India’s Likely Rejection of F-35A & Su-57E: A Calculated Geopolitical Gamble?

 India’s Likely Rejection of F-35A & Su-57E: A Calculated Geopolitical Gamble? | Operation SINDOOR Explained

By Suryavanshi IAS | For UPSC Aspirants

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🔎Context:

Recent media reports suggest that India is likely to reject offers of fifth-generation stealth fighters F-35A (USA) and Su-57E (Russia), potentially pivoting back to a modified Su-57-based FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program. While speculative in tone, the report holds weight due to shifting geopolitical, technological, and strategic imperatives.

This blog analyses the issue through the lens of the UPSC GS syllabus, linking it to national interests and the growing need for defence indigenisation under “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

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📌 GS Paper II: International Relations – Strategic Autonomy & Diplomatic Balance

1. US-India Defence Ties:

India is a key partner in QUAD and Indo-Pacific strategy. The offer of F-35A represents both strategic alignment and pressure. However, such a deal likely comes with conditionalities, notably:

• Abandonment of S-400 air defence system in favor of THAAD, violating India’s long-held stance on strategic autonomy.

• Risk of inviting CAATSA sanctions.

⚖️ Diplomatic Balance: Accepting the F-35A could strain ties with Russia, India’s long-term defence partner. Thus, India must maintain a 360° foreign policy—non-aligned but assertive.

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2. India-Russia Relations:

Russia is a historical and reliable partner in India’s defence journey—from MiGs to BrahMos to Su-30MKI. India walked away from the FGFA in 2018, citing gaps in stealth tech and engine reliability.

However:

• Russia has updated the Su-57 with the Izdeliye 30 engine (5th-gen supercruise-capable).

• A two-seat Su-57 variant has been patented, aligning with IAF’s preference for twin-seat platforms.

🎯 Outcome: India can re-enter the FGFA with tactical conditions—technology transfer, MRO support, and limited procurement as a stopgap till AMCA is ready.

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📌 GS Paper III: Defence Technology, Internal Security, and Make in India

1. The Stealth Gap:

• India urgently requires a 5th-gen stealth aircraft to maintain regional parity, especially with China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s interest in J-31.

• Indigenous AMCA program won’t mature until 2035.

• The MRFA program (114 multi-role aircraft) is delayed.

✅ Solution: Procure 18–24 twin-seat Su-57s as an interim combat readiness measure.

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2. Operation SINDOOR – Strategic Indigenous Defence Objective for Overhaul & Readiness:

We coin Operation SINDOOR to symbolize India’s intent:

SINDOOR: Strategic Indigenous Next-Gen Defence for Overhaul & Operational Readiness

• 💠 S – Strategic Procurement: Avoid dependence on single suppliers (e.g., U.S.)

• 💠 I – Indigenous Support: Align every foreign acquisition with Make-in-India and DPP-2020 norms

• 💠 N – Network-Centric Warfare Ready: Equip air force with drones + motherships (Su-57 2-seater with S-70 Okhotnik)

• 💠 D – Dual-Seat Doctrine: Train pilots for advanced systems and missions

• 💠 O – Operational Gap Bridging: Fill voids till AMCA and MRFA mature

• 💠 R – Readiness without Compromise: Ensure no compromise on strategic deterrence or strike depth

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3. Tech Implications:

The dual-seat Su-57 offers:

• Enhanced pilot training like Su-30 MKI

• Combat command role for group missions

• Future readiness for loyal wingman drones

• Electronic warfare & deep strike management

🛠 Ethics of Procurement: As taxpayers fund defence, transparency, cost-efficiency, and performance metrics must dictate procurement—not foreign pressure.

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📌 GS Paper I (Essay Paper): Themes of National Security, Strategic Identity & Sovereignty

This topic can fuel multiple essay themes:

• “Strategic Autonomy: The Cornerstone of India’s Foreign Policy”

• “Security Over Symbolism: India's Defence Procurement Imperatives”

• “Balancing Allies Without Losing Oneself”

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📢 Prelims Pointers (2025 Focused):

• F-35A – 5th gen US fighter, STOVL variant available, S-400 incompatibility

• Su-57 – Russian 5th-gen fighter with stealth, Izdeliye 30 engine

• AMCA – India’s indigenous 5th-gen program (under ADA)

• CAATSA – US law penalizing defense ties with Russia/Iran/North Korea

• MRFA – India’s multi-role fighter acquisition program

• THAAD – Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, US anti-missile system

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🧠 Final Thought for Aspirants:

India’s defence choices are no longer just about aircraft. They’re about preserving sovereignty, ensuring operational superiority, and asserting a non-aligned strategic identity in a multipolar world.

As future administrators, understand the nuances between diplomacy, economy, security and technology. Don’t just memorize facts—connect the dots.

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