IAF reccomendes F-35 yesterday and an F-35 crashes today.

Why the IAF Should Not Just Consider the F-35 for Its Stealth — And Why the Su-57 Deserves a Serious Look

On the heels of another F-35C crash reported today, a critical question looms large for the Indian Air Force (IAF): Is choosing the F-35 over the Su-57 truly the best strategic decision — especially when stealth is the only key differentiator? With the IAF reportedly considering the F-35 as a stopgap fifth-gen solution, while the final call lies with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), now is the time to scrutinize the decision with clarity and realism.

1. Strategic Autonomy & Tech Transfer: Su-57 Offers More Than a Jet

• The F-35 is a closed system. No access to source code, no real autonomy.

• Spare parts and system updates are under U.S. control. Any future geopolitical tension could ground the fleet.

• In contrast, Russia has offered tech transfer, source code access, and even local production through HAL Nasik.

That means India won’t just be a buyer — it can become a co-developer and ensure long-term spare part availability without dependency.

2. Overexposed F-35: A Stealth Jet Everyone Knows Too Well

• The F-35 is deployed across 20+ countries, and that makes it overexposed.

• Adversaries have already conducted simulated exercises and electronic warfare tests against it. They’re learning its radar signature, flaws, and tactics.

Meanwhile, the Su-57 remains mysterious:

• It’s less widely operated, giving it a tactical surprise edge.

• Less global exposure means fewer adversary counter measures are in place.

IAF needs a jet that’s not already a known quantity to the enemy — and that’s where the Su-57 shines.

3. F-35 Is Expensive, Single-Engine, and Logistically Risky

• $100+ million per unit, and that’s without full autonomy.

• It's single-engine, increasing risk during missions, especially over mountains or contested zones like in himalayas.

• The U.S. has struggled to supply spares even to close allies.

Given these concerns, picking F-35 just for stealth is a strategic risk, not a solution.

4. Su-57 Brings True Multi-Role Air Dominance Potential

• Dual engines, supermaneuverability, internal & external payloads.

• Future variants will have AI-assisted targeting, loyal wingman compatibility, and even hypersonic missile integration.

• Capable in visual-range dogfights, mountain warfare, and electronic warfare-heavy environments.

And with the ability to produce spares and parts domestically via HAL, long-term sustainability becomes much easier for India.

5. Stealth Isn’t Everything When the Adversary Is Catching Up

• The adversary (read: China, possibly Pakistan via Turkey) may gain access to similar stealth tech soon.

• Buying a widely available jet like the F-35 means its once-unique stealth edge may vanish within just a few years.

• Su-57's unknowns + customizability for Indian conditions make it more future-proof.

Conclusion: India Needs More Than a Shiny Stealth Tag

Yes, stealth matters — but stealth alone doesn't win wars. The F-35, despite being mass-produced, is an overexposed, restrictive, and logistically demanding aircraft. Meanwhile, the Su-57 may be less widely sold but offers:

• Strategic independence,

• Tactical ambiguity,

• And true long-term value via technology transfer and domestic production.

With today’s F-35 crash, the warning signs are flashing(2 lost this year and 1 was stranded in india for over a month). The IAF and MoD must look beyond just stealth, and ensure India's next-gen air dominance is not just high-tech, but high-control and high-value.

🇮🇳 It’s time to choose not just a fighter jet — but air power with freedom. Su-57 deserves a second, serious look,considering todays crash the single engine at 100million $ is not a good choice when the spare parts supply is not figured out.

Su-57 with indegenous weapon and EW suit integration and tweaks as per our own need can be deadly in air warfare specially when its co developed with source codes and help out own AMCA development.