17 March 2025
In an era defined by shifting global power dynamics and heightened geopolitical tensions, air superiority is not just about cutting‑edge technology it’s a statement of national resolve and global influence. As the international landscape becomes increasingly unpredictable, India’s ambitions extend beyond regional stability to assert its role as a major global power. Choosing between the American F‑35 Lightning II and Russia’s SU‑57 Felon is a strategic decision. These advanced fighter jets offer not only unparalleled stealth, sensor fusion, and multirole capabilities, but also serve as vital instruments in India’s broader vision of technological self‑reliance and strategic autonomy. Amid escalating rivalries and the crucial to protect its global interests, New Delhi is adopting a mixed fleet strategy. This approach addresses immediate operational needs while fostering indigenous innovation and advancing defence manufacturing capabilities. Let’s dive into the five crucial pillars shaping this discussion.
- Technological Edge and Stealth Characteristics
F‑35 Lightning II
- Stealth & Sensor Fusion – The F‑35 is globally glorified for its exceptional stealth design. Its all‑aspect low radar cross‑section (RCS) coupled with an integrated suite of sensors such as the Electro‑Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and the Electro‑Optical Targeting System (EOTS) provides pilots with real‑time, 360‑degree situational awareness. This sensor fusion is essential for operating in contested airspaces and complex network‑centric battlefields.
- Multirole Versatility – Available in variants optimized for conventional take-off, vertical landing, and carrier operations, the F‑35 is engineered to perform air‑to‑air combat, ground strikes, and intelligence missions effectively.
- Limitations – However, the technological complexity of the F‑35 comes at a steep price tag typically in the range of $80–$110 million per unit. Moreover, strict U.S. export controls and high life‑cycle costs complicate long‑term procurement and maintenance.
SU‑57 Felon
- Agility and Performance – Russia’s SU‑57 emphasizes a blend of stealth and super‑manoeuvrability. With twin engines and 3D thrust vectoring, it excels in close‑range dogfighting and high‑speed engagements, reaching speeds of up to Mach 2.
- Stealth Considerations – Although the SU‑57 integrates stealth technology, its overall low‑observable performance is generally considered inferior to that of the F‑35. Its radar cross‑section (RCS), estimated between 0.1 and 0.5 m², might hinder its ability to evade modern, sophisticated air defence systems over long distances.
- Economic and Production Advantages – With an estimated unit cost of around $35–$40 million, the SU‑57 offers a more affordable alternative. Importantly, Russia’s offer for full technology transfer paves the way for local production leveraging India’s existing infrastructure like the Su‑30MKI production lines under the “Make in India” initiative. Nonetheless, production maturity and long‑term reliability remain areas of concern.
2. Cost, Production, and Economic Considerations
- Cost Considerations – The F-35 involves a high acquisition price along with substantial lifetime operational expenses. In contrast, the Su-57 offers a more cost-effective solution in terms of initial procurement. However, both require significant investments in maintenance. The F-35 demands a sophisticated maintenance ecosystem with high logistics and software support costs, especially given the need for integrating NATO-standard munitions. Meanwhile, the Su-57 allows for integration of more cost-effective BrahMos missiles and indigenous weapon systems.
- Production Considerations – The Su-57 benefits from Russia’s willingness to transfer technology, which aligns with India’s strategic vision of self-reliance and the potential for local manufacturing. On the other hand, the procurement process for the F-35 is closely tied to U.S. export policies, limiting India’s autonomy in domestic production and long-term upgrades. Additionally, the F-35’s reliance on U.S.-based suppliers for spare parts and upgrades increases vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, especially in times of geopolitical tension. Although the Su-57 offers more flexibility in this regard, India must still manage risks related to dependency on Russian components and the impact of Western sanctions on Russian defence exports.
- Economic Considerations – Limited opportunities for local production with the F-35 mean that India might miss out on potential job creation and the growth of its domestic aerospace industry. In contrast, the Su-57’s potential for local manufacturing could significantly boost India’s defence sector, supporting initiatives such as “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Moreover, engaging in local production and technology transfer for the Su-57 could enhance India’s export potential and strategic leverage, whereas the F-35’s strict export controls restrict such opportunities.
3. Geopolitical and Strategic Dimensions
India’s defence establishment has long relied on Russia (e.g., the Su‑30MKI and MiG‑29). While this familiarity offers logistical advantages for integrating the SU‑57, India is increasingly aware of the need to diversify its sources especially considering recent geopolitical shifts and supply uncertainties.
