The 13 Feb 2025 announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding the potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters to India has sparked intense debate within defence circles in India and abroad. What a timing for this announcement when F-35 from US and Su-57 from Russia were participating in the Aero India Show at Bangalore from 10-14 Feb 2025. Simultaneously, Russia has accelerated its Make-in-India offer for the Su-57 Felon, presenting an alternative that aligns with India’s long-standing defence ties with Moscow. This situation puts India at a crossroads, where the choice of a fifth-generation fighter will be influenced by both operational requirements and strategic autonomy. Incidentally, both these aeroplanes displayed their capabilities and flying display at recently concluded Aero India.
With the Indian Air Force (IAF) facing a rapidly depleting fighter squadron strength and the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) still years away from operational status, the decision is not just about acquiring an aircraft it is about shaping India’s airpower for coming decades. We will try to explore the critical factors that should drive India’s decision, comparing the F-35 and Su-57 in terms of performance, compatibility, cost, sustainability and long-term strategic impact.
Basic Understanding of the Contenders: Su-57 vs. F-35
Let us first have the basic understanding of Su-57 and F-35 fifth-generation fighters, but they do serve different operational philosophies. While the F-35 is a stealth oriented multirole fighter designed primarily for network centric warfare, the Su-57 is a highly manoeuvrable air superiority platform with a strong emphasis on kinematic performance and sensor fusion.
F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 is an American stealth multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. It has three variants: F-35A: Conventional take off 1and landing (CTOL) variant, F-35B: Short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, F-35C: Carrier-based (CATOBAR) variant.
Key Features of F-35 are:
- Stealth: Designed with a low radar cross-section (RCS) for deep penetration in contested airspace.
- Avionics & Network Centric Warfare: Advanced sensor fusion, electronic warfare (EW) capabilities and secure data links for real-time battle coordination.
- Integrated Weapon Systems: Operates AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder and Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs).
- Engine Performance: Powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135, providing a maximum speed of Mach 1.6.
Su-57 Felon
The Su-57 is Russia’s first operational fifth-generation fighter developed by Sukhoi. It is designed primarily for air superiority but also possesses multirole capabilities.
Key Features:
- Stealth &Manoeuvrability: While stealth capabilities are lower than the F-35, the Su-57 compensates with superior agility, thrust-vectoring engines and higher speed (Mach 2).
- Weapon Integration: Equipped with R-77 and R-37 long-range air-to-air missiles, along with a 30mm cannon for close engagements.
- Open Architecture: Unlike US fighters, the Su-57 is built to integrate non-Russian subsystems, making it more adaptable for Indian needs.
- Sustained Super cruise: Capable of flying at supersonic speeds without afterburners, a critical factor in extended air superiority operations.
Operational Needs along with Compatibility requirements of the IAF
The IAF requires a fifth-generation aircraft that fulfills the following roles:
- Air Superiority and Deep Strike Capabilities: The aircraft must counter the J-20s fielded by China and advanced F-16 variants deployed by Pakistan.
- Interoperability: The aircraft should seamlessly integrate with existing IAF platforms, including Rafale, Su-30MKI and indigenous fighters.
- Affordability and Sustainability: High operational costs and maintenance constraints should not strain India’s defence budget.
Challenges with the F-35
While the F-35 is technologically superior in stealth and sensor fusion, its acquisition presents several challenges:
- Strict US Regulations: India has never purchased American fighters due to stringent end user agreements and operational restrictions. Unlike Russian platforms, F-35 software, weapon systems and avionics will remain under US control.
- Logistics & Maintenance: The F-35 requires access to the US-controlled Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), meaning operational independence is compromised.
- Limited Customisation: Unlike Russian and French platforms, the F-35 will not allow India to integrate its indigenous weapons or electronic warfare systems.
Advantages of the Su-57 for India
The Su-57 presents a viable alternative due to:
- Ease of Integration: The Su-57 can be modified to integrate with IAF’s existing Russian origin inventory (Su-30MKI, MiG-29) and future AMCA.
- Make in India Potential: Russia has offered a localised production model, which aligns with India’s push for self reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Operational Autonomy: Unlike the F-35, which relies on US-specific combat networking, the Su-57 can be adapted to India’s secure communication protocols.
- Super cruise & Kinematics: India’s air combat doctrine prioritizes manoeuvrability, where the Su-57 outperforms the F-35.
- Cost Factor: Procurement & Lifecycle Sustainability
High Lifecycle Cost and Sustainability Concerns for F-35
While the F-35 offers superior avionics and network-centric warfare capabilities, its lifecycle cost is significantly higher. India’s defence budget cannot sustain the high operational expenses of a large F-35 fleet, making it feasible only for limited acquisition.
