Trump offers mighty F-35 aircraft for India. Should we take it?
F-35 vs Su-57 vs Rafale: India must choose between stealth, cost & tech transfer. Which fighter jet should we pick? We have a Deep Dive for you
India is at a crossroads in its air combat strategy. The US has offered India the F-35 Lightning II, a stealth jet so advanced that it can dominate the battlefield before enemies even realize it’s there. Meanwhile, Russia has put forward its Su-57, a cheaper yet stealth-capable fighter that comes with the promise of technology transfer. With the Rafale already in service, India must decide: Go with America’s cutting-edge war machine, opt for Russia’s trusted allyship, or continue with the proven Rafale?
F-35: The Battlefield Commander:
The F-35 is more than just a fighter jet; it’s an airborne supercomputer. According to Lockheed Martin, the F-35 functions as a stealth bomber, electronic warfare hub, and intelligence command center —all in one.
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Key Features:
➼ Stealth mode: Nearly invisible on radar.
➼ Electronic warfare capabilities: Can detect and jam enemy radars.
➼ Missile launching: Strikes from beyond visual range with precision.
➼ Aviation analysts claim that the F-35 doesn’t just fight wars—it controls them. Its superior sensors spot threats before they even appear on radar, giving it a crucial first-strike advantage.
➼If India is considering the F-35, what about Russia’s Su-57? Both jets are classified as ‘fifth-generation’ fighters, but they take very different approaches to air superiority.
Stealth Capabilities
According to AviationGeekClub.com, the F-35 is like a ninja, nearly impossible to detect on radar. Its radar cross-section is just 0.0015 square meters — as tiny as a pigeon flying in the sky. The Su-57, while stealthy from the front, has detectable signatures from the sides and rear. In a real war scenario, the F-35 can enter, fire missiles, and leave before the Su-57 detects its presence. The winner is F-35.
Sensors & Targeting: Who Shoots First?
Modern air combat is no longer about who flies faster; it’s about who detects and strikes first. Lockheed Martin claims the F-35’s sensors allow it to:
➼ Detect enemy jets before they appear on radar.
➼ Relay intel to other jets and warships, acting as a battlefield command hub.
➼ Jam enemy signals, effectively blinding adversaries in combat.
Meanwhile, the Su-57 relies on traditional radars and infrared sensors, which are still effective but less advanced than the F-35’s networked warfare system. The winner is F-35 in long-range combat and Su-57 in close-range dogfights.
Cost & Maintenance: Who’s More Affordable?:
According to India Today, the F-35 costs around $80-110 million per unit, while the Su-57 is almost half the price.
F-35 operating cost: $36,000 per flight hour (like burning a luxury car every takeoff!)
Su-57 operating cost: Significantly lower, making it more budget-friendly. For affordability and long-term costs, the Su-57 takes the lead. The winner is Su-57.
What About India’s Rafale?
Before India invests in new fighter jets, let’s not forget the Rafale, which is already in service. While it lacks the stealth features of the F-35 and Su-57, it’s a reliable 4.5-generation fighter with excellent dogfighting capabilities and combat experience. It’s also cheaper than the F-35 and offers a proven track record.
Which Fighter Should India Pick?:
India must weigh its options carefully. Here’s a breakdown of the choices:
1. F-35: The best option if India wants a next-gen battlefield commander with advanced stealth, intelligence-sharing, and electronic warfare.
2. Su-57: A better deal if India prioritizes cost savings and technology transfer, allowing the country to develop its own stealth fighter programme.
3. Rafale: A solid, balanced option that is already in service and combat-proven.
A key factor in India’s decision is technology transfer. The U.S. has strict export controls—India might get the jet, but not the full know-how to build or maintain it independently. Russia, on the other hand, has historically been more open to sharing technology.
“Russia has always been a trusted military partner. But will the U.S. offer India the same strategic trust?”
If India wants full control over its military future, the Su-57 might be the smarter choice. It provides stealth, affordability, and access to critical military technology. But if superior tech and stealth dominance are the priority, then the F-35 is unmatched.
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India’s Defense Strategy: A Tough Call:
At the end of the day, the decision is not just about jet specifications — it’s about India’s security and sovereignty. Will India go for cutting-edge but costly? Will it choose independence but with some uncertainty? Or will it stick to what’s tried and tested?
Whatever India decides, one thing is certain — the future of air combat in the region is about to get very, very interesting.
The content above has been generated using a fine-tuned AI model. To ensure accuracy, quality, and editorial integrity, we employ a Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) process. While AI assists in creating the initial draft, our experienced editorial team carefully reviews, edits, and refines the content before publication. At The Federal, we combine the efficiency of AI with the expertise of human editors to deliver reliable and insightful journalism.
