India is strategically prioritizing the development and acquisition of fifth-generation fighter jets to enhance its air power capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges and a declining number of operational squadrons. A top Defence Ministry official revealed that India is pursuing a multi-pronged approach, focusing on indigenous development through the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program while also considering the procurement of fifth-generation fighters from allies as an interim solution.
The AMCA program is central to India's long-term strategy of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This ambitious project aims to design and develop a twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter capable of performing a variety of roles, including air superiority, ground strike, suppression of enemy air defenses, and electronic warfare. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is leading the AMCA project in collaboration with both public and private sector companies. The Defence Ministry has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Indian companies to participate in the development and prototyping of the AMCA. The selected company or consortium will be responsible for establishing a manufacturing facility for the series production of the aircraft. The timeline for the AMCA program is ambitious, with the first prototype expected to be completed by 2027 and the first flight scheduled for 2028. Serial production is anticipated to begin by 2034, with a target unit cost of under $100 million. The program will involve the development of five prototypes, with the first three dedicated to developmental flight trials and the subsequent two focused on weapon trials.
In the short term, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering acquiring 36-40 fifth-generation fighter jets from key allies to address its immediate operational needs. This move is driven by the need to counter the growing capabilities of neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan. China has already deployed J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, and Pakistan is reportedly planning to acquire J-35 jets from China by December 2025. The IAF's current fleet, comprising Su-30MKIs, Rafales, Mirage 2000s, and the indigenous Tejas Mk1A, lacks the stealth and advanced avionics of fifth-generation platforms. The recent conflict with Pakistan highlighted the need for modern fighters capable of penetrating contested airspace.
However, the acquisition of foreign fifth-generation fighters presents several challenges. The F-35, a leading contender, is expensive, with a unit cost of $80-110 million. Additionally, the U.S. imposes stringent end-user monitoring requirements and interoperability issues with India's existing Russian-origin equipment. Russia has offered the Su-57, potentially with technology transfer and co-manufacturing opportunities. However, the Su-57 has faced criticism for limited stealth capabilities and reliability issues.
Despite the challenges, India remains committed to modernizing its air force and enhancing its indigenous defense capabilities. The focus on both indigenous development and strategic acquisitions reflects a pragmatic approach to addressing the country's security needs in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The successful implementation of the AMCA program will not only reduce India's dependence on foreign military aircraft imports but also establish it as a significant player in the global fifth-generation fighter market.
