F-35 or Su-57? As MiG-21s retire and China races ahead, India looks abroad for fifth-gen fighter jet

F-35 vs Su-57: India is considering importing two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets to address immediate gaps in its air combat capability. With the indigenous AMCA still years away, the Indian Air Force is looking at options from the US and Russia to maintain an edge over regional rivals, particularly China. Discussions are also ongoing around a parallel plan to manufacture over 110 modern fighters domestically in collaboration with a foreign partner under the Make in India initiative.