Former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria has issued a stark warning against India's potential acquisition of Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, stating it could effectively "kill" the nation's ambitious indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
Strategic Implications of Foreign Fighter Jet Acquisition
Speaking on an India Today podcast, Bhadauria addressed reports suggesting India was considering purchasing two squadrons of Su-57s. While unsure if a formal proposal exists, he noted that serious thought was being given to the idea. His primary concern is that such a move would siphon off vital money, manpower, and institutional focus currently directed towards the AMCA.
"If you look at the larger picture, if you get Su-57, it is as good as killing AMCA. That is my view," Bhadauria stated, emphasizing that there is "no space for both."
He elaborated that the energy required for AMCA's success would be diverted, leading to the indigenous program losing its critical national effort status. Bhadauria, who served as IAF chief from 2019 to 2021, stressed the necessity for India to make a "very strong decision" to develop its own fifth-generation fighter for long-term strategic independence.
Challenges for India's Indigenous Program
The AMCA program represents India's vision for an indigenous stealth fighter. While a prototype is anticipated by 2028, the aircraft is not expected to enter IAF service before 2035. This timeline gap is reportedly driving the consideration for an interim purchase of approximately 36 Su-57s.
Bhadauria highlighted that the onus is not solely on the IAF and the Ministry of Defence to forgo foreign options. He stressed that teams developing AMCA, such as the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), must demonstrate visible progress. He pointed to delays in related projects, like the LCA Mk2 program, whose first flight was expected earlier but has not yet occurred, causing concern within the IAF.
While affirming AMCA's priority, the former chief urged that "those energies and those results and those movements must be visible on HAL and ADA" to maintain confidence and commitment to India's self-reliance in advanced defence technology.