New Delhi: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has confirmed that India is in talks with key allies and partners to explore the possibility of acquiring fifth-generation fighter aircraft as an interim solution, even as the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, projected to take around 10 years, moves forward.
Responding to questions about reports that Pakistan may soon induct Chinese fifth-generation fighters and speculation around India’s interest in platforms like the Russian Su-57E and American F-35 during an interview with CNBC-TV18, Singh said that conversations with global partners are ongoing but remain at a preliminary stage.
“As far as our steps in this regard are concerned, we are talking to our partners on the fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme. As of now, those discussions have not reached a stage where we can start sharing this with the media,” Singh said Monday. “I don’t think we can do a blow-by-blow accounting of what we’re doing in these matters. These are sensitive negotiations. When they reach a tangible stage, be it an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), an RFP, or a final contract, that is when the media will come to know.”
When asked if this meant India would continue with the AMCA programme while simultaneously speaking to key allies and partners to see if there can be a solution found on getting fifth gen fighters in a shorter period of time, Singh replied, “You could say that, without getting into too many specifics. As I said, these things need to be done outside the media gaze.”
Both Russia and the US have publicly signaled their willingness to offer fifth-generation fighter platforms to India. While Russia has reportedly offered full technology transfer and co-production of the Su-57 in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the US has indicated openness to discussions around the F-35.
Notably, when Trump and Modi met in the US this February, the US president had publicly backed the potential sale of F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters to India. However, the joint statement issued by the countries after the meeting did not specifically mention the aircraft. Instead, it noted that “the leaders pledged to accelerate defense technology cooperation across space, air defense, missile, maritime and undersea technologies,” adding that the US would review its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters and undersea systems to India.
Further, when asked how India viewed Russia’s reported offer of full technology transfer and co-production of Su-57 fighters with HAL, especially given that the country already operates a Sukhoi production line, Singh said, “I’ve already made it clear that I won’t be offering a running commentary on what we’re doing. We’ll move forward, and when decisions are taken, you’ll come to know.”
Pressed further on whether formal proposals had been received from either the US or Russia, Singh responded, “I don’t know, frankly, because some of this would take place at the service level. But again, I mean, let’s leave this topic.”
On the indigenous AMCA project, Singh said the process had moved into early procurement stages.
“EOI (Expression of Interest) and the RFI (Request for Information) has been issued by ADA or Aeronautical Development Agency, and I think they’ve had some preliminary rounds of discussions with prospective bidders,” he said. “I would imagine it’ll take something between three to six months to, you know, reach the contract award stage. Thereafter, the project itself of development and of AMCA prototypes, you know, actually taking to the skies, it should be about a 10-year programme.”
The AMCA programme moved into a new phase in May when the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) formally approved the execution model for the indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. The government greenlit the development of AMCA prototypes under a competitive framework that, for the first time, allows both public and private Indian firms to bid for the contract. The project will be overseen by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), with HAL no longer guaranteed the lead role.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) was issued last month to shortlist technically capable Indian companies or consortia to co-develop the prototypes, support flight testing and assist with certification.
The AMCA is a fifth gen twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter designed for air superiority, deep strike and electronic warfare missions. However, given its extended development timeline as estimated at around 10 years, according to the defence secretary, the government is simultaneously exploring interim fifth-generation fighter solutions in collaboration with key international partners.
This also comes amid the Indian Air Force’s pressing need to address its declining squadron strength, which stands at just 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons.
