IAF Need 100 Su-57, 100 AMCA and 200 Rafales to Challenge China's 300 J-20 Stealth Fighters

India's air power capabilities are facing a critical challenge in the face of China's growing military might. According to senior journalist Vishnu Som, India needs to make significant investments to achieve parity with China or risk facing a precarious security situation.

China's possession of nearly 300 J-20 stealth fighters underscores the urgency of India's situation. The acquisition of 50 additional Rafales, while a valuable addition, would not be sufficient to neutralize this threat. A comprehensive and aggressive approach is needed to bolster India's air power.

Key Strategies to Address the Challenge​

• Immediate Acquisition of Su-57 Fighters: India should consider purchasing 100 Su-57 fighters, provided they meet the advertised performance standards. These advanced stealth fighters could provide a significant deterrent against Chinese air power.
• Accelerated Development of AMCA: The development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) should be a national priority. India needs at least 100 AMCA jets, with the initial iterations meeting a minimum acceptable technology threshold.
• Expansion of Rafale Fleet: The Indian Air Force should acquire 200 Rafales to replace its aging fleet of MiG, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar aircraft. These fighters would serve as the primary heavy-hitters in India's air power arsenal.
• Modernization of Su-30 Fleet: The Su-30 fleet should be stabilized at 80 highly upgraded fighters. These aircraft could be used for heavy standoff weapons, as mini AWACS, and as standoff jammers.
• Production of Tejas Mk2: India should invest in and speed up the manufacture of Tejas Mk2 fighters to strengthen its low-end air power spectrum. A fleet of 50-60 Tejas Mk2 fighters could provide valuable capabilities.

Challenges and the Way Forward​

Implementing these strategies would require substantial financial resources and political will. India would need to allocate significant funds to defence, which could impact other sectors of the economy. Additionally, there may be challenges in acquiring the necessary technology and expertise to develop and manufacture advanced fighters.

The decision of how to address India's air power dilemma will depend on a careful assessment of the risks and benefits. While the cost may be significant, the consequences of failing to invest in air power could be even more severe. India must take decisive action to ensure its security in the face of growing regional challenges.

 

[PKPRS]

You just can't choose a plane just because it is cheap.. You see if there a scope of upgrades in that if so how many block improvements.. How much it will cost for it lifecycle cost because lifecycle cost is 3× of off shelf cost... A rafale of 90 million $ will cost us 270 million for 40-45 years till it remains in service ( No weapons will be integrated for that you have make software & hardware changes ) , Mid-life refit & in every 10 years to have to do upgrades..

Mig-35 is out because it is rebranded Mig-29 even Russian aren't buying it , India not interested in USA fighter jets , Griphen is basically Tejas mk-2 but with a downgrade Version

Main thing is it has genes of our existing SU-30.

 

[Shine N s]

Su 57 should be bought .. India doesn't require rafale in that case .. SU @30 MKI will do the job along with existing Rafales .MK2 is round the corner .. India needs to look at a decade and half of deterrence after that we can become a threat once we have AMCA and MK2 in full strength . Defence spending will increase exponentially in 15 years .

 

[Pad UwU]

Same thing , What Western countries does is they name it by block variants whereas Russia says that it a new jet based on Mig-29...

Mig-29 to Mig35 upgradation is similar to F-16 block 52 to Block 70/72.

India is only country which invest in past technology, countries focus on buying future technology or at least current technology which will remain relevant till 10 years at least..

We need jets in medium category, it the specific requirements of IAF & that's why they finalised Rafale & Eurofighter Typhoon last time too..

Still every iteration of block or letter added designation are a new platform.... Look at f35i or adir version of Israel it's specs are different from regular f35a/b/c they just share some specs but not identical to regular ones

 

[Kaustubh07]

In true sense ... India has max 15 years with grace of +3 years ..We need to observe things in a practical manner . In india's defence budget 6.21 lakh crore rupees are allocated , but the catch is that out of this 1.21 lakh crore is for pension , which is important but should not be included in defence budget there should be a pension allotment ministry to allocate it .

Coming to the real strategic talk .... We should see the korean tactics that they made the KF21 but not the 5th gen they made it 4++ gen aircraft and are designed to fulfil the aircraft inventory they will keep their KF21 5th gen project in progress simultaneously .

India needs a huge amount of accurate but cheap air defence system .

SU-57 if on point , india should procure it immediately . They are not the best but with good strategies and ground support no body knows when a mig21 defeats a f-22 . Jai hind