Why India May Choose the Su-57 Over the F-35 to Counter China’s PLAAF and Pakistan’s PAF Threats

 

Table of Contents

·                 A Bold Offer Amid Growing Ties

·                 India’s Need for Stealth Fighters Amid Regional Threats

·                 Indigenous Development and Self-Reliance in Defense

·                 Russian Su-57 as a Logical Alternative

·                 Operational Demands of India’s Geography

·                 Data Security Concerns with ALIS System

·                 Challenges of Integrating F-35 with India’s Existing Fleet

·                 Strategic Autonomy and India’s Defense Policy

·                 U.S. Strategic Interests in Offering the F-35

·                 Economic Incentives for the U.S. Defense Industry

·                 Political and Legal Barriers in the U.S.

·                 Technology Security and Diversified Defense Ties

·                 Conclusion: A Deal Unlikely to Materialize

·                 FAQs

 

A Bold Proposal Meets Ground Realities

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the United States in early 2025, former US President Donald Trump made headlines by offering the advanced F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet to India. While this offer carried symbolic and diplomatic weight, its practical viability remains questionable. The gesture was seen as more of a political statement than a realistic defense proposal. Despite a growing strategic partnership between the two nations, several complex challenges could hinder the successful acquisition and integration of the F-35 into the Indian Air Force.

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India's Urgent Need for Modern Airpower

India faces a pressing need to modernize its combat aircraft fleet. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates significantly fewer squadrons (29 Squadrons) than required (42 Squadrons) to meet its comprehensive defense obligations. This shortfall is primarily due to delays in domestic fighter programs like the Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2, and the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Meanwhile, regional threats are intensifying. 

The Strategic Environment: China and Pakistan’s Advancements

J-35A

China has already deployed a considerable number of its fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighters, and Pakistan is moving forward with the induction of the J-35A stealth aircraft. These developments underscore India's urgent need for a fifth-generation stealth platform to maintain a strategic balance in the region. To counterbalance the stealth acquisitions of the PLAAF and PAF, India would almost certainly pursue a strategy to maintain air superiority.

AMCA Delays and the Need for a Stopgap

Given the current pace of indigenous development, particularly the AMCA project, which does not appear likely to deliver an operational stealth aircraft in the near future, India is expected to explore interim solutions. In this scenario, the Russian Su-57 emerges as the most viable stopgap option. This decision aligns with India's need for a timely and effective response to growing regional threats.

Why the F-35 is Not an Immediate Fit

While the F-35 is undoubtedly a cutting-edge platform, several fundamental obstacles complicate its acquisition by India. The aircraft's operational model, data systems, and maintenance infrastructure pose significant integration challenges for the Indian defense ecosystem.

Indigenous Development and Self-Reliance in Defense

India has consistently emphasized self-reliance in defense production. It has heavily invested in indigenous programs such as the Tejas variants and the AMCA. Bringing the F-35 into the fleet could divert attention and funding away from these projects. Accepting the F-35 at this stage would risk undermining India’s long-term goal of building a self-sustaining defense manufacturing base.

Russian Su-57 as a Logical Alternative

Su-57

India’s defense infrastructure is deeply integrated with Russian-origin systems, especially the Su-30MKI. The Su-57 stealth fighter presents a more feasible alternative. India’s maintenance infrastructure and pilot training programs are already aligned with Russian platforms. Integrating the Su-57 would be more cost-effective and less disruptive compared to introducing the F-35, which operates under an entirely different logistical and operational ecosystem.

Operational Needs and Harsh Terrain

India's unique geography, especially in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, demands aircraft that are rugged, reliable, and capable of long-range operations. The F-35’s single-engine design and limited fuel capacity are significant drawbacks in such conditions. In contrast, the twin-engine Su-57 is better suited for the challenges posed by India's varied terrain and operational demands.

Data Security Risks with ALIS

One of the major concerns with the F-35 is its Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), which collects and transmits mission and maintenance data back to the United States. Countries such as Norway, Japan, and Indonesia have already expressed concerns about this system. For India, the idea of such sensitive data being accessible to another country poses a substantial national security risk.

Strategic and Economic Constraints

India maintains a diversified defense procurement strategy, often balancing its acquisitions across various global partners. This policy complicates any potential deal involving the F-35. Additionally, the aircraft's high procurement and lifecycle costs are not easily justified, especially when alternatives like the Su-57 exist at a lower financial burden. Moreover, India's existing defense engagements, such as the S-400 deal with Russia, risk triggering U.S. sanctions under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). This adds another layer of complexity to any F-35 procurement.

