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India’s recent approach to fifth-generation fighter aircraft has taken a unique turn: rather than committing to either Russia’s Su-57 or the US-manufactured F-35, India is focusing on its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme while advancing existing fighter fleets. Recent Indian statements have effectively ruled out an immediate Su-57 buy, while the government has also reiterated that no formal discussions have happened with the US on purchasing the F-35.
Why is India not committing to the Russian Su-57?
Russia has repeatedly offered India the Su-57, including proposals for co-development and technology cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed the offer in June this year, saying Russia was ready to co-produce the jet with India.
However, India has several historical concerns around the Russian fifth-generation fighter. Previously, it withdrew from the India-Russia Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme in 2018 after prolonged discussions involving cost, technology access and aircraft capabilities. Reportedly, there were concerns flagged about its stealth features and technology transfer.
Meanwhile, in July, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that India was not looking at a “new version of the Sukhois”, signalling that an immediate Su-57 purchase was not part of the government's present defence strategy. Instead, India is prioritising modernising its existing Su-30MKI fleet and upgrading AMCA.
Why is the US’ F-35 not being prioritised?
The US had hinted at its willingness to offer the F-35 to India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February 2025 meeting with US President Donald Trump. The joint statement mentioned that the US would revisit its policy on selling its fifth-generation fighters to India.
However, in August 2025, the Indian government disclosed the Lok Sabha that no official discussions had been held with the US regarding the F-35.
What is behind India's strategy?
The primary reason behind India's perspective on both aircraft is AMCA. India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter is intended to offer stealth, upgraded sensors, electronic warfare and networked combat potential while establishing a domestic aerospace-industrial ecosystem. However, the aircraft is still years away from operational deployment. Defence reporting has placed its slated delivery timeline around the mid-2030s.
Buying either the Su-57 or F-35 as an interim action could therefore involve substantial expenditure and establish another massive fighter ecosystem while AMCA is being manufactured.
The immediate and primary roadblock is the timing of developing fifth-generation abilities, which would heavily rely on building an indigenous, capable defence ecosystem. India presently does not operate a fifth-generation fighter, while China is advancing its stealth-fighter fleet. Reports have also indicated that Pakistan is staring at Chinese fifth-generation aircraft.