The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the world's fourth-largest air force, yet with its 31 fighter squadrons, it lags behind the minimum requirement of 42 squadrons. The rising military power of neighboring countries, especially China and Pakistan, and their 5th-generation fighter jets have posed a new challenge for India.
India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to be ready by 2035. However, until then, 5th-generation jets are crucial for maintaining regional air superiority. This story explores why India needs these jets, how they differ from the existing ones, and what the latest data reveals.
Also read: Evidence of devastation in PAK can't be bigger! Take a look at the satellite images of Noor Khan and Murid Airbase, past and present
Source: aajtak
Need for 5th-Gen Jets: To counter regional threats (China and Pakistan) and overcome technological backwardness, India requires 5th-gen stealth fighter jets.
Differences from Current Jets: 5th-gen jets boast advanced stealth, supercruise, sensor fusion, and AI-driven systems, far superior to 4th or 4.5th-gen jets like Rafale and Tejas.
AMCA Project: India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will be ready by 2035, but an interim solution is necessary in the meantime.
Recent Statistics: IAF has 31 squadrons but needs 42. AMCA prototype expected to fly by 2028.
Regional Challenges: China has over 250 J-20 jets. Pakistan may acquire the J-35 by 2029.
Also read: PAK possesses nuclear weapons capable of being launched from air, land, and sea... A threat to the whole world
What Are 5th Generation Fighter Jets?
5th-generation fighter jets are the most advanced combat aircraft, equipped with stealth, supercruise, and digital technologies. Key features include...
Advanced Stealth: Ability to evade radar, making them hard to detect.
Supercruise: Flying at supersonic speeds (over Mach 1) without afterburners.
Sensor Fusion: Integrating data from all sensors (radar, IRST, etc.) to provide the pilot a comprehensive battlefield view.
Network-Centric Warfare: Real-time data sharing with other aircraft, drones, and command centers.
AI and Automation: AI-based electronic pilot and automatic target tracking capabilities.
Multi-Role Capability: Suitable for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare.
Examples: America's F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, China's J-20 Mighty Dragon, and Russia's Su-57 Felon.
Why Does India Need 5th Gen Jets?
India's need for these jets is driven by several strategic and technological factors...
Source: aajtak
Regional Threats
China:
The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has over 250 J-20 stealth jets, with new jets like the J-35 in development. The 2020 Ladakh standoff showed the potential threat of China's air power to India.
Pakistan:
Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35 jets from China by 2029 and is part of Turkey's TF Kaan project.
Operation Sindhur (2025):
During recent tensions with Pakistan, the IAF's Rafale and Su-30MKI outperformed Pakistani F-16s, but without stealth jets, maintaining air superiority in the future is at risk.
Also read: Foreign arms, indigenous tech, striking deep into PAK... European think tank explains India's edge
IAF's Weakened Position
IAF currently has 31 squadrons, yet requires 42. Old jets like the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 have been retired. Delivery of 83 Tejas Mk1A is delayed due to GE F404 engine shortages. Tejas Mk2 and MRFA projects face time constraints too. By 2035, IAF might only reach 35-36 squadrons, still inadequate.
Technological Backlog
Major global air forces (USA, Russia, China) have deployed 5th-gen jets, with some countries (e.g., Japan, UK) already working on 6th-gen jets. India's AMCA is slated for 2035, yet by then, 6th-gen jets may emerge, leaving India a generation behind.
Source: aajtak
Strategic Autonomy
5th-generation jets will boost India's regional power balance. Indigenous jets like AMCA will support Make in India. In the interim, acquiring jets like F-35 or Su-57 will meet immediate needs.
Modern Warfare Demands
Modern warfare necessitates stealth, electronic warfare, and data fusion capabilities. 4th-gen jets (like Tejas) lag in these areas. 5th-gen jets can replace large aircraft like AWACS due to their more robust sensors.
Also read: India's significant move towards self-reliance in military preparation, approval for a plan on 5th generation stealth fighter jets
Difference Between Current Jets and 5th-Gen Jets
India currently operates 4th and 4.5th-gen jets like Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Tejas Mk1/Mk1A. These jets, while powerful, differ significantly from 5th-gen jets...
Stealth Capability
4/4.5 Gen: Rafale and Tejas Mk1A possess some stealth features (like radar-absorbing material) but aren't fully stealth. Their radar cross-section (RCS) is larger, making them easier to detect.
5th Gen: AMCA, F-35, and Su-57 have reduced RCS and internal weapon bays to minimize radar signature. AMCA will also feature meta-material microwave absorbers.
Source: aajtak
Supercruise
4/4.5 Gen: Rafale and Su-30MKI require afterburners for supersonic speed, increasing fuel consumption.
5th Gen: F-22, J-20, and AMCA can fly supersonically without afterburners, advantageous for long-range missions.
Sensors and Data Fusion
4/4.5 Gen: Rafale has AESA radar and advanced sensors, yet pilots process each sensor's data separately.
5th Gen: F-35 and AMCA offer sensor fusion, providing an integrated battlefield view. AMCA will also include AI-based electronic pilot systems.
Networking and AI
4/4.5 Gen: Tejas Mk1A and Rafale have data links, but network-centric warfare is limited.
5th Gen: AMCA and F-35 are equipped for net-centric warfare and can coordinate with drones. AMCA will feature integrated vehicle health monitoring.
Mission Capability
4/4.5 Gen: Rafale is multi-role but lacks stealth, posing risks in high-threat zones.
5th Gen: AMCA will be suited for air-to-air, air-to-ground, SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses), and electronic warfare.
Source: aajtak
India's AMCA Project
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is a 5th-generation stealth fighter being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Features
Weighs 25 tons, twin-engine, single-seat. Internal weapon bay of 1,500kg (4 long-range missiles and precision munitions). 6.5 tons of internal fuel, 3,200 km range. Supercruise, AI-based systems, and meta-material stealth.
Progress...
$1.8 billion approved in 2023. Prototype development to start in 2025. First flight by 2028, production by 2035. IAF requires 7 squadrons (126 jets).
Also read: PAK-China to be alarmed... DRDO to test the most dangerous rocket launcher
Challenges...
Lack of indigenous capability in stealth materials, advanced engines, and avionics. Utilizing GE F414 engine (98 kN), but 110 kN engine needed for AMCA Mk2.
Interim Solution: F-35 or Su-57?
Until AMCA is ready, India needs interim 5th-gen jets. Two options are...
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Features: Advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and networking. Over 1110 jets deployed in 20 countries.
Benefits: Integration with global defense networks, long service life (up to 2070).
Challenges: $80 million per jet, high maintenance costs, and US tensions over S-400 systems.
Status: Trump offered F-35 to India in February 2025, but no substantial progress since.
Source: aajtak
Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
Features: Twin-engined, 7.4-ton weaponry, 1864-mile range.
Benefits: More affordable, tech transfer promises.
Challenges: Insufficient stealth, limited operational history, supply issues with Russia.
Status: India left the FGFA project in 2018, but Russia is offering again.
Recent Facts and Figures
IAF's Position (2025): 31 squadrons, needs 42. Possible 35-36 squadrons by 2035.
AMCA Funding: $2 billion approved. 5 prototypes to be built.
China's Strength: 250+ J-20s, 50+ test jets. J-35 and 6th-gen jets in development.
Pakistan's Plan: 40 J-35 jets by 2029.
Aero India 2025: F-35 and Su-57 showcased together for the first time.
MRFA Project: Purchase of 114 multi-role jets stalled. Rafale leads, slow progress.
Engine Issue: Delays in GE F404/F414 engine supply for Tejas Mk1A and AMCA.
