Opinion What Strategic Factors Should Guide India's Possible Choice of Su-57 or F-35 for 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Needs?

India faces a critical decision regarding its fifth-generation fighter jet program, with the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 emerging as the primary contenders.

This choice carries significant strategic implications, impacting India's defence capabilities, international relationships, and long-term technological autonomy.

The Su-57, Russia's fifth-generation fighter, has been touted for its versatility as a multi-role aircraft capable of air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare. Proponents highlight its combination of stealth, speed, and maneuverability, suggesting a balanced approach suited to India's potential combat scenarios.

Furthermore, the Su-57 aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, potentially allowing for joint production and technology transfer, which could boost indigenous defence capabilities.

However, concerns remain about the Su-57's actual readiness and performance, given its delayed development and the geopolitical implications of deepening military ties with Russia amidst current global tensions.

Conversely, the F-35 Lightning II from Lockheed Martin represents the pinnacle of Western fifth-generation technology, emphasizing stealth, advanced sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare. With a proven track record in numerous air forces worldwide, the F-35 offers technological maturity and integration capabilities.

However, it comes with significant caveats, including high operational costs, maintenance demands, and potential political constraints due to U.S. foreign policy considerations. Questions also linger about the F-35's suitability for India, with some suggesting the IAF might not be fully prepared to handle such advanced technology.

Adding another layer of complexity is India's commitment to indigenous fighter jet programs like the Tejas Mark 1A and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). These programs, though facing delays, are crucial for India's long-term strategic autonomy.

Investing heavily in foreign fighters could divert resources from these indigenous efforts, raising concerns about balancing immediate capability enhancement with long-term technological sovereignty.

The recent aggressive promotion of the Su-57 by Russian media, particularly in light of President Putin's upcoming visit to India, appears to be a strategic maneuver to secure a significant deal.

This push might be aimed at countering the F-35's allure and ensuring continued military cooperation between Russia and India. However, it is essential to discern whether this promotion reflects genuine strategic partnership or primarily serves Russia's geopolitical interests.

Ultimately, India must carefully weigh several strategic factors:

• Operational Capabilities: Assessing the true capabilities of both aircraft and their suitability for India's specific operational needs and strategic environment.
• Technological Autonomy: Balancing the acquisition of foreign fighters with the continued development of indigenous platforms like the AMCA.
• Industrial Collaboration: Evaluating the potential for technology transfer and joint production, particularly with the Su-57, and its impact on India's domestic defence industry.
• Geopolitical Implications: Considering the broader implications of deepening military ties with either Russia or the U.S. in the context of current global tensions.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Analyzing the long-term costs, including acquisition, operation, and maintenance, associated with each aircraft.

The choice between the Su-57 and the F-35 is not merely about acquiring advanced fighter jets; it's a strategic decision that will shape India's defence posture, international relationships, and technological future.

 

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[R. Singh]

If USA ready for made in India F-35s then ok but if not, better we go with Su-57(I) !

 

[sanket]

Su-57 will be more favored because Russia can offer a local assembly line with an ecosystem and export of it, plus autonomy of system integration, weapons, and sensors, while the F-35 will not match the Russian offer with local production, system integration, third-party weapons, plus indigenous weapons on the F-35. Lastly, with the GE engine saga and an unreliable defense partner, it will directly impact security. Most important is the smooth operation of these fighter jets for the entire lifespan of the next 40 years from the date of purchase. By the way, I have always said Putin's January 2025 visit will make things clear about the Su-57. Some comedian replied to me with a funny reply. I again say HAL's offer of 72 Su-30MKI should be upgraded with 72 Su-57s, and some tech can be incorporated from the Su-57 into the Super Sukhoi upgrade package, plus an AL-41 engine derivative for Super Sukhoi. Lastly, the Su-57 can be modified with requirements and customized according to needs. Heavy weapons too can be fired from the Su-57. Second, the combined power of the Su-57 plus Ghatak/Okhotnik Heavy Attack UAV operational capabilities will be enhanced compared to the F-35. The US will not allow Ghatak for combined combat operations.

