New Delhi: Su-57 and AMCA have become the center of a major defence debate after former Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria warned that buying Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter could seriously affect India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme.
His remarks come amid speculation about a possible Su-57 acquisition, even as government officials have indicated that India remains focused on developing its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Former IAF Chief Issues Strong Warning on Su-57 Purchase
Former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said that acquiring Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets could undermine India’s long-term goal of developing the AMCA.
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Speaking during a recent media interaction, he argued that purchasing even two squadrons of Su-57 fighters could divert resources, attention and national effort away from India’s indigenous fighter programme.
Why Does Bhadauria Believe Su-57 Could Hurt Indigenous AMCA Programme
According to Bhadauria, India may not have enough capacity to simultaneously pursue a large foreign fifth-generation fighter acquisition and fully support the AMCA programme. He warned that an initial order of two squadrons could eventually expand further, reducing the urgency and strategic importance of the AMCA project.
What Is the Indigenous AMCA Programme
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence.
The aircraft is designed to provide advanced stealth capabilities, air superiority, electronic warfare capabilities and precision strike missions for the Indian Air Force. The project is considered one of India’s most important defence programmes aimed at achieving self-reliance in military aviation.
What Is the Su-57 Fighter Jet
The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft developed for air superiority and multi-role combat missions.
Russia has actively promoted the aircraft internationally and has repeatedly highlighted its advanced capabilities. Reports in recent years suggested that the aircraft was offered to India, although New Delhi has not announced any plan to procure it.
India’s Current Position on Su-57 Purchase
Recent statements from Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh indicate that India is not engaged in formal negotiations to buy the Su-57.
Instead, the government’s primary focus remains on accelerating the development of the indigenous AMCA programme and strengthening domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
Why Is Indigenous AMCA Programme Important for India
Defence experts consider the AMCA programme crucial for India’s future air combat capabilities. The project is expected to reduce dependence on foreign fighter aircraft, strengthen India’s aerospace industry and support the country’s long-term goal of defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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FAQs
Former IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria believes that buying the Su-57 could divert resources and focus away from India’s indigenous AMCA stealth fighter project, potentially slowing its development.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet being developed to strengthen the Indian Air Force and boost defence self-reliance.
As of now, the Indian government has not announced any formal plan to purchase the Su-57 and remains focused on advancing the AMCA programme.
