Indian Air Force Efforts to Find Fifth Generation Fighter Jets To Deal

Defence affairs analysis

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly actively evaluating the acquisition of two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign partners to close the widening capability gap due to the escalating regional threats from China and Pakistan.

Each IAF squadron typically consists of 18 to 20 aircraft, meaning this proposed purchase could involve between 40 to 60 stealth-capable fighter jets—making it one of the most significant interim air acquisitions in India's modern history.

This high-priority initiative comes after the IAF submitted a comprehensive internal assessment to Indian government policymakers, which highlighted the urgent need to maintain air dominance along the northern border with China and western border with Pakistan.

A high-level committee chaired by India's Defence Secretary, RK Singh, has formally recommended that fifth-generation fighter aircraft be inducted immediately to strengthen the country's deterrence posture and operational readiness in the face of a rapidly changing threat landscape.

Although the Indian Ministry of Defense has not made a final decision, current discussions are focused on two main candidates—the United States and Russia—in line with India's strategic policy of balancing relations with world powers.