F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets

US President Donald Trump has announced the sale of the F-35 fighter jets to India after his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• Early last week at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, both the U.S. F-35 and Russia’s SU-57 were showcased.

F-35 vs SU-57: How Do They Compare?

Both are fifth-generation stealth fighters, but they differ significantly in capability, cost, and adoption.

Key Comparisons: 

Which One Should India Choose?

• The F-35 offers superior stealth, technology, and combat experience, but at a high cost and with U.S. restrictions.
• SU-57 is cheaper and twin-engine, but it lacks operational maturity and global adoption.
• India must balance immediate needs with its long-term goal of self-reliance in fighter jet development (AMCA program).

Why Does India Need a 5th-Gen Fighter?

• India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is under development but unlikely to enter service before 2036.
• India’s adversaries (China & Pakistan) are rapidly acquiring stealth aircraft, creating a potential air superiority gap for the IAF.
  • China is rapidly expanding its J-20 fleet (~300 by 2030). And developing the J-35A.
  • Pakistan acquiring J-31 stealth fighters and collaborating with Turkey on the KAAN fighter.
• A widening stealth gap in the IAF’s fleet could compromise India’s air defense capability in the 2030s.
• India currently operates 4.5-generation fighters like the Rafale, but lacks a true fifth-generation jet. India risks being outmatched by stealth technology in future conflicts

Conclusion

• The potential F-35 deal raises key questions about its impact on India’s self-reliance goals in defense.
• Its high cost, integration challenges, and strategic dependencies need to be carefully evaluated before any decision.