Analysis Should India Acquire F-35 or Su-57 for Immediate 5th-Gen Fighter Needs? Pros and Cons of Choosing Either

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is at a critical juncture as it confronts a significant capability gap, operating with only 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned requirement of 42.

To counter emerging threats from neighbouring China and Pakistan, the acquisition of a fifth-generation stealth fighter has become a pressing priority.

At the recent Aero India 2025, two major international contenders were showcased: Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57E and the United States’ Lockheed Martin F-35A, each presenting a unique set of strategic opportunities and challenges for India.

The decision on which aircraft to procure involves a complex evaluation of operational needs, economic realities, geopolitical alignments, and the long-term future of India's indigenous defence industry.

The Case for Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57E​

The Su-57E is the export model of Russia's premier stealth fighter, engineered for achieving air superiority and conducting multi-role missions. Its design emphasizes high manoeuvrability and is intended to integrate with India’s extensive inventory of Russian-made aircraft.

Advantages​

• Cost and Affordability: A primary argument for the Su-57E is its economic viability. With a projected unit price of approximately $35–40 million (₹2,953–3,384 crore), it is substantially more affordable than its American counterpart. Its lower operational expenses would allow the IAF to acquire a larger number of aircraft within its limited defence budget.
• Technology Transfer and Self-Reliance: Russia has made a significant proposal to provide full technology transfer, including the fighter's source code, enabling local production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This aligns perfectly with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and would permit the integration of indigenous systems, such as advanced radars and the Astra series of missiles, promoting strategic autonomy.
• Fleet Compatibility: The IAF's fleet is dominated by over 250 Su-30MKI jets. Acquiring the Su-57E would create logistical synergy, simplifying maintenance, training, and the supply chain, as opposed to introducing an entirely new Western system.
• Performance and Manoeuvrability: Powered by twin engines with thrust-vectoring technology, the Su-57E boasts exceptional agility and a top speed of Mach 2, making it highly effective in dogfights and air superiority roles, a traditional strength of the IAF.
• Geopolitical Partnership: Russia has been a long-standing and reliable defence partner to India, generally avoiding the kind of sanctions that the U.S. could impose through laws like the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Disadvantages​

• Stealth Capabilities: A major concern is that the Su-57E’s stealth features are considered less advanced than those of the F-35A. Design elements like its partially exposed engine nozzles result in a larger Radar Cross-Section (RCS), making it more detectable to modern air defence systems.
• Development and Reliability: The Su-57 program has been plagued by developmental delays and technical setbacks, including crashes of prototypes and early production models. With relatively few units produced, its overall reliability and maturity have not been proven to the extent of the F-35.
• Supply Chain Risks: The ongoing war in Ukraine and subsequent international sanctions have put Russia’s defence industry under severe strain. This could create future challenges regarding the availability of spare parts and critical upgrades for the aircraft.
• Impact on Indigenous Programmes: A major procurement of the Su-57E could divert vital funds and engineering focus from India's own fifth-generation fighter programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), potentially delaying India’s ambition for true self-reliance in combat aviation.

The Case for the United States’ F-35A Lightning II​

The F-35A is the world’s most widely used fifth-generation fighter, celebrated for its advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric operational capabilities. An offer to sell the aircraft to India was reportedly made by the U.S. in 2025, representing a technological leap for the IAF.

Advantages​

• Superior Stealth and Situational Awareness: The F-35A’s design incorporates Very Low Observable (VLO) stealth technology and an internal weapons bay, making it extremely difficult for enemy radar to detect. Its advanced sensor suite, including a 360-degree view for the pilot, is designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace and counter advanced threats like China’s J-20 fighter.
• Combat-Proven Record: With over 1,000 aircraft delivered and operational experience with multiple air forces, including Israel and NATO allies, the F-35 is a mature and low-risk platform. Its robust global supply chain and support network are well-established.
• Interoperability with Allies: Acquiring the F-35 would greatly improve India’s operational compatibility with key partners in the Quad alliance (U.S., Japan, and Australia), which is crucial for India’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Countering Regional Threats: The aircraft's advanced capabilities are seen as a direct answer to the growing stealth fighter fleets of China (J-20 and J-35A) and Pakistan’s planned acquisition of the J-35.

