News Brief
India Rejects US F-35 Offer—What Other Advanced Fighter Options Could Be Considered For The IAF
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India has notified the United States that it will not acquire Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth fighter jets, according to a Bloomberg report.
While neither side has officially confirmed the development, media reports suggest that India communicated its decision in recent months.
The decision was reportedly taken over issues around cost, operational autonomy, and long-term strategic fit.
The move has triggered intense debate over what options India now has on the table—and which of them are realistic in light of current defence priorities, technology requirements, and geopolitical considerations.
Indigenous Track: AMCA and Tejas Mk II
New Delhi’s long-standing focus on defence self-reliance appears to be a key reason behind its coolness toward the F‑35.
In that context, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is the most direct indigenous answer to a fifth-generation stealth requirement. Designed by ADA and being developed with HAL, the AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine stealth fighter with supercruise capability and advanced avionics.
The first prototype is expected by 2028, with induction planned in the early 2030s.
But challenges remain—especially in engine development, radar cross-section reduction, and internal weapons bay design.
India is currently in talks with foreign partners like Safran, Rolls Royce, and GE for a joint engine programme to bridge these gaps.
Meanwhile, the Tejas Mk II—a medium-weight 4.5-gen fighter—is scheduled to roll out by 2026.
It offers better range, payload, and avionics than the existing Tejas Mk I, and is aimed at replacing older Jaguars and Mirage 2000s.
However, it is not a stealth aircraft and therefore not a one-to-one substitute for the F‑35.
Russian Alternatives: Su-57E and Su-75 Checkmate
While India has not openly explored acquiring foreign stealth fighters, Russia has reportedly offered its Su-57E and Su-75 Checkmate to India.
These platforms are being considered as alternatives to the F‑35, offering India the possibility of full technology transfer, co-production, and integration with its existing fleet.
Su-57E: Russia’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter
India's interest in the Su-57E, the export variant of Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter, is tied to its desire for technology transfer and local manufacturing.
Unlike the F‑35, the Su-57E may offer sovereign control over technology and full operational autonomy.
The Su-57E is reported to be tailored for the Indian market with additional modifications, including better integration with India’s existing fleet of Russian-origin aircraft.
However, it remains in its early production phase, with some doubts about its combat effectiveness and stealth capabilities compared to the F‑35.
The aircraft’s radar cross-section is reportedly larger than the F‑35’s, which may reduce its effectiveness in high-threat environments.
Nevertheless, India is exploring several other platforms to bridge capability gaps over the next decade.
Rafale (France): India already operates 36 Rafale jets and is reportedly considering an additional 26 for the Navy and potentially more for the Air Force.
The upcoming F4 and F5 variants offer improved networking, radar, and weapon integration.
While not stealth fighters, they are mature, combat-tested multirole aircraft. Crucially, France is seen as willing to offer deep industrial and technological partnerships.
Eurofighter Typhoon (UK/Germany/Spain/Italy): A highly capable multirole aircraft with thrust-vectoring and superior BVR (beyond visual range) capabilities.
However, past procurement rounds saw India hesitate over issues of cost, logistics complexity, and source code access. Its large radar signature also limits its utility in high-threat environments.
Saab Gripen E (Sweden): Lightweight, cost-efficient, and featuring AESA radar and IRST systems. Saab has offered full tech transfer and local production.
Still, the aircraft uses a US-supplied GE engine, and India remains wary of indirect American restrictions. The platform also lacks combat deployment credentials.
F‑15EX and F/A‑18 Super Hornet (USA): These Boeing platforms remain technically available and are proven in multirole scenarios. But following the F‑35 episode, New Delhi may be cautious about acquiring US jets with limited operational sovereignty and potential restrictions on software and weapons integration.
MRFA Is a Gap-Filler, Not an F‑35 Replacement
India’s stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender seeks to acquire 114 jets to replace aging aircraft like the MiG-29 and Jaguar.
While often cited in the broader discussion, MRFA is not a stealth fighter program—it’s aimed at improving fleet numbers and multirole capability in the medium term.
None of the MRFA contenders (Rafale, Typhoon, Gripen, F/A‑18) offer fifth-gen stealth capabilities.
Thus, the tender may help address squadron strength but not the specific role envisioned for a stealth fighter like the F‑35 or AMCA.
Strategic and Diplomatic Balancing
The reported rejection of the F‑35 does not suggest a rupture in India–U.S. defence ties. In fact, military cooperation is expanding in other domains—jet engine co-development (GE–HAL for Tejas Mk II), logistics agreements, and high-altitude drone purchases.
Still, the F‑35 decision reinforces the reality that India is not prepared to integrate deeply into a US-led combat network where software and decision-making autonomy could be constrained.
The Road Ahead
India’s fighter acquisition strategy is now a three-pronged process: expedite indigenous stealth via AMCA, fill immediate gaps via Rafale and Tejas Mk II, and keep MRFA alive for fleet numbers.
In turning down the F‑35, reportedly, India has signalled that strategic independence and technological control remain non-negotiable—even if it means foregoing the cutting edge of American airpower, at least for now.
