The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a 5G problem, not the telecom one, but an aerospace problem. At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered India joint production of the SU-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) without any “issues or limitations.”
Russia’s latest reiteration of the SU-57 offer is significant beyond the crisis in the IAF, which is grappling with falling fighter squadron strength and continued delays in inducting new jets. It comes at a time when the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s own fifth-generation fighter, has taken some definitive steps.
Cost-benefit Analysis
On the face of it, Putin’s offer is quite compelling, especially as the IAF’s fighter squadron strength is down to 29 squadrons against the sanctioned 42. Adding to that is the ageing fleet, unending procurement delays and massive delay in induction of the 180 indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A ordered in two batches, 83 in 2021 and 97 in 2025, that were meant to arrest the free fall. Not one jet has been delivered yet. All this amid multiplying threats in the neighborhood, with China fielding at least 300 J-20 stealth jets and J-35s also entering service. China has recently made major strides in its military modernization, taking a lead even over the West.