Disadvantages​

• Exorbitant Cost: The F-35A’s high price tag, estimated at $80–100 million (₹6,750 crore) per unit, and its staggering operational cost of around $44,000 per flight hour, would place immense strain on India's defence budget and limit the number of aircraft that could be purchased.
• Single-Engine Design: The IAF has historically shown a preference for twin-engine fighters for enhanced safety and survivability over India's vast and diverse terrain. The F-35A's single-engine configuration is a significant operational concern.
• Restricted Technology Access: U.S. export laws would severely limit technology transfer. India would be unable to access the F-35’s source code or freely integrate its own weapons and systems, undermining the goal of strategic independence.
• Logistical Complexity and Geopolitical Conditions: Introducing the F-35A would complicate the IAF's logistics, which already supports seven different types of combat aircraft. Furthermore, U.S. arms deals often come with conditions that could require India to abandon other defence partnerships, such as its S-400 missile system deal with Russia.

A Strategic Crossroads for India​

The choice between the Su-57E and the F-35A is not just a technical one but a decision that will shape India's strategic direction for decades.

The Su-57E offers an affordable path to fleet modernization that aligns with India's industrial policy, while the F-35A provides a combat-proven technological edge and deeper integration with Western allies.

This decision is further complicated by the need to fund other critical projects, including the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 new jets and, most importantly, India’s indigenous AMCA programme.

The AMCA, approved with a ₹15,000-crore budget, is the cornerstone of India’s long-term air power strategy but is not expected to enter service until 2035. Any major foreign purchase must serve as a stopgap without derailing this vital national project.

Ultimately, New Delhi must balance its immediate security needs against its long-term vision for self-reliance and its place in a shifting global order.

 

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[Maxo]

57 provides various servings for i🇮🇳 - 1. Counters french loot , 2 eases heat on rafale , 3. Makes France more alert & amenable treating 🇮🇳 4. Global order & power optics 5. Eases Indian su mro Depth & eco sys in a smooth frugal manner. 6 provides depth for massive Naval push across oceans ( US providing refueling service ) 7. AMCA parts , systems & components optimized .9 exploiting potential of IAF pilots . 10 aero engine upgrade . 11. Indo russi outcomes plays swells ...... CONS - 1. HAL maturity to align parts, systems & components 2. 🇮🇳 lacking set up for its dedicated future reapings 3. Needs seperate set of armaments 4. Has to also merge & hunt in a Su pack . 5. Needs DEW ability. 6. Rcs factor masking . 7. Offset this with likely US SSN order... 8. Is why AI subs & AI torpedoes must take priority over diesel / electric subs.... 9. Need to buy this in Numbers ... 10. ASIAN continent & multi water chokes ability charting pacific , indian & Atlantic ( African ocean)

 

[Foxbat]

The IAF is at the cross road courtesy of HAL and GTRE's blunder. If both organisation has adopted a proactive and efficient delivery system to pursue India's ambitious make in India initiatives our progressive development in fighter aircraft programmes and Kaveri wouldn't have been lagging behind. It's acceptable to do something new with our available human resources but when we are not making progress bcoz we don't have the knowledge and expertise in advanced engine technology we have to look for help through partnership with an experienced foreign makers. They are still deliberating on the decision who will be the ideal foreign partner Tejas Mk2 and AMCA engines. In my opinion it will be a wise idea to shelve the GE deal and hasten a deal for Tejas Mk2 soon as possible instead of dragging on for too long. Time is essence building defence products.

 

[noZonedHuman]

At least their president is offering.... and this is the reason I said IF F35 is seriously offered then we should go for it....

And why this Brahmos obsession to integrate it on every platform that you're going to buy in limited nos as a stop gap??..... F35 is very capable system even if Brahmos is not their....

As long as USA reliability goes we already operate globemasters, Hercules, P8, Chinook, Apaches, HARPOON, predators and talking about more P8s.... that is also vulnerable if USA you are so much afraid off.....

And yes IAF and mod are cry babies only.... Firstly even in MRFA they were demanding abnormal capabilities that were not with suppliers as well.... then ridiculously demanding off set clauses took decades after decades and then finally brought only 36 jets.....

Even after receiving all jets by 21 or 22 they sat like an egg without placing at least some follow on orders.....

