Tech Desk: India faces a critical juncture in its air superiority strategy as its fighter squadron strength declines, raising concerns about deterrence against China and Pakistan. While Prime Minister Modi champions indigenous defence, the Indian Air Force’s procurement of fourth and 4.5-generation aircraft risks a widening capability gap, as regional rivals rapidly advance to fifth-generation platforms.

China and Pakistan are aggressively investing in advanced combat aviation. Pakistan anticipates acquiring up to 40 Chinese J-35 fighters, while China continues to expand its formidable fleet of J-20 and J-35 aircraft. This rapid deployment could grant Beijing and Islamabad a significant fifth-generation advantage over India within the next decade, fundamentally reshaping aerial warfare dynamics.

Current Indian acquisitions like the Rafale and TEJAS, despite their strengths, may struggle against stealth-equipped adversaries. The Su-30MKI, India’s air force backbone, offers speed and payload, yet it remains a 4.5-generation platform. A central question emerges: why India continues costly Rafale imports at $160 million per aircraft, when additional, more affordable Su-30MKIs could be indigenously assembled, preserving existing logistics and infrastructure? This procurement dilemma highlights the urgent need for a clear strategy in India’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Race.