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

I think India should go for Su-57Mk1. While F-35 is capable as shown by the Israelis but it comes with risks as mentioned by the article. If Su-57 is produced in India with considerable ToT then it would be perfect for Indian operations. However, I also think that so as not to affect AMCA project, this Su-57 should be brought under MRFA program.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Critical US platforms will be a risk for us. USA's platforms may be best in the world but are trap for India.

 

[Instant Karma]

F 35 is very costly to mantain but cheap to own. It costs $ 50000 for each flight hour. It has a lot of problems which have not been sorted out. Elon musk has told that he will close the f 35 program. It comes with a kill switch.

SU 57 is not a truly stealth fighter. It is still evolving.

best option will be to aquire limited numbers of SU 57, 2 squadron for immediate requirements.

in the mean time, government needs to infuse atleast 10 billion dollars into the AMCA program to fast track it. DRDO should form a secret private sector company and should recruit thousands of retired and former engineers from GE, RR, Lockheed's Martin Boeing, safran and many other western companies to fast track the development of AMCA.

 

[Sandeep Iyer]

i am surprised and laughing that the author still believes that americans will help india with f 35. Unless the authors has his own source where he can confrim that americans will give f 35 be practicle and never trust the americans we trusted with the GE engines see what a mess they have made i hope better sence previals let me also say that russians are also not trustworthy.

 

[desigandu]

No to Su57 and also no to F35, and also no to MRFA (which is just a Trojan horse by GOI who is keeping it warm as an insurance policy for a G2G if needed, and in any case if Rafales are chosen France can’t start deliveries for at least 4-5 years after contract signing which means earliest beyond 2030 if signed in 2026) if Tejas Mk1As can restart deliveries in earnest by early 2025, and Mk2s can be tested by 2026 and produced by 2030!

Imagine not spending $25-30Billion on MRFA and say another $10B (for about 2-3 squadrons max in fly away condition) on a potential foreign stealth fighter will save us $35-40 Billion say in 10 years, and if only half of that @$2B per year could be pumped into atmanirbharta - local high thrust engine, kaveri2s, bankrolling the private sector, buying high end consulting and collaboration, accelerating production of Tejas Mk2 and AMCA, advanced hypersonic missiles, A2AD capabilities, Ghatak and CCP type drones, advanced testing facilities, rapidly localizing production of GE 414 and also GE 404, our problems can be solved, not overnight but by 2035 - this is GOIs calculus…

We must only focus on AMCA while accelerating our atmanirbhar efforts! Yes AMCA may only arrive in 2035, Pakistan will have J31 and thus we have increased risk, but it can be managed with advanced A2AD and precision strike hypersonic capability to deter our enemies…

My suggestion is for Bharat to create a non-lapsable $100Billion dollar fund to be spent in the next 20 years, over and above the annual Defense budget only to be spent on critical and game changing Defense technology - hypersonic missiles, SSNs, satellite constellation, 6th GEN fighters, stealth and hypersonic planes for ISR/Bombers manned/unmanned, variable cycle engines, nuclear thermal rockets, nuclear propulsion carriers, small modular reactors with HEU, in a DARPA like setup with public, private and even foreign collaboration but caveat being only built in Bharat, we can really make a difference.

 

[Sabyasachi Paldas]

None. Pump in money and, if required, hire consultants or buy specific technology to push the design of the AMCA. We hired Dr. Kurt Tank and his team in the past, didn't we? And he helped us create the first supersonic fighter outside the western world. But manufacturing should be passed on to the private sector. Create competition for the PSU.

