The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to buy two to three squadrons of fifth generation fighter jets, according to Indian media reports.
This move is aimed at meeting operational needs after the Indian Air Force lost its crown jewels, Rafales, against Pakistan.
A fighter squadron in India usually includes 18 to 20 jets. So the IAF could acquire 40 to 60 aircraft in total.
The plan comes after the events of the 2025 war with Pakistan, in which India faced a lot of military losses.
Following Pakistan’s shooting down of Indian jets in 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, “If we had Rafales, the situation would be different.”
In May 2025, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down several Rafale jets, which reportedly grounded the Indian Air Force for two days.
According to Indian media quoting defence sources, the IAF recently gave a presentation to the government. It explained why fifth-generation fighters are needed to maintain a lead over rivals.
A committee led by Defence Secretary RK Singh has supported this plan. It said new jets are important for India’s defence along the northern and western borders.
Indian news outlet Economic Times stated that the Indian military is also aware that China is working on sixth-generation jets. There are reports that China may supply fifth-generation fighters to Pakistan.
India is considering options from the United States and Russia. The article claimed that the US has offered India the sale of F-35. Russia has proposed the Su-57.
India had earlier left a joint fighter jet Su-57 project with Russia. There are possibilities that India may re-join the Su-57 project.
The US has already sold the F-35 to several countries. India is also exploring a plan to build 114 fighter jets in partnership with a foreign country. A government-to-government deal is also being considered.
According to the article, these new jets will help India build strong defence on both its western and northern borders.
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