India Seeks Fifth-Generation Fighter: AMCA Delayed to 2030s, Eyes on F-35, Su-57, and Rafale
The Indian Air Force (IAF), with the retirement of MiG-21s in 2025 and a shrinking current fleet, is looking for new options to counter China, Pakistan, and Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jets. The domestic AMCA project will not be ready before 2032-33.
Shrinking Fleet, Growing Needs
With the last MiG-21 retiring in September 2025, the IAF fleet will drop to 29 squadrons. However, India needs at least 42 squadrons to maintain its deterrence capability.
In the coming years, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 fighters are also expected to be retired. This would leave the burden largely on Sukhoi-30MKI, LCA Tejas, and only two squadrons of Rafale jets—all of which belong to the 4.5-generation class.
Regional Threat Balance
China has already added two different fifth-generation fighters, the J-20 and J-35, to its inventory.
Pakistan is set to receive J-35 jets from China.
Turkey has offered its developed KAAN fighter to Pakistan.
Thus, in India’s near neighborhood, the China-Pakistan-Turkey triangle is strengthening with fifth-generation platforms.
AMCA Project Still Distant
India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project is still in the early stages and is not expected to enter service before 2032-33. Therefore, India is inevitably turning to foreign options.
F-35, Su-57, or More Rafale?
Experts remain divided:
Some argue that fifth-generation aircraft must be urgently acquired to counter the China-Pakistan threat.
Due to the U.S.’s reluctance to offer F-35s and political uncertainties, Russia’s Su-57 is considered a temporary solution.
Another view suggests that acquiring additional Rafales and equipping them with long-range air-to-air missiles is the most realistic short-term option.
Retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra stated, “The U.S. is an unpredictable ally; India may have to look at the Russian Su-57 in the short term. Alternatively, acquiring additional Rafales and strengthening them could also be a solution.”
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