 

[Alok Gupta]

This is all marketing gimmic. However, if India does have to buy a 5th gen plane, it will have to be Russian because the F-35 has a 8 year back order - just like the Rafale. Also, the F-35 will come with a lot of US strings attached. Infact, the US may not even offer it to Indian because of fear that some of Russian weapons with Indian forces amy silently be gatering intelligence of other systems or Indian forces. Also, the F-35 sensors will not eb able to connect with the SU-30MKI and Mig-29 jets. That means, IAF will loose a major advantage of using these high tech planes.
I am not advocating either one of them, but just assessing India's current and available choices.

 

[Renu Sri]

26 F-35Bs for the Indian Navy.26 Su-57s for the Indian Air Force (replace the number with the HAL proposal for the Su-30MKI last batch).

F-35s operated by the Navy need not operate or integrate with the S-400; it will integrate well with mostly American and European platforms of the Navy, like P-8I, Romeo, and future tech, and provides good first-hand knowledge of the platform.

The Su-57 learning curve is not steep and can be absorbed quickly.

These learnings can help our AMCA.

 

[Shams-ud-din Altamsh]

@desigandu
National security must not be compromised for the sake of indigenous development. By the time AMCA arrives, China would have already inducted hundreds of 5th gen stealth jets into their airforce, heck even Pakistan will be operating a significant number of J-31s some time from now. It would be a lost case by then. We need a 5th gen (and also 4++ gen) alternative desperately, as our squadron strength is decreasing alarmingly.

By the way precision hypersonic strike capability is of little use, if enemy aircraft are easily able to penetrate our airspace and strike valuable assets.
Also, S-400 is not nearly as good of an air defense system as is generally perceived, given that many have been destroyed during the war in Ukraine.

 

[nara]

India should invest in neither. There will be no need for these fighter aircraft for atleast the next 15 years- china is grappling with its own issues, and is not going to go into full-scale war with India. Invest the money in developing it's own technologies, industries and economy.

 

[Anshuman Dev]

The current situation is NOT as simple & straightforward as the 1971's Bangladesh Freedom war ( US 7th fleet lead by USS Enterprise and it's accompanying vessels with UK's HMS Eagle, entered The Bay of Bengal, osteniciously to help Pakistan but it was thwarted as Soviet Subs led by Admiral Vladimir Kruglyakov trailed them/surfaced ahead of them...).

Today, Russia is a pale figure of Soviet Union and the indirect war with NATO (via Ukrainian front) has further weakened it... It is now more or less dependent on China.

China and it's Iron Brother Pakistan are in direct clash with India. China may have softened on LAC most probably to focus on Taiwan....

The idea of a "kill switch" applies even for SU 57, Maybe more than F 35. As China can armtwist Russia to accommodate it's concerns vis a vis India....

The Best is AMCA, but a few squadrons of SU-57 to counter Chinese Stealth fighters could be Marvellous.

Till AMCA is fully capable and ready, we should focus on Early warning ,Stealth detecting Radars..

 

[Rokuth]

Different horses for different courses. Depending on what the Indian Air Force wants. The F-35 is a fighter-bomber, currently with ground attack mission being emphasized. The reverse is true for the Su-57. However, I may be old school, but a larger airframe may offer a greater room for future growth. India should also get a iron clad contract if they go with the Sukhoi aircraft. Experience with the FGFA program, and INS Vikramaditya should be kept in mind, to ensure no repeats of the loss suffered from these projects.

 

[tipoo2]

That the F35 is not cleared for export to India is a significant wrench in this weekly clickbait, isn't it

If that did happen, it's very clearly superior on stealth. Given that it isn't, we're not trying to counter F22s and F35s, we're trying to counter the J20, and for that the Su-57M with the new 2D nozzle should give a far greater chance than a Su-30. If Russia is desperate and willing to play ball with a hard pitch, production in our lines and some tech transfer, go for it, and accelerate AMCA with it.

 

[Sandeep]

@Anshuman Dev
I would disagree with you that Russia is heavily dependent on China. China is heavily reliant on Russia to provide them with oil and gas and while Russia’s military might be slightly weakened it’s still in the fight despite all of the sanctions. It has it’s nuclear weapons which is why it won’t get defeated.