- Diversification and Strategic Autonomy – While historical ties with Russia have provided technological familiarity and logistical benefits, diversifying suppliers helps India mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions and shifting political alliances. A mixed fleet ensures that India is not overly dependent on one country for critical defence needs.By engaging with multiple partners, India can maintain greater strategic autonomy. This expansion allows for more balanced foreign policy decisions without being overly tied to the political agendas or conditions of any single supplier.
- Interoperability versus Political Considerations – The F-35 come with built-in network-centric capabilities and seamless interoperability with U.S. and NATO systems. This is critical for joint operations, intelligence sharing, and combined force readiness in multilateral scenarios.However, acquiring a system like the F-35 may also involve compliance with U.S. export controls and defence policy stipulations. These conditions might influence India’s strategic manoeuvring and its ability to engage freely with other defence partners.
- Regional Deterrence and Modernization – The procurement decision highlights India’s commitment to air superiority amidst rapidly modernizing regional forces, sending a clear strategic message to both allies and adversaries. A modern, diverse fighter fleet enhances deterrence through modified strategies and provides operational flexibility in the Indo-Pacific for rapid adaptation to multiple crises. The F-35, with its stealth, sensor fusion, and ISR capabilities, provide a limitation against advanced adversaries, while other assets like the Su-57 maintain a versatile and responsive overall force structure. Data links and sensor suites enable the fleet to counter conventional threats and new challenges like cyber and electronic warfare, maintaining strong deterrence in the region.
- Long-Term Strategic Partnerships and Technological Upgrades – Engaging with multiple sources opens opportunities for technology transfer and indigenous production partnerships. This not only boosts domestic defence capabilities but also contributes to long-term sustainability through local R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance. Advanced fighter jets come with long-term upgrade potential. Ensuring that any fighter acquisition aligns with India’s modernization roadmap is critical. A diversified fleet allows India to leverage lessons learned from different fighter jets to upgrade systems, ensuring that technological obsolescence is minimized.
4. Existing Alternatives and the Broader Stealth Fighter Landscape
- Dassault Rafale – Already in service with the IAF, the Dassault Rafale features advanced sensor fusion, precision avionics, and an integrated electronic warfare suite that enhances situational awareness. Its agile airframe, coupled with high thrust-to-weight ratios, enables rapid manoeuvring and effective multirole combat, including beyond visual range engagements. The aircraft’s enhanced interoperability with diverse systems and flexible weapons integration capability extends its operational versatility. Overall, the Rafale provides a mature, battle-tested platform that strengthens both air superiority and ground support roles while ensuring high operational readiness across diverse theatres.
- Saab JAS 39 Gripen – Known for its low operational costs and advanced avionics, including an integrated sensor and electronic warfare system. The modular design enables quick technology updates, and its STOL capabilities allow operations from remote airfields. Additionally, its advanced data-link connectivity supports seamless network-centric warfare by improving real-time communication and coordination. This makes the Gripen a cost-effective yet technologically advanced solution for fleet modernization, offering agile deployment and enhanced mission flexibility in varied operational environments.
- Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – While not a stealth fighter in the truest sense, the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II combines modern avionics, a digital glass cockpit, and advanced radar systems that significantly enhance situational awareness. It features a high payload capacity, extensive weapon integration options, and a proven combat heritage, ensuring robust performance across multiple roles. The jets’s upgradeability and reliability provide a balanced mix of maturity and innovation, effectively filling near-term capability gaps. As such, the F-15EX serves as a reliable and mature asset to complement stealth fighters, offering increased operational reach and flexibility while being cost-effective for bridging immediate defence needs.
- Lockheed Martin F-21 – The Lockheed Martin F-21, an advanced derivative of the F-16, integrates modernized cockpit systems, enhanced aerodynamics, and improved sensor suites for superior situational and threat awareness. Designed for optimized network-centric operations, the F-21 offers high interoperability with existing IAF systems while delivering superior performance in extended-range missions. Structural enhancements and a higher thrust-to-weight ratio enable agile manoeuvring and sustained high-speed engagements. This designed and economical upgrade option meets specific operational requirements without sustaining the full cost of fifth-generation fighter jets, thereby enhancing combat capability and ensuring smooth integration with indigenous systems.
