New Delhi: Defence analyst Major Gaurav Arya has proposed a major expansion of India’s fighter jet fleet, recommending 10–12 squadrons of Russian Su-57 stealth fighters and 10 additional squadrons of French Rafale jets. His proposal highlights India’s growing need for advanced combat aircraft, strategic independence, and faster fighter procurement.
The debate comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a shortage of fighter squadrons and continues to develop its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). However, India’s government has not announced a final decision on acquiring the Russian Su-57.
Major Gaurav Arya Supports India Su-57 Fighter Jet Deal Over F-35
Major Gaurav Arya has argued that India should consider the Russian Su-57 fighter instead of depending on the American F-35 Lightning II.
Read also: India US F35 Deal In Doubt? IAF Chief Reveals India’s Su-57 Status
His argument focuses on India’s strategic independence, access to military technology, and the need to strengthen its air power quickly.
According to Arya, the F-35 is widely regarded as one of the world’s most advanced stealth fighters. However, he believes that India’s dependence on American technology could create long-term strategic challenges.
He has warned that purchasing an American fighter could increase India’s dependence on the United States for important operational support and technology-related decisions.
Arya believes India should consider the Su-57 because it could provide advanced fighter capabilities without the same level of dependence on American defence systems.
His recommendation is based on strategic concerns and should be understood as an expert opinion rather than an official Indian government decision.
Why Major Arya Raised Concerns About The F-35
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by the United States.
It combines advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, sensor integration, and stealth technology. However, Major Arya believes that India’s dependence on American technology could create difficulties if political relations between the two countries change.
He has highlighted concerns about access to aircraft technology, software, maintenance systems, and operational independence.
According to his argument, India should carefully consider these issues before selecting a foreign fighter aircraft.
For India, strategic independence remains an important factor because its defence policy requires maintaining relationships with several major countries.
F-35 Access Concerns During Exercise Tarang Shakti
The debate gained attention following the appearance of the American F-35 during Exercise Tarang Shakti.
According to the defence discussion, Indian personnel were reportedly not allowed close access to the aircraft.
Major Arya described this as an example of how the United States protects sensitive aerospace technology. However, restrictions on access to advanced military technology are not unusual in international defence cooperation.
The United States maintains strict controls over the F-35’s sensitive technology, and access depends on agreements with participating countries.
The reported incident has added to discussions about whether India should prioritise aircraft that offer greater technology access and operational independence.
Indian Air Force Fighter Squadron Shortage Raises Urgency
The Indian Air Force is facing a significant shortage of fighter aircraft. The IAF has a sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, but its operational strength has fallen to around 29 squadrons, according to figures discussed in the report.
This creates a gap of approximately 13 squadrons. The shortage has become a major concern because India must prepare for security challenges along its western and northern borders.
The retirement of older fighter aircraft could increase the pressure on the IAF if new aircraft are not inducted quickly.
China’s Growing Air Power Adds Pressure
China continues to modernise its air force by introducing advanced fighter aircraft, improving air defence systems, and expanding its military infrastructure.
The Chinese Air Force operates modern aircraft, including the J-20 stealth fighter. Meanwhile, Pakistan is strengthening its air force through military cooperation with China.
Major Arya has warned that China’s support for Pakistan could create additional challenges for India. He believes India must prepare for a situation in which both countries increase their advanced fighter capabilities.
This concern has strengthened arguments for faster aircraft procurement and the development of India’s domestic aerospace industry.
Major Arya Proposes 10–12 Su-57 Squadrons
The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. It is designed for air superiority, precision strikes, and operations against advanced aerial threats.
The aircraft combines stealth features, advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and modern weapons.
Major Arya believes the India Su-57 fighter jet deal could help acquire fifth-generation fighter capabilities before its indigenous AMCA programme becomes operational.
He has argued that India should not delay its fighter modernisation plans while waiting for future domestic aircraft.
According to his proposal, India should negotiate with Russia for 10–12 Su-57 squadrons. Such an acquisition would represent a major expansion of India’s advanced fighter fleet. However, the proposal is an analyst’s recommendation. India has not officially approved the purchase of 10–12 Su-57 squadrons.
Why Arya Believes India Should Consider Su-57
Major Arya’s argument focuses on the balance between technology, availability, cost, and strategic independence.
He believes India should consider acquiring an aircraft that can strengthen its air power without creating excessive dependence on another country.
The Su-57 could also provide India with experience operating a fifth-generation fighter while its own AMCA programme continues. However, the aircraft’s actual suitability would depend on detailed technical evaluation, operational requirements, maintenance arrangements, and the terms of any proposed agreement.
India would also need to assess the aircraft’s stealth performance, engine reliability, weapons integration, and long-term upgrade support. These factors would be important before making any major procurement decision.
Major Arya Recommends 10 More Rafale Squadrons
Alongside the Su-57 proposal, Major Arya has recommended acquiring 10 additional squadrons of French Rafale fighter aircraft. The Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by Dassault Aviation.
It is designed to perform air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and other combat missions.
India already operates Rafale fighters, which could make additional procurement easier in terms of training, maintenance, and operational experience. The aircraft is equipped with modern radar, electronic warfare systems, and advanced weapons.
Arya believes additional Rafale squadrons could help India strengthen its combat capabilities while waiting for the next generation of indigenous fighters.
What India Has Officially Said About Su-57 And F-35
The debate over Su-57 and F-35 procurement should be separated from confirmed government decisions.
In October 2026, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said the United States had not made a formal offer to India for F-35 fighter aircraft. He also said Russia had made an offer involving the Su-57, but India had not taken a final decision on whether the aircraft should be evaluated.
The IAF chief indicated that the service would assess the aircraft against its requirements if the government directed it to do so. This means the Su-57 remains a possible option under consideration rather than an approved acquisition.
India continues to pursue its broader fighter modernisation plans, including the development of indigenous aircraft and the acquisition of additional multirole fighters.
Read also: India Russia Su-57E Deal: A Deep Analysis of 100 Fighters, Technology Transfer And Key Risks
FAQs
Major Gaurav Arya has proposed acquiring 10–12 squadrons of Russian Su-57 fighter aircraft. This is his recommendation, not an officially approved Indian government procurement plan.
Major Gaurav Arya supports the Su-57 because he believes it could provide India with advanced fighter capabilities while reducing dependence on American military technology. His argument focuses on strategic independence and operational flexibility.
No. As of October 2026, India has not announced a final decision to purchase the Su-57. The Indian Air Force has confirmed that Russia made an offer, but the aircraft’s evaluation and acquisition remain subject to government decisions.
