but also undermine India's ability to counter evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

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[Ajay Singh]

Indian media is agog with articles evaluating the so-called choice between the F35 and the Su57 that the IAF must make, as their next acquisition. Such comparisons seem to be pure fantasy, because as far as one knows, the US has not offered the F35 to India and is not likely to do so, as India operates Russian radar systems. The Su57 may be a stop gap solution but is unlikely to be better than the AMCA. Junking the MRFA tender makes eminent sense, but the way forward thereafter is to radically overhaul domestic fighter development and double down on the AMCA and Tejas 2 programs.

 

[saffronsword]

Indian media is agog with articles evaluating the so-called choice between the F35 and the Su57 that the IAF must make, as their next acquisition. Such comparisons seem to be pure fantasy, because as far as one knows, the US has not offered the F35 to India and is not likely to do so, as India operates Russian radar systems. The Su57 may be a stop gap solution but is unlikely to be better than the AMCA. Junking the MRFA tender makes eminent sense, but the way forward thereafter is to radically overhaul domestic fighter development and double down on the AMCA and Tejas 2 programs.

Absolutely agree !!!

 

[saffronsword]

I feel it should be more about early detection and neutralizing enemy stealth systems, development should be more towards such systems on a war footing
....no doubt our own stealth aircraft should be a priority....

 

[Ronin]

Su-57.

 

[sanket]

Rafale or Su-57? The picture will start clearing by Putin's visit in January 2025. If Russia offers the Su-57 with local assembly, a local ecosystem, plus export potential, then Dassault will surely come under pressure, as they are not willing to start a local assembly line with local private players and want to own a 100% stake in DRAL. 2025 will be full of excitement and a fruitful year, from the MRFA process start to the foreign partner for AMCA engine development deal signing.

 

[Anonymus]

MRFA tender for 4.5 gen was feasible in 2013 but now accuring 4.5 gen jets is just waste of money and defence capabilities other than 5th gen jets there is no other option.

 

[Dr]

Time has changed. It is better to go with 5th-generation aircraft. As the F-35 may or may not be offered, the Su-57 aircraft seems to be a better option off the shelf. 4/5 squadrons with the option to manufacture some parts locally until our 5.5 generation is near production.

 

[Harsh]

Su-57.

You know SU-57 is the only viable solution for India. Don't waste a nano-second dithering on making a selection.

 

[Chinese eater]

Despite with much differences India and USA might be in talks under table for F35 purchase.

 

[Arvind]

When 6th gen is out, we are searching for 4.5, 5th gen... If even half the amount spent on procuring these was spent on R&D, it would get the AMCA to be 6th gen. Anyways, when are we going to war?

 

[Hardik]

You know SU-57 is the only viable solution for India. Don't waste a nano-second dithering on making a selection.

Can we wait for su-75?

 

[Preet]

Rafale or Su-57? The picture will start clearing by Putin's visit in January 2025. If Russia offers the Su-57 with local assembly, a local ecosystem, plus export potential, then Dassault will surely come under pressure, as they are not willing to start a local assembly line with local private players and want to own a 100% stake in DRAL. 2025 will be full of excitement and a fruitful year, from the MRFA process start to the foreign partner for AMCA engine development deal signing.

There is no damn comparison between a Rafale and Su57.. so plz remove Rafale from ur views.. Rafales must be avoided.. the way our neighbours are enhancing capabilities, it would be a blunder buying a stupid 4th gen today..
either go for 114 Su57..
Or go for 72 F35 + 36 Rafales..
But do something quick.. nd dont be crazy stupid for local manufacturing nd all that bs..aisa hai we need jets fast, and local manufacturing delays things nd above that it makes it atleast 20-30% more costly..

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Can we wait for su-75?

Still in concept stage from what I can gather through online research. Probably a long time away from flight trials, Russia doesn't have enough money...

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

There is no damn comparison between a Rafale and Su57.. so plz remove Rafale from ur views.. Rafales must be avoided.. the way our neighbours are enhancing capabilities, it would be a blunder buying a stupid 4th gen today..
either go for 114 Su57..
Or go for 72 F35 + 36 Rafales..
But do something quick.. nd dont be crazy stupid for local manufacturing nd all that bs..aisa hai we need jets fast, and local manufacturing delays things nd above that it makes it atleast 20-30% more costly..

The US is going to want us firmly in their camp if we go for thenF 35. That doesn't exactly align with our long term interests. We will also lose all strategic autonomy - even in our neighbourhood.
That is a high price to pay. 🤔

 

[Sridhar]

Adding a 5th-gen fighter to MRFA will fall flat. The IAF has also not shown any interest in the Su-57. The F-35 is not on offer. India will definitely not go for a Chinese or Turkish one. The South Korean 5th-gen is also not on the radar. So where are the options?

The IAF will be better off quickly completing its part of the MRFA work. The government needs to speed up the MRFA process and wrap up the deal ASAP. Meanwhile, rejig the current workways of the AMCA project and ensure AMCA becomes a reality before the end of this decade.

 

[Venugopal Kesavan]

There is something known as 'Self-Confidence factor'. Even if we do not have and cannot manufacture the latest equipment we cannot let the feeling of despondency come into the minds of the people and more importantly the armed forces. The psychological effect in procuring the latest jets is necessary for the country as a whole. The morale of the defence forces and confidence of the general public must be kept at the optimum level. A minimum number of F-35s and if possible F-22s will be a game-changer for the country. It will also send a stark warning to the neighbouring countries.

 

[Yes]

Can we wait for su-75?

Russia is expecting other countries to fund the development of Su-75, So No.