LCA also everytime they kept changing requirements which delayed it abnormally..... why couldn't they accept initial jets with all shortcomings and correct those in next lot order? Mark my words AMCA will also be delayed only because of these cry babies.....

when spanking will be given by China then they will cry we did not have this we did have that... we were facing squadrons shortages, we were evaluating 5th generation options and what not?

Trump is more about showmanship than actual work.
A P8I is not for IAF. And not offensive or costly like IAF aircrafts are .
Oh, pre2014, MoD was the worst, that anthony destroyed whatever little credibility mod had left then. Even Army personnel were compromised given the revelation of Augusta Westland Scam. It's like if your bosses are corrupt and don't care, then why would you.

LCA also agree.. but again, it's the fcn apathy of govt back then that they did not build a robust framework for LCA development. Add in the Beauracracy and you have a blunder on your hands. These are all older issues you talked about.

In present scenario, F-35 makes no sense from any angle unless you wanna keep trump in his happy place. We don't operate chinook or Apache in the numbers that would hinder operational ability. While F-35 will result in a clash for sure cause China will want to test F-35.

And Aircraft are whole diff game than above systems you mentioned. It's not just bhramos, but any of the non usa missiles in IAF arsenal. Whats the point of an aircraft if you can't use your arsenal with it. Now you have to buy the arsenal and hope that USA doesn't stop it's sale.

An aircraft even if stop gap isn't bought for few years. It will probably be used till early 2060s, atleast 2050s.

And you still didn't give an answer about the funding issue. Cause India doesn't have the luxury of spending huge amount. Wether it's because of corruption, inefficiencies etc.. but we gotta take these into account.
We aren't govt but citizens discussing most ideal solution

 

[Russel]

Not to mention Russians will delay it indefinitely..... see still our S400 2 batteries are pending and I don't see those coming before early 2027...... fighters are even more complicated.....

Russia is just eying fat advances they will receive from us to use in Ukraine war..... many will say that Russians will give us assembly line so we can produce ourselves but these are seemingly easy looking things on the surface but when you are dealing with a country which is bogged down for last 3 years in war things go very very differently than expected....

Even if we have to buy F35 with some conditions we should remember that we are just buying it as a stop gap so there is no harm in buying these with some conditions than to fall for Russian trap and never get jets after paying.....

India's deal for the Su57 if signed with the Russians will be a dozen or thereabouts in flyaway condition and the remaining to be built under license to produce.
Russians have technology to go head to head with the Americans. The point is there is no point in being foolish by investing in a mink coat when an alternate for 1/10 the price works well within your defined parameters of the product.
Remember what India gets is an export variant of the product. There might be enhancements which can prove challenging given the timelines.
India will NEVER purchase a fighter aircraft from the USA. Its geo-politics and some venomous history that probably spans at least 5 decades if not more.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

The debate go on and on and on as to which 5th gen to be procured or should we concentrate on our AMCA. In all the three wings of Indian Military domain (Army/ Navy/ Airforce). The IAF is like a burden on the military and I have reasons for that,
Army and Navy are making huge strides in their defense capabilities by acquiring home grown indegenous and few procured weaponaries almost on everyday basis which we keep on hearing. Contrary to this the IAF seems to be lost completely and does not have vision for any improvement. All the projects that we hear has a minimum 5 year timeline to see the life. Below are the reasons to ponder upon.
1. The ever depleating squadron strength and absolutely no roadmap as to how this will be addressed.
2. The existing squadrons are majorly filled with older versions of jets.
3. Foolishness and admancy in procurements of jets like Rafael which does not have any integration with our existing air defense network, they operate autonomously and cannot coordinate nither with our air defence nor with the co flyers in another jets during operation. This non syncronised war situation is very risky. Still we went on to procure 26 new jets.
4. Lengthy procedures to finalise one single deal.
5. We still do not have our own jet engine is a major concern at present.

There can be lot of offers in the market, what to be picked and what not totally depends on the IAF, MoD and GOI. What suits better to pocket and how effeciently the deal works in the IAF favour is also not a comman mans business. All we can see is the hugh gap between the theoretical will and practical implementation. MRFA programm was the coin tossed way back in 2010-11 period today is 2025 still we are discussing MRFA, this itself shows the lack of awareness and the will to do the things in a right and timely manner. About 15 years of healthy discussion with no implementation.

CDS Anil Chauhan recently said, war cannot be won with old weapons but what words say and what actions do are totally out of sink.​