- HAL Tejas Mk1A and AMCA – India’s pursuit of self-reliance is clearly reflected in its indigenous fighter jets. The HAL Tejas Mk1A is continually upgraded with enhanced avionics, improved Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capabilities, extended range, and modular payload improvements, ensuring future-proof performance. In parallel, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is proposed as a fifth-generation stealth fighter featuring advanced materials, low observability features, super cruise capabilities, and cutting-edge sensor fusion technology. Both fighter jets are designed to be highly adaptable to the specific operational doctrines and environmental challenges faced by the Indian Air Force, sustaining India’s drive for technological autonomy and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers while laying the groundwork for long-term operational innovation.
5. What Suits India?
Choosing between the F-35 and SU-57 highlights a larger strategic dilemma:
- Short Term vs. Long Term Needs – In the short term, India’s priority is to secure an immediate technological edge. The F‑35’s advanced stealth design, sensor fusion, and multirole capabilities make it a remarkable option for high‑intensity scenarios, offering near‑instantaneous situational awareness and precision strike abilities. However, these benefits come with steep unit costs and strict export restrictions, limiting its possibility for large‑scale procurement. Equally, the SU‑57, though somewhat less advanced in stealth performance, provides an attractive economic alternative. Its lower acquisition cost and the prospect of technology transfer open paths for local production and integration within existing fighter jets. This alignment with the “Make in India” initiative underscores a long‑term strategic vision prioritizing affordability and industrial growth. Balancing immediate operational needs with long‑term sustainability requires assessing both cutting‑edge performance and the capacity to build domestic capabilities, ensuring that today’s procurement decisions do not hinder future advancements and indigenous production growth.
- Mixed Fleet Strategy – A mixed fleet approach enables India to leverage the strengths of diverse fighter technologies while mitigating the risks of overreliance on a single supplier. Integrating advanced fighter jets like the F‑35 or a locally produced SU‑57 with existing assets such as the Rafale and Gripen would create a layered defence system. This strategy allows the Indian Air Force to address varied mission requirements from high‑tech stealth operations to agile, cost‑effective tactical engagements. The diversity of fighter jets ensures that operational flexibility is maintained, and vulnerabilities related to supply chain dependencies or geopolitical restrictions are minimized. Such a strategy also facilitates interoperability across different systems, fostering joint operational capabilities and improving network-centric warfare effectiveness. By selectively adopting next‑generation fighters while continuing to upgrade proven systems, India can optimize both immediate combat readiness and long‑term strategic resilience. This balanced fleet mix provides a dynamic force structure capable of adapting to evolving security challenges in the Indo‑Pacific and beyond.
- Investing in Indigenous Capability – Investing in indigenous capability is central to India’s long‑term strategic autonomy. Regardless of the foreign fighter choice, bolstering domestic research, development, and manufacturing is critical. Programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and upgrades to the Tejas demonstrate India’s commitment to self‑reliance, ensuring that future fighter jets are designed to national defence needs. By fostering local innovation, India can reduce dependency on external suppliers, mitigate geopolitical risks, and stimulate growth within its aerospace sector. Technology transfers such as those proposed with the SU‑57 serve as valuable stepping stones, enabling the transfer of crucial skills and manufacturing techniques to domestic industries. This investment not only enhances operational readiness but also contributes to job creation, economic growth, and the overall resilience of the defence ecosystem. Prioritizing indigenous development secures a sustainable technological edge, ensuring that the Indian military can evolve and upgrade its fleet independently while maintaining strategic flexibility and self‑determination in an increasingly complex global security environment.
A Vision for the Future
India’s fighter modernization strategy is undergoing significant changes, influenced by global power dynamics and technological progress. Facing advanced fighter jets such as China’s J-20, New Delhi considers both the high-cost, high-tech F-35 and the economically appealing, locally producible SU-57. The F-35 provides stealth and advanced sensors, giving a tactical advantage but is expensive and dependent on U.S. controls. The SU-57 supports India’s “Make in India” initiative, is cost-effective, strengthens Russian ties, allows technology transfer and local production.
India’s future strategy goes beyond foreign purchases, blending imported technology with local innovation. Investments in the HAL Tejas Mk1A and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) show India’s commitment to creating a fighter fleet suited to its needs. This approach highlights India’s goal of achieving strategic autonomy while enhancing global defence partnerships.
There are several challenges to address, including foreign dependencies, technology transfer limitations, and evolving geopolitical alignments. These factors require a focus on self-reliance and continuous innovation. Opportunities within these limitations include enhanced interoperability, reduced supply chain vulnerabilities, and the development of a resilient defence ecosystem. By integrating international technologies and jets with domestic capabilities, India can manage current threats and establish itself in the global security framework.
