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India Reconsiders Su-57 Fighter Purchase

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. 24/india-reconsiders-su-57-fighter-purchase.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 8:45 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: INDIA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

New Delhi, February 24th, 2026 - The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively reassessing its long-term fighter strategy, with Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 once again taking center stage in discussions surrounding the procurement of fifth-generation fighter aircraft. A recent strategic assessment highlights that while the Su-57 presents notable challenges, it remains a viable contender alongside the Lockheed Martin F-35 and emerging European alternatives, as the IAF strives to bolster its aerial combat capabilities in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

For years, India has sought to modernize its aging fighter fleet, a need underscored by growing regional tensions and the increasing sophistication of potential adversaries. The push for fifth-generation fighters - aircraft characterized by stealth technology, advanced sensors, network-centric warfare capabilities, and supercruise - is paramount to maintaining a qualitative edge. However, the path to acquiring these advanced assets is riddled with complexities, spanning financial considerations, technology transfer negotiations, and delicate geopolitical balancing acts.

The Su-57: A Pragmatic Choice?

The Su-57, Russia's flagship stealth fighter, has been under development for over two decades. Originally intended as a platform for a family of advanced aircraft, it represents Russia's attempt to break into the exclusive club of nations fielding fifth-generation combat jets. The aircraft boasts impressive maneuverability and a substantial payload capacity, features that appeal to the IAF's operational requirements.

However, the Su-57 hasn't been without its hurdles. Initial production models suffered from engine reliability issues, limiting operational availability and raising concerns about long-term maintenance costs. While Russia claims to have largely resolved these problems with the adoption of the Izdelie 30 engine, independent verification remains elusive. Critically, assessments of the Su-57's stealth characteristics suggest they fall short of the benchmarks set by the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, potentially making it more vulnerable to detection and engagement.

Despite these shortcomings, the Su-57 presents a relatively accessible option for India. Historically strong defense ties with Russia, coupled with potential for co-production and technology transfer, could lower acquisition costs and accelerate integration into the IAF's existing infrastructure. This contrasts sharply with the F-35, where stringent US export controls and a reluctance to share sensitive technologies pose significant obstacles. Negotiations with the US regarding the F-35 have stalled repeatedly, primarily over data security concerns and Washington's unwillingness to grant full indigenous production rights.

The F-35 and European Alternatives

The F-35 remains the gold standard in fifth-generation fighter technology, boasting exceptional stealth, sensor fusion, and network integration. However, its high unit cost, coupled with US restrictions on technology transfer, makes it a challenging proposition for India. The US government's commitment to maintaining a technological advantage also raises concerns about potential future limitations on the aircraft's capabilities, even after purchase.

Meanwhile, European nations are increasingly offering their own solutions. The Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) are both ambitious initiatives aimed at developing next-generation fighter aircraft. While these programs are still in their early stages, they represent a potential alternative to US and Russian dominance in the fifth-generation fighter market. India has reportedly initiated exploratory talks with both European consortia, assessing the feasibility of collaboration and potential technology sharing.

Geopolitical Implications and the Path Forward

The IAF's decision will have far-reaching geopolitical implications. A commitment to the Su-57 would further solidify India's strategic partnership with Russia, potentially straining relationships with the United States and other Western powers. Choosing the F-35, despite the associated challenges, would signal a deepening alignment with the US and its allies. Opting for a European solution could diversify India's defense portfolio and reduce its dependence on both Russia and the United States.

Industry analysts predict that the final decision will likely involve a multi-pronged approach. A limited purchase of the Su-57, coupled with indigenous development of a fifth-generation fighter based on transferred technology, remains a strong possibility. This would allow India to acquire immediate capabilities while simultaneously building its own aerospace expertise and reducing long-term reliance on foreign suppliers. The government is also expected to prioritize the development of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) as a complementary component of its future air power strategy.

The IAF's selection process is expected to continue throughout 2026, with a final decision anticipated by early 2027. The stakes are high, and the chosen path will shape India's air power capabilities for decades to come.