aERO India 2025, a biennial event held in Bengaluru from February 10th to 14th. Star attractions at the event were the US F-35 (Lightning II) and the Russian SU-57 (felon). Both aircraft featured glittering aerial displays as they attracted attention and competed in exploring India’s fifth-generation aircraft. For the first time in the history of such an event, aircraft from two rival countries shared the same tarmac. However, although the focus was on India, based on various considerations, the real decision is made to win the aircraft in the power corridors in Delhi and elsewhere.
India’s defence strategies have historically been characterized by a diverse combination of foreign and domestic platforms. It aims to increase operational flexibility while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. As security situations in the region continue to evolve, India will be carefully assessing future air combat capabilities, particularly in light of the strength of its squadron, due to the rise of China and historical tensions with Pakistan. You need to. Some of the aircraft considered include the F-35 Lightning II and the SU-57 felony. Both represent cutting edge technology, but each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The F-35 Lightning II represents the most advanced fifth generation stealth fighter jet available in the global market. Designed with stealth, sensor fusion and advanced avionics, it gives you a great advantage in modern air combat. The ability to operate in contested airspace without being detected by radar is a major advantage over technologically advanced enemies like China. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi, President Trump openly offered the F-35 to India, highlighting criticism of the deal.
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However, the F-35 has several challenges.
High operating costs: The cost per unit of the F-35 is significantly higher than that of other fighter jets like the Sukhoi Su-30 and Rafale. Furthermore, the operating costs per flight time are similarly high, which could be a burden for developing countries like India.
Maintenance and Spare Parts: The F-35 is a complex and expensive platform to maintain. The US controls the distribution of spares, and India may face challenges in securing the necessary parts quickly and affordably, especially given geopolitical realities and the possibility of delays and sanctions. It has sex.
Geopolitical concerns: Despite the improved relations between India and the US defense, there is still a sense of hesitation about the long-term strategic implications of coordinating too closely with the US. The F-35 programme is also closely tied to US defense policies, which may limit India’s strategic autonomy in operational decisions and force it to align with US strategic priorities.
The SU-57 felon is designed as a fifth-generation stealth fighter, intended to compete in the same space as Western platforms. Like the F-35, the SU-57 offers stealth characteristics, advanced sensors, and super manor brability. One important advantage of the SU-57 is its ease of integration with existing platforms of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The SU-30MKI and other Russian aircraft use similar avionics and systems, making the SU-57 a logical choice. It also has relatively low operating and maintenance costs. However, the SU-57 is behind the F-35 in some key areas.
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Stealth and Sensor Fusion: The SU-57 is designed with stealth in mind, but it still doesn’t match the radar-level invisibility of the F-35, particularly in terms of its low observability of the X-band radar spectrum. The F-35 is operated with advanced sensor fusion technology, but the SU-57 is still catching up to this domain.
Production delay: The SU-57 faces a major delay in production and has yet to achieve full operational status with the Russian Air Force. A limited number and ongoing developmental challenges raise questions regarding preparation for a full-scale deployment.
Another candidate is Advanced Medium Fighter (AMCA). Designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). However, it is well known that the project is still in the design phase and that the cycle between designs to development can take as many as 10 years (the F-35 took 16 years). In addition, it will take time for flight tests, obtain operational clearance, and set up a stable production line. At this rate, the Indigenous versions of the fifth-generation fighter jets can only achieve operational status around 2035-2040.
Considering the track record of ADA and HAL, this is also an optimistic timeline. Ada is a private player and is a keen on ropes, but Hal hates this idea. The AMCA could be a great alternative, but comparing an already undesigned AMCA with aircraft such as the F-35 or SU-57 is pointless. Despite the push to independence, the last 15 years of windows need to be plugged in through imports. With the words Aviation Secretary Amar Preet Singh, “Atmanirbharta is what we’re riding…but this cannot sacrifice the defense (preparation) of our people.”
India’s decision to choose the F-35 or SU-57 also needs to consider broader geopolitical objectives and strategic considerations.
Strategic Autonomy: India has long pursued strategic autonomy policies to avoid excessive reliance on either country. In this context, the F-35 offers advanced functionality, but will likely bind India to the US more closely at the expense of its ability to act independently in certain strategic situations. APROPOS, Russia’s SU-57, is more closely aligned with India’s long-standing defence ties with Moscow.
China and Pakistan: Both China and Pakistan’s air forces are undergoing rapid modernization, with China fielding advanced stealth fighters and Pakistan to gain more competent platforms like the JF-17 Thunder and J-10 . With its advanced stealth and combat capabilities, the F-35 will give India a strategic advantage over these new threats. However, the SU-57’s agility and multi-roll capabilities make it an equally powerful counter against these enemies.
Regional impact: The growing defence ties in India with countries such as the US, Israel and France add a layer of complexity to any decision regarding the acquisition of foreign platforms. The F-35 will enhance India’s interoperability with Western countries and increase its interoperability with Western countries, while the SU-57 will be in the region, particularly in relation to Russia and the expanded BRICS family. It may solidify India’s position as a major defensive force.
Interoperability with Quad Allies: The F-35 is already in use by major Quad members, and can operate within a common operational framework, benefiting from shared communications networks, real-time data exchange and coordinated operations. By being included in the IAF, you can seamlessly collaborate with the US, Japan and Australia.
Ultimately, the decision on which aircraft to go will depend on India’s broader defense policy, willingness to balance relations with both the West and Russia, and long-term investment in defense technology. The cost factor may take the back seat in favor of long-term strategic considerations, but the last word must be from the Indian Air Force.
Manoj Mukund Naravane PVSM AVSM SM General VSM is a retired Indian Army General who served as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff. The view is personal.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)
