IAF May Purchase Foreign 5th-Gen Fighter as Interim Solution Until AMCA Available if Pakistan Procures Stealth Jets, Confirms IAF Chief

The Indian Air Force (IAF) might consider purchasing fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign manufacturers as a temporary solution if Pakistan acquires similar aircraft, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh confirmed.

This potential move would aim to maintain the regional balance of power until India's own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), becomes operational.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2025, Air Chief Marshal addressed concerns about Pakistan potentially acquiring advanced fighter jets. He acknowledged the changing strategic landscape in South Asia, especially with the increasing availability of fifth-generation stealth technology.

Historically, the IAF has possessed a technological advantage over the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Aircraft like the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and the indigenously developed Tejas have given India a significant edge over Pakistan's fleet, which primarily consists of F-16s, JF-17s, and Mirage III/V aircraft.

However, the spread of fifth-generation fighters like the American F-35 Lightning II, the Chinese J-20, and the Russian Su-57 presents a potential shift in this balance.

There are concerns about Pakistan's attempts for procuring the 5th Gen Fighter Jets. Reports suggest that Pakistan has expressed interest in China's J-20 and FC-31 (also referred to as J-31) stealth fighters.

While no official agreements have been confirmed, the possibility of Pakistan obtaining these advanced aircraft, possibly through its military partnership with China, is a serious consideration for the IAF.

India's long-term strategy for air dominance relies on the AMCA, a fifth-generation stealth fighter currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The AMCA is designed to incorporate stealth features, the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without afterburners (supercruise), advanced sensor systems, and the capability to operate in a networked environment. The first AMCA prototype is expected around 2028, with the aircraft expected to enter service in the mid-2030s.

Air Chief Marshal reiterated the critical importance of the indigenous AMCA program. He emphasized that the project would not be abandoned in favor of foreign purchases.

However, in given statement he also said that the inherent complexities and potential delays in such an ambitious project could create a temporary vulnerability if Pakistan were to rapidly acquire fifth-generation capabilities.

The Air Chief Marshal proposed a potential solution. It involves a two-pronged approach: proceeding with the AMCA's development while also considering a limited purchase of foreign fifth-generation fighters. This interim acquisition would ensure the IAF retains its operational edge until the AMCA is ready.

He suggested a possible model where India could "buy something from outside with some indigenous content, which progressively increases, and collaborate with them to develop the AMCA." This signifies a potential blend of immediate procurement and continued indigenous development.

 

[Gentleman]

So, if Pakistan buys, then we buy. We are still comparing with Pak. Aren't we forgetting about China?

 

[Suda]

MRFA is the key without the $350Mln super expensive 4th gen French jet.

 

[Raju]

Why does the IAF not consider SK's KF-21 aircraft for its fifth-generation requirement? I consider this to be the only stealth aircraft after the F-35 and F-22. I don't consider the SU-57 and J-20 as stealth aircraft. In my view, if the IAF approaches SK, they will surely consider our concerns.

 

[YAMA]

So it's Pakistan who decides when we should buy a 5th gen fighter??

 

[ramdas]

They are not concerned about China, but rather a weak state. China already has 200 stealth fighters in its arsenal. The IAF maintains a mindset that China will not attack India, reminiscent of the pre-1962 perspective.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

We should ask the US to place, for 10 years, a couple of squadrons of F-35s under the Quad umbrella at our Andaman base. This could be used by us if required; otherwise, it will be used by the USA. IAF pilots will have to be trained for them anyway, and other technical aspects, such as data links, missiles, etc., will have to be sorted. This will be a win-win deal for both of us and cost-effective too.

AMCA will get ready in the meanwhile as well.

 

[Varaaah]

Buy nothing. Just make some extra missiles. Pakistan and China, too, can be handled by a few good missiles. Meanwhile, speedily make the Tejas (variants). Once you master the manufacturing of the Tejas 100% indigenously, you are able to make any fighter with great confidence.

 

[Varaaah]

India needs AWACS and EW capability much more than it needs fighters right now. And now it is time to let the enemies know that your nuclear arms get bored by sitting [like a] lame duck in storage. They want some action.

 

[Spectator]

So here we go again with another discussion about this matter.
It will never end until our government decides on something.
It's like our Defence Ministry is intentionally lagging fighter procurements.
We can't even decide on whether we should procure fifth-generation fighters or not.

