India is in a Fighter Jet Dilemma: The F-35, the Su-57, and the Future of the IAF

At the recent Aero India 2025 airshow in Bengaluru, the unlikely convergence of the Russian Su-57 Felon and the American F-35 Lightning II underscored India’s unique geopolitical position. As one of the world’s fastest-growing military powers, India now finds itself at a crossroads, caught between two competing global defense giants.

The United States, seeking to deepen its strategic alliance with India amid rising tensions with China, has reportedly offered New Delhi access to the F-35 fighter jet. Russia, facing economic pressures and the need to sustain its defense export market in the wake of the Ukraine war, has reciprocated by offering India a role in co-developing the Su-57, its fifth-generation stealth fighter.

The timing of these offers is no coincidence. India, historically reliant on Russian military technology, is seeking to diversify its defense partnerships as Western nations grow increasingly engaged with its military modernization. But with an already diverse fleet that includes Su-30MKIs, Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, MiG-29s, and the newly inducted Rafale jets, the question arises: does India need another fighter jet platform? And at what cost?

The F-35, the most advanced stealth fighter in the world, would significantly enhance India’s air combat capabilities, giving the Indian Air Force (IAF) a generational leap in technology. With its stealth, network-centric warfare capabilities, and advanced electronic warfare suite, the aircraft would be particularly useful in countering China’s growing air power in the Indo-Pacific.

But acquiring the F-35 comes with caveats. The fighter’s cost remains a significant hurdle, with unit prices hovering around $80 million per aircraft, excluding the extensive infrastructure upgrades needed to operate and maintain it. Beyond the financial considerations, India would be subject to U.S. end-use monitoring agreements, which could limit operational sovereignty. Unlike its Rafale deal with France, which allowed complete discretion over deployment and modifications, the F-35 would require constant U.S. oversight, raising concerns about India’s strategic independence.

Additionally, the presence of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems within India’s arsenal complicates the acquisition. The U.S. previously removed Turkey from the F-35 program over its procurement of the S-400, citing security risks. While India has so far avoided sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), the U.S. may demand restrictions on the operational deployment of the S-400 if New Delhi proceeds with the F-35.

Russia, recognizing India’s balancing act, has countered the U.S. offer with a proposal to jointly develop and procure the Su-57, a fighter that has seen limited operational deployment. India was previously involved in the co-development of the aircraft under the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program but withdrew in 2018, citing concerns over cost, performance limitations, and delays in Russia’s development timeline.

Despite those concerns, the Su-57 remains a more affordable option than the F-35, and Russian officials have promised increased technology transfer should India reconsider its role in the program. Moscow is also leveraging the historical India-Russia defense relationship to make the case that the IAF would face fewer logistical challenges integrating the Su-57 compared to the F-35. But with Russia’s domestic production constraints and the unknowns surrounding the Su-57’s long-term viability, questions remain over whether India should invest in a jet that has yet to reach full-scale production.

India’s last major fighter jet procurement was the acquisition of 36 Rafale jets from France, a deal structured as a government-to-government agreement that avoided lengthy procurement delays. With a proven track record in combat and strong interoperability with the IAF’s existing platforms, the Rafale remains a highly capable fourth-generation fighter, leading some analysts to question whether India should simply expand its Rafale fleet rather than introduce an entirely new aircraft type.The IAF already operates a mixed fleet that includes Russian, French, and indigenous aircraft. Adding another high-maintenance aircraft like the F-35 or Su-57 could further complicate logistics, training, and maintenance infrastructure. Standardization remains a critical issue, and diversifying too much could strain operational efficiency.

Beyond the technical and financial considerations, the decision is ultimately a geopolitical one. The U.S. offer of the F-35 signals Washington’s desire to integrate India more deeply into its defense ecosystem, particularly as part of the Quad alliance (comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia). But accepting the F-35 could lead to friction with Russia, a longstanding defense supplier that continues to provide India with critical systems, including submarines, tanks, and missile defense platforms.

On the other hand, sticking with Russia and co-developing the Su-57 could maintain New Delhi’s strategic autonomy but at the risk of falling behind in fifth-generation fighter technology if the program fails to mature.

India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project also looms in the background. If successful, this indigenous effort could provide India with a homegrown stealth fighter by the 2030s, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. But development timelines and budgetary constraints may mean that India still requires a stopgap solution in the near term.

As India weighs its options, a decision is unlikely to be rushed. The IAF is expected to conduct extensive evaluations before proceeding, ensuring that any purchase aligns with its long-term strategy. The geopolitical landscape will also play a crucial role—India will need to navigate its relationships with both the U.S. and Russia carefully, ensuring that any acquisition enhances its security without jeopardizing existing alliances.

Ultimately, the future of India’s fighter jet program will be shaped by a combination of operational necessity, financial feasibility, and strategic diplomacy. Whether it chooses the F-35, the Su-57, or an expanded Rafale fleet, the decision will define the next phase of the Indian Air Force’s modernization and its position on the global stage.