The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recommended to buy at least three squadrons i.e. 60 fifth generation fighter aircraft to strengthen its aerial war capacity. This information has been given by the Indian Defense Research Wing (Idrw.org) to a senior Air Force officer. This step has been taken keeping in mind the joint threat of China-Pakistan.
Both America and Russia proposes
The US has offered Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, while Russia has offered Sukhoi Su-57 Felon aircraft to India. Both these fifth generation are fighter jets and are equipped with modern war techniques. However, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) has not yet fully included the Indian Air Force on this deal.
Decision possible in 2026
According to sources, the Ministry of Defense will investigate both these proposals in depth and a final decision can be taken by 2026. This decision is being taken at a time when India is also working fast on indigenous fighter project AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
Current Fleet and Stealth Gap
Currently IAF has 4th and 4.5th-generation fighter jets like Sukhoi Su-30mki, Dassault Rafale, and Hal Tejas MK1A. But IAF currently has no stealth (can avoid secret identity) fighter jet, while China already has a J-20 stealth fighter and Pakistan is also constantly modernizing itself with J-10ce fighter jet and pl-15E missiles.
American F-35 and Russian SU-57 offered
America has offered Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Russia has offered Sukhoi Su-57 Felon to India. But the Ministry of Defense (MOD) has not yet fully included the Indian Air Force in the conversation of these proposals. It is expected that the final decision on this can be taken by 2026.
Demand for 60 stealth fighter jets till indigenous AMCA
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recommended to buy 60 fifth generation fighter fighters in view of the immediate needs before the arrival of indigenous AMCA Stealth Jet by 2035. This information was given by a senior IAF officer.
Why are these 60 stealth fighters important?
The IAF believes that the aircraft will meet the security needs between 2024 and 2035, until India’s indigenous 5.5th -generation fighter fighter jet is included in the AMCA service. Given the ever increasing air power of China and Pakistan, it is considered a practical strategy.
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