Preserving Strategic Autonomy

India’s foreign policy and defense posture are anchored in the principle of strategic autonomy. Aligning too closely with any one global power could jeopardize this balance. Integrating the F-35 into U.S.-led defense networks could potentially undermine India's independent military operations. In contrast, choosing platforms like the Su-57 enables India to maintain its operational independence while meeting immediate defense needs.

Compatibility with Existing Ecosystems

India’s current fleet—including aircraft like the Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and Rafale—is built around specific doctrines and support systems. Introducing the F-35 would require a complete overhaul of logistics, training, and maintenance protocols. The scale and cost of adapting India's entire defense infrastructure to accommodate the F-35 may outweigh the potential benefits.

Reluctance Rooted in Sovereignty and Security

Despite Washington’s enthusiasm, India remains reluctant to embrace full alignment with U.S. defense priorities. Concerns about data sovereignty, technology control, and long-term dependency persist. India is cautious about becoming entangled in a defense arrangement where it cannot maintain full control over operational parameters and mission data.

United States: Opportunities and Limitations

From the U.S. perspective, selling the F-35 to India serves both strategic and economic interests. It would reinforce India’s role as a key Indo-Pacific partner, countering China’s influence in the region. U.S. defense manufacturers, particularly Lockheed Martin, would benefit immensely from such a sale. However, legal, technological, and political limitations—particularly surrounding technology transfer and CAATSA restrictions—complicate matters significantly.

U.S. Strategic Interests in Offering the F-35

From the American viewpoint, offering the F-35 Lightning II to India is not just about selling a high-tech fighter jet. It’s also about strengthening a strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific, a region where China's growing military presence has raised serious concerns. The U.S. sees India as a vital partner in maintaining balance and deterring aggression in the region.

Economic Incentives for the U.S. Defense Industry

Selling the F-35 to India would also be a major victory for the U.S. defense industry. Companies like Lockheed Martin would gain access to one of the world’s largest defense markets. India's long-term modernization goals make it a highly attractive customer for future upgrades, support services, and supply chain integration. The deal could generate significant revenue and further solidify the U.S. as a global leader in defense exports.

Political and Legal Barriers in the U.S.

However, even from the American side, the F-35 offer comes with significant challenges. India’s ongoing defense cooperation with Russia, especially the S-400 air defense system, triggers the risk of sanctions under U.S. law. The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) includes provisions that could legally prevent the U.S. from sharing sensitive defense technologies with countries that engage with U.S. adversaries.

Technology Security and Diversified Defense Ties

Another challenge is the issue of technology security. The F-35 is equipped with highly classified systems, and the U.S. maintains tight control over who gets access to them. India’s diversified defense relationships raise concerns in Washington about the potential for unintentional technology leaks or cross-platform vulnerabilities. As a result, U.S. policymakers remain cautious about extending full access to the F-35 platform without assurances of data protection and technology containment.

Conclusion: Strategic Patience Over Symbolic Gesture

The offer of the F-35 Lightning II to India is undoubtedly a significant gesture of strategic trust. However, the real-world challenges surrounding cost, compatibility, sovereignty, and long-term defense goals render the deal highly impractical at this stage. India's commitment to indigenous development, its strategic ties with Russia, and the pressing need for timely, cost-effective solutions make the Su-57 a more feasible option in the short term. Until India's AMCA project matures, adopting the Su-57 may serve as the most balanced approach to maintaining air superiority in a rapidly evolving regional environment.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Why is the F-35 not suitable for India’s defense environment?

The F-35’s single-engine design, limited range, and reliance on foreign software systems make it less compatible with India's unique terrain and strategic needs.

What makes the Su-57 a more viable option?

India already operates Russian fighter jets and has maintenance infrastructure in place. The Su-57 fits better with existing systems and offers more operational independence.

How does the ALIS system pose a risk to India?

ALIS transmits sensitive data back to the U.S., which raises concerns about loss of sovereignty and control over mission-critical information.

Can India still buy the F-35 in the future?

It’s possible, but only if there are significant policy changes on both sides—such as U.S. willingness to ease restrictions and India reconsidering its defense priorities.