India’s evolving fighter jet landscape

Context

Both the F-35 and SU-57 won interest at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, with the SU-57 being the showstopper for its maneuvers.

India’s evolving fighter jet landscape

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a sanctioned strength of 42.5 fighter squadrons but presently operates 31 squadrons, many with aging flight.
• India is facing a two-front assignment with China and Pakistan.
  • To address this, India is exploring superior jets like the U.S. F-35 and Russian Su-57.
• Countries like China, Russia, and the U.S. Have already inducted fifth-generation jets, with China developing advanced sixth-gen jets.
• Pakistan is looking to accumulate J-35 5th-generation jets from China.

Partnerships 

• U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned the U.S. Might provide F-35 stealth combatants to India in the future.
  • The F-35 is a single-seat, single-engine strike fighter with 3 versions.
• The F-35 costs around $100 million per aircraft, with development and preservation costs exceeding $2 trillion by 2088.
• India and Russia initially intended to co-broaden the FGFA (SU-57), but due to high prices and constrained technology transfer, India pulled out.
• Swedish agency Saab has shown interest in taking part in the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, in which the IAF aims to procure 114 jets to reinforce its depleting fleet.

New Approach 

• India’s fleet, traditionally reliant on Russian military hardware, began diversifying in the early 2000s.
• India now plans to develop its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
• By 2040, the IAF plans to have 220 LCA-Mk1s, 120 LCA-Mk2s, and the preliminary batch of AMCA fighters.
• India targets to accumulate 500+ fighter jets, particularly focusing on LCA editions and the AMCA.
• The AMCA prototype is predicted by 2026-2027, with induction by 2034.
• LCA-Mk1A deliveries were delayed, and LCA-Mk2 is predicted to fly by 2026.

Need 

• India’s fighter jet landscape is undergoing massive transformation as the country seeks to modernize its air pressure and enhance its security competencies. 
• This evolution is pushed by the need to cope with current challenges and put together for future threats.

Concerns 

• India still relies on the U.S. And French-made engines for its warring parties and helicopters, leading to dependency on foreign providers for essential structures.
  • Notwithstanding its benefits, has created dependency issues.
• Adding advanced warring parties like the F-35 will come with demanding situations associated with operational flexibility, preservation, and effect on indigenous manufacturing efforts.
• Balancing relationships with defense suppliers like the U.S. and Russia even as retaining strategic autonomy is complex.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• India’s evolving fighter jet landscape reflects its dedication to strengthening national security and reaching self-reliance in defense. 
• By addressing current challenges and strategically making plans for the future, India can construct a formidable air pressure able to meet rising threats.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence is this expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? (2014)

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