New Delhi – Facing a critical shortfall in combat capability, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring the procurement of 40 to 60 fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign manufacturers. The move comes as a strategic stopgap measure while the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project remains years away from deployment.
MiG-21 Retirement Deepens Fighter Jet Shortage
With the final phase-out of the MiG-21 fleet scheduled for completion by September, the IAF’s squadron strength is expected to dip to 29—significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. This vacuum, coupled with the growing stealth capabilities of China and Pakistan, has raised urgent concerns within India’s security establishment.
“The situation is rapidly evolving, and we must ensure that there’s no compromise on our operational readiness,” a senior defence official said.
F-35 and Su-57 on the Table
To fill the capability gap, the IAF is reportedly in talks with two major international suppliers. The United States has offered its battle-tested F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, currently in service with several NATO allies. Simultaneously, Russia has proposed its Su-57 Felon, a next-gen platform known for its agility and radar-evading features.
Defence analysts believe either platform would provide a critical technological edge, particularly along India’s sensitive northern and western fronts.
Indigenous AMCA Project Gets Green Light
Even as talks for foreign jets progress, India has reaffirmed its commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Earlier this week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally approved the execution model for the AMCA programme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aerospace ambitions.
“The AMCA will be the cornerstone of India’s airpower in the coming decades,” Singh said. Designed to be a medium-weight, deep-strike platform with advanced stealth capabilities, the AMCA is expected to complement the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and eventually replace older jets in the IAF inventory.
The Defence Ministry has invited private Indian companies to participate in the AMCA’s development, allowing bids from independent entities, joint ventures, or consortia. “This is a critical opportunity to build a robust defence ecosystem within the country,” the ministry said in a statement.
Strategic Backdrop
The urgency around bolstering air capabilities has been further amplified in the wake of Operation Sindoor, which recently resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorist operatives across the border. With regional tensions simmering, particularly with China’s expanding air assets and Pakistan’s increasing reliance on stealth-enabled drones and fighters, the IAF’s modernization has become a national priority.
India’s dual-track strategy—accelerating indigenous development while securing interim foreign platforms—is a pragmatic response to an increasingly volatile regional security environment.
While reports indicate that China is already developing sixth-generation fighter jets and may potentially supply the Pakistan Air Force with its fifth-generation fighters in the next years, the Indian side is demonstrating interest in acquiring the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Russia and the United States were the two nations from whom India might be able to purchase fifth-generation aircraft. Though negotiations are ongoing, the administration has not made a decision on the topic of fifth-generation fighter jets.
Russia has offered India its Su-57 fighter jets for consideration, while the United States has offered the F-35 fighter jet.Although India had long since chosen not to participate in the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGfA) project, it is still possible to do so.
The United States has sold the F-35 to a number of nations both inside and outside of Europe.
India is also considering a program to manufacture 114 contemporary fighters that are 4.5 or more generations old in collaboration with a foreign nation under the Make in India initiative. Following a tender, a government-to-government agreement may be reached.These aircraft will be used by the Indian Air Force to build a powerful deterrent along the northern and western fronts.
