India's Stealth-Fighter Gap: Delays and Dependency

China has been developing its stealth-fighter capabilities since 2017 with the induction of the J-20, while India is still awaiting its first AMCA prototype. The service entry of the AMCA is expected around 2035, creating a substantial gap between India's requirements and available aircraft.

Pakistan's proposed acquisition of 40 Chinese J-35 fighters, announced in June 2025, could complicate India's security posture. However, an offer does not guarantee delivery or combat readiness, and the threat remains uncertain.

Bangladesh's negotiations with China over the J-10CE, a non-fifth-generation aircraft, do not indicate an established stealth competitor. Any future interest in stealth technology would require further assessment, but current evidence does not justify viewing Bangladesh as an imminent adversary.

The effectiveness of a stealth fighter extends beyond radar evasion. It involves the integration of sensors, electronic warfare systems, weapons, and communications, allowing the aircraft to enhance the broader force rather than operate in isolation.

Ownership and control of technology are critical to ensuring secure and independent operations. Ravi Kumar Gupta, a former DRDO scientist, emphasized that India must maintain full control over the technologies integrated into its combat aircraft to prevent vulnerabilities in its defense network.

The delays in the AMCA program have raised questions about the efficiency of the approval process. Originally expected to fly by 2024–25, the first flight was delayed until March 2024, with development approval granted five years after initial projections.

The procurement process has involved multiple stages, including parliamentary approval, development sanction, and execution model approval, each adding to the overall delay. These steps, while procedurally justified, have impacted the Indian Air Force's ability to address its immediate needs.

India's reliance on imported propulsion systems, such as the F414 engine, highlights the risks of dependency. The Tejas-Mk1A experience shows that delays in engine supply can disrupt even domestic programs, underscoring the need for indigenous engine development.

Proposals for international partnerships, including with Safran, Rolls-Royce, and Reliance Industries, aim to address the engine gap. However, the value of these arrangements depends on the level of technology transfer and the ability to independently modify and improve the systems.

Despite the challenges, India must balance its immediate needs with long-term goals. While the Su-57 offers a potential interim solution, its procurement would require significant investment and infrastructure, and its success would depend on meeting operational and financial benchmarks.

Ultimately, addressing the stealth-fighter gap requires more than a single imported aircraft. India must enhance its existing fleet, accelerate domestic programs, and ensure the technological independence necessary to sustain its air force over the coming decades.