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.

 

DRDO's 300km Range Pinaka IV Rockets to Feature Pralay Missile like Quasi-Ballistic Trajectory, Effectively Evading Enemy Air Defences

INS Nistar is not just a technological asset, but crucial operational enabler: Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi

[Maxo]

My concern is are the views expressed on this platform really taken into consideration, are they getting forwarded as a gist of views to the GOI, MoD and the CCS. If no then we are unnecessaryly wasting our time and boiling our blood in discussing the topics.
We have not received any kind of help from French aerospace for integrating the munitions and radars on Rafael, then also we are going to French companies for support. Safran for jet engine, and it is heard that we are planning few more Rafael as addition to IAF. What is going on, is this a joke or what. The money of comman man who is paying tax is getting utilised on some waste and baseless deals. We are not concentrating and funding enough on Kaveri the GOI is not at all bothered to get the Kaveri engine finalised. In long run we are going to waste billions of dollars if we do not have our own engine, no one is botthered for this neither GOI nor the IAF.

Sorry to say but the fate of IAF looks very gloomy and in return for India and its defense of the sky. China is way way ahead of us and if at all war breaks their airforce itself can cause catastrophic damage to us which will throw us way way back.

IAF wants 4 & 4.5 gen jets with no control over it when 5th gen jets are available this in itself is a mockery of thoughts and vision. The over delay of decisions will cost us in long run. The fear of CAATSA and West is clearly visible in the decision making where the national interest is forgetten.​

First off thank you ( english text) . Even in your worst moment never ever permit dark shadows to cast DOUBT on INDIAN MILITARY - THE ONLY FORCE ( DIFF. FROM POWER ) N PLANET EARTH THAT RETAINS ITS CODES , CONDUCT & HONOR OF PERFECTING EXCELLENCE .( since Time immemorial) IAF IS THE SOLE FORCE THAT BE LOVED , RESPECTED & FEARED GLOBALLY .... ECONOMY DRIVES MILITARY NOT VICE VERSA . TECH LEAP WITHOUT BAGGAGE IS ANOTHER PLUS TO OUR PLANERS .... HENCE DO NOT VIEW issue in singularity. Anticipate IAF to be the biggest FORCE OF ASIA UNDER 2 DECADES WITH CUTTING EDGE MIX OF FANTASTIC PLATFORMS AS SERVING THE NATION . KNOW THE HISTORY , RECOGNIZE SELF , ACKNOWLEDGE PEDIGREE ... MAHA . WAS BEARING TORCH FOR 🇮🇳 ( guerilla fighters, navy , plane , IT ) now hyenas have reduced it to what level mindset . Remember Mr. PARRIKAR be hisndocttie shift that now serve 🇮🇳 for a century , BE HOW GREATNESS ETFORMS IN ITS SUBLIME ANNONIMITY .. INDIA BE FULL OF SUCH MINDS & HEARTS. CLARITY & CHOICE EXCECISED BY CANDOR ,CONFIDENCE SETS CONCLUSIONS OF GENERATIONAL PRIDE & HONOR .... NATION IS US ITS SWORD ARM US . 🇮🇳 MERELY MUST REBOOT ITS FILTERS THOUGH . ..... PS - engine deal by PM Modi if happening must get our support for brains & minds that DECIDES has channeled & navigated 🇮🇳 safely thus far ....... !!!! ALBEIT Economy needs boosted internal consumption of desired produce to take primacy unlike junk that in soonest time burdens Indian output & demography onwards negative pathways .... Satvik diet was discovered from reason must respect it . Causal effect links can never get overlooked much Iike our pedigree. Sab gool hai . Jai bhavani !

 

[AnsumanChauhan]

India should prioritize radar development to effectively detect stealth fighter aircraft. We must accelerate work on the Tejas Mk2 to expand our fleet with capable indigenous fighters. Focus should also be placed on developing AI-based electronic systems, enhancing avionics, and building advanced decoy capabilities—while actively investing in quantum technology.

We should avoid acquiring both the Su-57 and F-35. However, if Russia is willing to share bomber technology, we can consider that—but not any new fighter jets.

In the meantime, the Su-30MKI fleet should be upgraded with improved electronic warfare (EW) systems, advanced decoys, and modern avionics. If necessary, we should also explore engine upgrades to extend its effectiveness.