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Key Points

The Indian Air Force is pushing for 40-60 advanced foreign fighter jets to maintain combat edge against China and Pakistan. US and Russia have offered F-35s and Su-57s respectively as stopgap solutions before India's AMCA becomes operational. This comes amid reports of China developing sixth-gen jets and possibly supplying fifth-gen aircraft to Pakistan. The proposal follows a high-level defense committee's recommendation to bolster northern and western border preparedness.

Key Points: IAF Plans to Acquire 40-60 Fifth-Gen Fighter Jets from US or Russia

  • IAF aims for 40-60 jets to bridge gap before AMCA deployment
  • US offers F-35 while Russia proposes Su-57 fighters
  • Move counters China's 6th-gen jets and potential Pakistan acquisitions
  • Empowered committee led by RK Singh backs interim fifth-gen fleet
2 min read

IAF looking to acquire 2-3 squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign sources

IAF seeks 2-3 squadrons of advanced fighters like F-35 or Su-57 to counter China-Pakistan threats before AMCA rollout.

"The IAF is looking to acquire around two to three squadrons in the interim till the indigenous project gets ready – Defence Sources"

New Delhi, July 24

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to acquire two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign sources to strengthen its combat capabilities until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project becomes operational.

A fighter squadron typically consists of 18 to 20 jets.

The IAF recently made a detailed presentation to the government outlining its future requirements for maintaining an edge over adversaries, defence sources told ANI.

They said the IAF is looking to acquire around two to three squadrons (40-60 aircraft) in the interim till the indigenous project gets ready for meeting its operational requirements.

An empowered committee led by Defence Secretary RK Singh recommended the induction of fifth-generation fighter jets to enhance the force's deterrence and preparedness, especially along the northern and western borders.

The Indian side is showing interest in acquiring the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, when reports suggest that China is already working on sixth-generation fighter jets and may also provide its fifth-generation fighters to the Pakistan Air Force in the next few years.

The two countries from which India could potentially procure fifth-generation aircraft were the United States and Russia.

However, the government has not taken any decision on the issue of fifth-generation fighter jets, but discussions are going on in this regard.

The US has offered the F-35 fighter jet, while Russia has proposed its Su-57 jets for India's consideration.

India had opted out of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGfA) project many years ago, but there is an option to rejoin it.

The F-35 has been sold to various countries by the US in Europe and outside.

India is also looking at a programme to build 114 modern 4.5 plus generation fighters in partnership with a foreign country under Make in India, and may go for a government-to-government deal after a tender.

The Indian Air Force is looking to use these planes to prepare a strong deterrence all along the western and northern fronts.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why spend billions on foreign jets when we have AMCA in development? Shouldn't we invest more in our indigenous programs? Atal ji's vision of self-reliance seems forgotten...
R
Rohit P
F-35 vs Su-57 - tough choice! American tech is superior but Russians have been reliable partners. Whatever we choose, maintenance and spare parts availability should be guaranteed. Remember the MiG-21 nightmares!
S
Sarah B
As an aviation enthusiast, this is exciting! But I hope the deal includes technology transfer. We can't keep depending on imports forever. Make in India should mean actual manufacturing, not just assembly.
V
Vikram M
China is already working on 6th gen while we're still debating 5th gen? 😳 Wake up call for DRDO! But interim solution is necessary - can't leave our borders vulnerable waiting for AMCA.
K
Kavya N
Hope they consider the cost-benefit properly. These jets cost more than some states' budgets! Maybe invest half in jets and half in better pilot training and infrastructure? Quality matters as much as quantity.

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