Syllabus :GS 3/Defence
In News
- Both the F-35 and SU-57 gained attention at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, with the SU-57 being the showstopper for its maneuvers.
India’s evolving fighter jet landscape
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a sanctioned strength of 42.5 fighter squadrons but currently operates 31 squadrons, many with aging aircraft.
- India is facing a two-front challenge with China and Pakistan.
- To address this, India is exploring advanced jets like the U.S. F-35 and Russian Su-57.
| Do you know ? – Countries like China, Russia, and the U.S. have already inducted fifth-generation jets, with China developing advanced sixth-gen jets. – Pakistan is looking to acquire J-35 fifth-generation jets from China. |
Partnerships
- U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned the U.S. might provide F-35 stealth fighters to India in the future.
- The F-35 is a single-seat, single-engine strike fighter with three variant
- The F-35 costs around $100 million per aircraft, with development and maintenance costs exceeding $2 trillion through 2088.
- India and Russia initially planned to co-develop the FGFA (SU-57), but due to high costs and limited technology transfer, India pulled out.
- Swedish company Saab has shown interest in participating in the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, where the IAF aims to procure 114 jets to strengthen its depleting fleet.
New Approach
- India’s fleet, historically reliant on Russian military hardware, began diversifying in the early 2000s.
- India now plans to focus on its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
- By 2040, the IAF plans to have 220 LCA-Mk1s, 120 LCA-Mk2s, and the initial batch of AMCA fighters.
- India aims to acquire 500+ fighter jets, mainly focusing on LCA variants and the AMCA.
- The AMCA prototype is expected by 2026-2027, with induction by 2034.
- LCA-Mk1A deliveries were delayed, and LCA-Mk2 is expected to fly by 2026.
Need
- India’s fighter jet landscape is undergoing significant transformation as the country seeks to modernize its air force and enhance its defense capabilities.
- This evolution is driven by the need to address current challenges and prepare for future threats.
Concerns
- India still relies on U.S. and French-made engines for its fighters and helicopters, leading to dependency on foreign suppliers for critical systems.
- despite its benefits, has created dependency issues.
- Adding advanced fighters like the F-35 will come with challenges related to operational flexibility, maintenance, and impact on indigenous manufacturing efforts.
- Balancing relationships with defense suppliers like the U.S. and Russia while maintaining strategic autonomy is complex.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- India’s evolving fighter jet landscape reflects its commitment to strengthening national security and achieving self-reliance in defense.
- By addressing current challenges and strategically planning for the future, India can build a formidable air force capable of meeting emerging threats.
Source: TH
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