 

[Spectator]

I want to believe in HAL in the development of AMCA, but looking back, I just can't comprehend the delays they caused. We couldn't even mass produce a 4.5 gen aircraft, even after 20+ years after its first flight. So, I wish our government would decide well for our country's defence and deterrence.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Horrible way of planning. The armed forces and many in the MOD are just import-pasand. They create a situation for import. Sometimes, it feels like they are happy to have the enemy edge so they can fast-track imports by creating an alarming situation.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Your love for Rafael's is blind. In next 10 years we will have 100's of desi 4th gen Fighter jets. LCA mk2 may also enter production by 2035. While 5th gen AMCA is still at least 15 years away from production. It will be prudent to scrap 4th gen MRFA, buy limited number of 5th gen jets and expedite Tejas deliveries. Don't plan that if Pakistan buys 5th gen only then we will match it. What if China surprises us and transfers few squadrons of 5th gen fighters to Pakistan for some non financial reasons?.
Since AMCA is at least 15 years away. Better to go for 36-48, 5th gen F35's or Su57's. We do not need large number of costly Rafael's now. If we have to compensate France for Jet engine development then better buy more nuclear reactors from them rather than Rafael's.

 

[coke]

Why collaborate to develop the AMCA? Collaboration means we need to let them know the design and everything, which can jeopardize confidentiality. I believe they should have trust in their hard work and skills.

 

[UnitedIndia1]

Key words: if Pakistan acquires it

Well, Pakistan is a failed state, then... should India also try to be one?! Our actual and real enemy is China, and China already has multiple 5th gen platforms. Why don't we compete against our peers like China, not minions like Pakistan? From top to bottom, this country is a joke of the world. Truly.

 

[james mani]

So, if Pakistan buys, then we buy. We are still comparing with Pak. Aren't we forgetting about China?

Nicely said. This is true, passive approach by IAF since decades. 👏 They would like to use still Bison MiG-21 for another 10 more years.

 

[Double Tap]

Why not take the best offer at hand for the production of the Su-57 at the Nashik plant? If the government makes a decision fast, this can be started in 3 years max and will solve the problem of dwindling squadron strength. MRFA/MRCA should be canned.

 

[P.K Senapati]

AMCA and its 110kN engine will take a minimum of 15 years. So it will be better if we consider Make in India Su-57 or a single-engined version, Su-75, with TOT and the right to integrate indigenous weapons, avionics and market to a third party.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s highly unlikely as India has repeatedly stated that they aren’t looking to import any 5th generation jet at all.

Russia is the only one who is prepared to transfer the technology and allow local production capabilities but how much they will give isn’t clear at all. The F35 jet still hasn’t officially been offered to us and it’s doubtful they will.

 

[Arin Kumar]

India can purchase 108 or 6 squadrons of second hand F-18 E/F Super Hornet aircrafts from the USA. Because they will be available cheap, parts or spares will be easily available, they use the GE F414 engine which we will use in Tejas Mk 2.
On March 2024 US Navy purchase 17 F-18 Block 3 for $1.1 billion - that is $65 million/aircraft.
THis will give a lot of commonalities with Tejas Mk 2.
Just raising the squadron strength will be enough to deter Pakistan.
China's stealth aircraft is not a fully stealth aircraft.

 

[Pankaj]

No need to think of Pakistan. We are far ahead of them. War is not all about having better fighter jets but having complete indigenous defence ecosystem to counter adversaries. There are other enemies too which are technologically more advanced. Look for your own depleting squadrons and induction of stealth aircrafts are the need of the time. Either develop AMCA in 4-5 years or go for F 35 lightening ll or SU 57E . Though it's better to induct SU 57E with complete transfer of technology where we could get a support in developing our own indigenous fighter jet AMCA.

 

[soham roy]

DRDO and HAL are late by about 20 years. No flying prototype, while the most heavily armed nuclear part of the world gets more volatile.

The IAF's only mission is to defend the Indian skies, with no mandate or requirement to think about "Atmanirbhar Bharat". If HAL is ready with AMCA by 2026, ok. But no more time should be wasted. Convert the Multirole Fighter project to buy F-35s as a stopgap measure, while HAL gets privatized and AMCA is completed, hopefully by 2032.

 

[soham roy]

We should ask the US to place, for 10 years, a couple of squadrons of F-35s under the Quad umbrella at our Andaman base. This could be used by us if required; otherwise, it will be used by the USA. IAF pilots will have to be trained for them anyway, and other technical aspects, such as data links, missiles, etc., will have to be sorted. This will be a win-win deal for both of us and cost-effective too.

AMCA will get ready in the meanwhile as well.

We allow the US in our territory when the US allows us in their territory. Remember the British East India Company and what happens when you give a piece of land to a foreign power (even if to establish a trading post, let alone a military complex), without getting a piece of land in return.

Sure, Pakistan is and was our enemy, but Delhi was still the capital, not London. We must never forget that.

 

[Akshat]

Nicely said. This is true, passive approach by IAF since decades. 👏 They would like to use still Bison MiG-21 for another 10 more years.

Not IAF's fault buddy. They have been asking for planes for decades and have cleared many tenders, but it is HAL, DRDO and MoD who just refuse to deliver or develop or order the planes. Remember, IAF has been asking for Mirages and then Rafales since 90s and they have been waiting for Tejas since 1995 and LCA AF Mk2 since 2016 (promised induction dates by DRDO/HAL). So they ain't the ones to be blamed here.