New Delhi: India’s consideration of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter has drawn a strong warning from former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.
He has opposed the idea of buying the Russian stealth fighter as a temporary measure to address the IAF’s immediate requirement for fifth-generation aircraft. He has argued that a small initial purchase could gradually turn into a much larger commitment, making it difficult for the country to keep its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme on schedule. His position comes as Russia continues to promote the Su-57 for India. In June 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered joint production of the aircraft in India and said Moscow is ready for cooperation without restrictions. India has been considering the Su-57 as one possible way of meeting its fifth-generation fighter requirement before AMCA enters service.
He added, “The government has clearly put their faith in AMCA, and now we need to do everything as a nation to expedite the AMCA. That could reduce the funding and resources available for the AMCA, India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter programme. The AMCA is being developed with advanced stealth features, an internal weapons bay, advanced sensors and other technologies associated with fifth-generation fighters. His position does not mean he has dismissed India’s immediate operational requirements. He has instead stressed the need to ensure that the indigenous programme does not suffer from repeated delays.
Bhadauria has therefore argued against what he sees as an interim foreign purchase when the government has committed to developing the AMCA. The programme got government approval in March 2024, with the Cabinet Committee on Security clearing Rs 15,000 crore for its design and development.
Agencies involved in the AMCA must deliver the aircraft within the planned timelines rather than allowing schedule slippages to increase the need for another foreign purchase, according to him.
