IAF May Push for Immediate Acquisition of 5th-Gen Aircraft Amidst Rising China-Pak Stealth Fleets, US F-35 Most Possible Choice

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to propose the purchase of fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft to the government, according to a senior government official.

This move is primarily in response to a changing security landscape in the region, where neighboring countries are quickly improving their air forces.

Acquiring such advanced aircraft is considered crucial for India to maintain its air dominance and address emerging threats, especially from China and its increasing military cooperation with Pakistan.

A key factor driving the IAF's recommendation is China's rapid development of stealth aircraft technology. China has already deployed its fifth-generation J-20 fighter and is reportedly working on sixth-generation aircraft with even more advanced capabilities in stealth, sensor integration, and autonomous operation.

Of particular concern to India is the reported impending sale of 40 fifth-generation J-35 fighter jets – a stealth aircraft export version – from China to Pakistan. This sale could significantly alter the regional balance of air power, prompting India to enhance its own capabilities.

The possibility of India acquiring stealth aircraft became more prominent after recent comments by the US President Donald Trump during a press briefing with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The US President indicated that United States was open to eventually selling its F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to India, suggesting a potential strengthening of defense cooperation between the two nations.

The Lockheed Martin-produced F-35 is considered one of the most technologically advanced fighter jets globally, known for its stealth features, ability to perform various roles, and advanced sensor systems.

However, the government source clarified that any decision on a potential US offer would depend on several factors. The high cost of the F-35 is a major consideration. This includes not only the aircraft's purchase price but also the significant expenses associated with building the necessary infrastructure, training personnel, and establishing a long-term maintenance program.

India would need to create a comprehensive support system, including secure supply chains, specialized facilities, and a skilled workforce, to effectively integrate the F-35 into its air force. These logistical and financial implications will be thoroughly assessed before any commitment is made.

The IAF's focus on stealth aircraft is part of a larger modernization plan to address capability shortfalls and prepare for future warfare. Currently, the IAF relies heavily on fourth-generation aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and the domestically produced Tejas. Adding fifth-generation fighters would represent a significant technological advancement.

The IAF has also shown strong interest in the domestically developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter being developed by India's DRDO. However, since the AMCA is still several years from being ready for operational service, acquiring an existing platform like the F-35 could provide an interim solution.

China's rapid military expansion and its strengthening defense relationship with Pakistan have made this decision more urgent. The potential sale of J-35s to Pakistan would provide India's western neighbor with a stealth-capable air force, potentially offsetting IAF's current advantages in numbers and technology.

Meanwhile, China's development of sixth-generation aircraft demonstrates the long-term need for India to keep pace with a technologically advanced rival along its northern border.

While the F-35 is an appealing option, India must carefully evaluate it in light of its strategic and economic goals. The source mentioned that any agreement with the US would likely involve complex negotiations. Key considerations for India would include technology transfer and guarantees of operational independence, reflecting India's commitment to self-reliance in defense.

The fact that the F-35 depends on US-controlled maintenance and software updates could also be a concern, given India's desire to maintain independent control over its military equipment.

 

[TGR]

India should truly consider SU-57 program. We were a member of it and we know the jet inside out. So we know it's weaknesses and can modify it to its strength. About the experience of SU-30MKI I would rather say, we were not properly equipped or our government didn't have the guts to question russians about ToT. But I don't think that would be a problem under current level of leadership and Geopolitics.

Those who say "money is not a problem" and chose F-35, You guys should keep in mind that from 2018 to till date, 11 F-35's have crashed. Plus the battle zones in which F-35 has served never had any kind of stealth fighter deployment from the opposite side. So it's obvious that F-35 was winner in an very unfair competition. The reliability is a great issue in American jets.

On the contrary, We have used Mig 21's for half a century, still atleast those machines fly. But with American jets, you can't expect trust, reliability, flexibility and power.

Just having a supercomputer flying in the sky doesn't make an aircraft advanced, a 5th gen fighter is defined by its upgradability, versatility, and reliability too.

Within these few years what we have been doing with SU-30MKI clearly displays that we have the capability to force Russia to sign proper ToT and we can modify it 100%

India is not Israel that USA would allow is to play with our aircrafts in whatever way we like.

Our counterparts China and Pakistan don't have a proper 5th gen too, and there's no future possibilities that SU57 of IAT and F35's ever clash. So why do we need to spend shitloads of money on a flying box like F35.

Once SU-57 gets Al51F upgrade, they would beat chinese stealth jets in their asses. There is no freaking need of F35 in IAF. Plus how would you reprogram F35 to work with S-400.

American chamchas must stop doing trash talks

 

[TGR]

F35 has engine overheating issues which causes engine fires, fuel tube issues, stealth coating degradation is very fast in challenging environments, software glitches are scattered like salt in sea, false alarms trigger every moment.

No freaking reliability

 

[directorprime079]

India should truly consider SU-57 program. We were a member of it and we know the jet inside out. So we know it's weaknesses and can modify it to its strength. About the experience of SU-30MKI I would rather say, we were not properly equipped or our government didn't have the guts to question russians about ToT. But I don't think that would be a problem under current level of leadership and Geopolitics.