The Su-57, on the other hand, presents a financially viable option with room for industrial collaboration. Given India’s experience with license production of Russian platforms (Su-30MKI, T-90 tanks), a localised production line for the Su-57 could provide long-term sustainability. While the initial procurement cost of the F-35 is significant, the real financial burden lies in its long-term lifecycle costs, sustainment, and infrastructure needs. The F-35 demands specialised maintenance facilities, high-end logistics infrastructure & continuous software updates most of which are controlled by the US through centralised systems like the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) and its successor, Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN). The aircraft’s hourly operational cost exceeds $35,000, making it one of the most expensive fighters to sustain. Additionally, the stealth coating and sensitive avionics require controlled environments for repairs, necessitating dedicated facilities and skilled personnel, further driving up costs. These recurring expenses, coupled with dependency on US approval for critical upgrades and spare parts, make the F-35 a financially and operationally restrictive choice for India. Given the IAF’s diverse fleet and logistical constraints, maintaining a small number of F-35s as a standalone force would be unsustainable in the long run, diverting resources from indigenous programs like AMCA and existing fleet modernisation efforts.
F-35 Crashes
11, F-35 fighter jets have crashed since 2018, the recent being on 28 Jan 25 at Eielson AFB, Alaska during a training sortie. This has led to coining of the term, is F-35 a Tech Blunder or Revolutionary leap. Notably, F-35 has experienced problems with its engines, landing gear and software system which are being addressed by Lockheed Martin, the OEM.
Impact on indigenous AMCA Development
The IAF is committed to the indigenous AMCA project, expected to take flight by 2032-35. A large scale acquisition of the F-35 could disrupt this initiative due to high investment in F-35 procurement would reduce budgetary allocations for AMCA R&D and dependency on US Systems, The F-35’s data sharing and operational protocols may restrict AMCA’s indigenous capabilities. In contrast, the Su-57 could serve as an interim solution while India continues AMCA development. Russia has also expressed willingness to share technologies such as thrust vectoring engines and advanced avionics.
Geopolitical Considerations
India’s long standing defence ties with Russia ensure a steady flow of spares and logistical support. Conversely, the US has a history of imposing sanctions (e.g CAATSA on Turkey for S-400 purchase) and could use the F-35 as a geopolitical leverage tool.
Furthermore, the F-35’s presence in Pakistan’s adversarial arsenal (F-16s) raises concerns about interoperability in a regional conflict scenario. If Indo-US relations deteriorate, critical spares or software support could be restricted. So now the issue of making the right choice for India’s Airpower, India’s fifth generation fighter selection must be based on operational viability, cost effectiveness & strategic autonomy rather than short term political considerations. While the F-35 is an advanced aircraft, its high cost, restricted customisation and geopolitical dependencies make it a less practical choice for the IAF.
The Su-57, despite its relative stealth disadvantages, offers higher manoeuvrability , better cost efficiency and long-term industrial collaboration potential. Additionally, Russia’s Make-in India proposal aligns with India’s vision of defenceself reliance. Ultimately, India must prioritise operational independence and sustainable airpower, ensuring that its fighter acquisition complements indigenous efforts like AMCA while maintaining strategic flexibility.
One more option exists towards bridging the gap with Rafale and that too with French Collaboration.
Given the immediate shortfall in the IAF’s squadron strength and the long lead time required for fifth generation fighter acquisitions, India could opt for additional Rafale fighters as a stopgap solution while continuing its pursuit of next gen combat capabilities.
The Rafale, a battle proven 4.5-generation fighter, integrates seamlessly into the IAF’s operational structure and requires minimal additional infrastructure investment. With existing training, logistics and weapons systems already in place, acquiring two or more additional squadrons would provide a cost effective and immediate boost to India’s airpower.
Simultaneously, India could expand its partnership with France for joint development of a fifth generation fighter, leveraging French expertise in stealth, avionics and engine technology. This collaboration could feed directly into the AMCA program, ensuring greater technological autonomy and reducing dependence on unpredictable US or Russian support.
By balancing immediate operational needs with long-term self-reliance, India can strengthen its defence posture while avoiding the heavy financial and logistical burdens associated with the F-35.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Air Marshal (Dr) Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd) a pilot, with over 8000 hrs of flying. He is a flying instructor and a pioneer in aerial refuelling in IAF. He commanded the air-to-air refuelling squadron, a large operational base, Air Force Academy and National Defence Academy. He holds an Airline Pilot License and is part of various think tanks, boards and studies.
