While it was reported by a number of Western outlets in 2018 that Delhi had shown interest in acquiring the F-35, a single engine lightweight fifth generation fighter, this has been firmly refuted by a number of high ranking Indian officials. Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa, speaking publicly in New Delhi on April 26th of that year, stated: “There is not talk on F-35. The Indian Air Force has not evinced interest and not talked to anyone. It is incorrect to report that we are interested in F-35.” India’s non-aligned foreign policy does not sit well the considerable restrictions imposed by the U.S. on F-35 operators, with the stealth fighters reportedly collecting intelligence on their operators in the past and sending this to the United States. The U.S. also retains the ability to quickly ground any state’s F-35 fleet should it need to. The Su-30MKI which currently forms the mainstay of the Indian fleet is considerably faster, longer ranged, higher flying, more manoeuvrable and carries longer ranged munitions and in greater quantities than the F-35 – its only shortcoming being its lack of stealth or an AESA radar. The F-35’s considerable cost, offputting maintenance requirements, continuing performance issues, and reliance on parts from the United States – which has on several occasions cut off from operators of its hardware over political differences – all make the aircraft highly unsuitable for India’s defence needs.
India is currently in talks with Russia regarding the joint manufacture of the Su-57 fifth generation air superiority fighter in a specialised variant integrating Indian technologies. Indian officials have stated that an alternative option could be the purchase of ‘off the shelf’ Su-57 fighters from Russia. These sales are unlikely to commence until India has completed the manufacture of the Su-30MKI in the mid 2020s, which are currently being built in the country under licence with a fleet of over 300 planned. The Su-57’s capabilities are analogous to the American F-22 Raptor, and considerably surpass those of the F-35 across the spectrum with the exception of stealth. Future variants of the Su=57 are expected to integrate sixth generation technologies including hypersonic missiles, artificial intelligence and laser weapons, and it is these variants which India is reportedly planning to acquire in grater numbers alongside indigenous lighter stealth fighters developed under the AMCA program – for which Russia is providing considerable assistance in fields such as engine and AESA radar technologies.
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