Absolutely, yaar. Like Russia is offering full tot ( maybe 'cause they know that Hal is incompetent and won't pick anything up, but still), full source code, full freedom to modify it according to our needs, no bars on weapons integration, etc..... While the American fighter jets will not allow us to integrate Indian weapons, which will certainly kill our most ambitious missile programs (We are doing pretty great in this regard at least). And on top of that, these jets will certainly have some sort of kill switch. They are unreliable partners, we already saw this. Admin change and they won't supply spares, software updates etc anymore, citing of course, delay due to disruption in international supply chains and bla-bla. We can at least trust Russians in this regard. We have been dealing with them since independence. And Russia is desperate. Since they have been great partners in most things, we should help them. In return, we will of course get a lot of tech that otherwise will certainly require absolutely humongous amount of Rupees.
So, yes. Russian deal is amazing. We should not pass this chance up.

 

[TGR]

Absolutely, yaar. Like Russia is offering full tot ( maybe 'cause they know that Hal is incompetent and won't pick anything up, but still), full source code, full freedom to modify it according to our needs, no bars on weapons integration, etc..... While the American fighter jets will not allow us to integrate Indian weapons, which will certainly kill our most ambitious missile programs (We are doing pretty great in this regard at least). And on top of that, these jets will certainly have some sort of kill switch. They are unreliable partners, we already saw this. Admin change and they won't supply spares, software updates etc anymore, citing of course, delay due to disruption in international supply chains and bla-bla. We can at least trust Russians in this regard. We have been dealing with them since independence. And Russia is desperate. Since they have been great partners in most things, we should help them. In return, we will of course get a lot of tech that otherwise will certainly require absolutely humongous amount of Rupees.
So, yes. Russian deal is amazing. We should not pass this chance up.

Exactly Brother. We should consider SU57 over F35 at any cost. Otherwise it would be like asking someone else your otp for your own bank account

 

[sanket]

That's good development. I have always said Bharat may buy stealth fighter jet, but it would not be F-35.

 

[Somebody]

Makes perfect sense, why bother about super expensive 4th gen aircraft when multiple 5th gen jets are on offer?

 

[SURESH RAO]

All that IAF done for the last 10 years was to buy 36 4th Generation Fighter Jets from abroad.

 

[Sir Capt]

Any person with at least one functioning brain cell knows the F-35 is the clear choice.

 

[Hari Sud]

IAF not only wants 42 squadrons, but now also wants the stealth fighter of American origin. They don't care about the cost; they want them for an edge and prestige. It is not one or the other; they want both. Otherwise, they will mount a media campaign. It is unimportant for them whether the nation can afford it or not. They don't mind if India becomes a pauper state with a begging bowl; if they want it, then they want it.

 

[Rama Hota]

Both SU-57 & F-35 are good fighter planes.
IAF should buy a minimum of 54 fighters urgently till AMCA comes.

 

[Somebody]

Any person with at least one functioning brain cell knows the F-35 is the clear choice.

If offered without spending 25-30 bln to buy a 4th-gen jet first.

 

[Dr]

When the USA has not given ToT to any of its closest allies, there arises no question of India getting it, neither much part in the supply chain. & F-35s are not only costly, but lifetime maintenance will be a costly affair as well. Also, no present weapon, missile, or radar will be allowed, & [they] will come with riders like permission from the USA to use in a war situation, & of course, will not be allowed to carry any nuclear weapons. As per one USA report, F-35 availability is less than 60%. First delivery will come only by 2031, if ordered. The IAF never had any USA aircraft previously, so it's better to go with the Su-57, offered with ToT & domestic production. Though it is a bit less superior, it can be inducted fast.

 

[Instant Karma]

My advice for a long time is to buy 2 to 3 squadrons of F-35s off the shelf and also get some technology transfer from the USA, just like Turkey. And after completing the F-35 purchase, we should go for local manufacturing of Su-57s.

 

[Enforcer]

F-35 is the clear choice. Take advantage of Trump administration and get the deal signed before democrats come back. Democrats are a party of minorities and radical leftists. The party has tons of Muslims and Pakistanis in their cabinet and those guys will not want India to get F-35.

We basically need F-35 for 15-20 years before AMCA starts rolling out.

You will never get any ToT For F-35, so don't even think about it. But if we get a deal similar to Israel with partial access to source code and a shared supply chain with Israel, then no USA sanctions will affect the fighter in future.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

There is no need for stealth fighters, as we have adequate power with radar, missiles, and existing aircraft. We can tackle Pakistan and China easily until AMCA gets ready.

 

[Indian1]

There is no need for stealth fighters, as we have adequate power with radar, missiles, and existing aircraft. We can tackle Pakistan and China easily until AMCA gets ready.

Even AMCA is not necessary. We can manage everything with 36 Rafales. With 36 Rafales, we have conquered the whole world.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

All that IAF done for the last 10 years was to buy 36 4th Generation Fighter Jets from abroad.

IAF wanted 120-odd, but GOI got them only 36.

 

[Abs29]

IAF wanted 120-odd, but GOI got them only 36.

Between 2017-2019, the government was prepared to use the contract options to order another tranche of 36-50 more Rafales as a follow-on order. But the IAF rejected it and kept insisting on acquiring 114 of them at once and also acquiring licensed production. For that, there was no budget back then, nor does it exist today.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

IAF not only wants 42 squadrons, but now also wants the stealth fighter of American origin. They don't care about the cost; they want them for an edge and prestige. It is not one or the other; they want both. Otherwise, they will mount a media campaign. It is unimportant for them whether the nation can afford it or not. They don't mind if India becomes a pauper state with a begging bowl; if they want it, then they want it.

When has any Armed forces launched a media campaign? IAF always knows it's budget and can't overspend.

 

[Andy]

F-35 not yet offered. T&C surrounding them the real thing. We can definitely fast-track SU-57 meanwhile.