India's fighter jet battle: US v Russia in the skies

BBC - Mar 3rd, 2025

India stands at a crossroads in modernizing its air force, weighing the option of acquiring the advanced but costly American F-35 fighter jet or strengthening ties with Russia through local production of the Sukhoi Su-57. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with US President Donald Trump highlighted this decision, as Trump announced plans to potentially pave the way for F-35 sales to India. However, experts suggest this offer is more symbolic than practical, given the high costs, operational challenges, and India's preference for co-production, which the F-35 deal does not offer.

The broader context of this decision involves India's strategic need to counterbalance China's growing military capabilities and address its own dwindling fighter squadrons. India's air force modernization is hindered by funding issues, delays in domestic fighter production, and a dependence on foreign jets. The focus remains on developing homegrown solutions like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), despite setbacks. The ultimate goal for India is to create a self-sufficient air force with indigenous technology, positioning itself as a capable global defense player while navigating complex geopolitical relationships.

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RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded overview of India's air force modernization challenges, balancing the potential acquisition of foreign fighter jets with the emphasis on indigenous development. It effectively outlines the strategic considerations and includes perspectives from knowledgeable experts. However, the article could benefit from more direct engagement with official sources and greater transparency in its data presentation. While it addresses a timely and significant public interest topic, its potential impact could be enhanced by incorporating more diverse perspectives and interactive elements. Overall, the article is informative and accessible, though it could further strengthen its credibility and engagement with a broader range of sources and viewpoints.

Accuracy

The article accurately outlines the strategic considerations facing India's air force modernization, such as the potential acquisition of the F-35 from the US and the Su-57 from Russia. It correctly states that the F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter with advanced systems, and that its acquisition would be costly and complex due to US technology safeguard policies. The article also accurately notes India's exit from the Su-57 co-production program in 2018 due to disputes over technology transfer and cost-sharing. However, it could benefit from more precise data on India's current and projected fighter jet fleet and clearer evidence of the feasibility of acquiring these foreign jets given India's 'Make in India' policy. The claim regarding the US Air Force's F-35 availability rate of 51% requires verification from authoritative sources.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of India's air force modernization challenges, discussing both the potential benefits and drawbacks of acquiring foreign jets like the F-35 and Su-57. It highlights the strategic importance of indigenous development through the AMCA program and the challenges posed by delays and budget constraints. The article includes perspectives from multiple experts, such as Ashley J Tellis and Rahul Bhatia, providing a well-rounded discussion of the issues. However, it could further enhance balance by including more perspectives from Indian defense officials or policymakers directly involved in the decision-making process.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting the key issues in a logical flow. It effectively outlines the strategic considerations and challenges facing India's air force modernization. The language is accessible, and the use of expert quotes adds depth to the discussion. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of technical terms like 'fifth-generation fighter' and 'stealth capabilities' for readers unfamiliar with military jargon.

Source quality

The article cites knowledgeable experts like Ashley J Tellis from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Stephen Bryen, a security expert. However, it lacks direct references to official statements or documents from the Indian government or military, which would enhance the credibility of the claims about India's defense strategy and procurement plans. The inclusion of more diverse and authoritative sources would strengthen the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article provides some context for India's air force modernization efforts, such as the challenges of integrating foreign jets and the emphasis on indigenous development. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology used to gather information or assess the strategic options. Greater transparency regarding the sources of specific data points, such as the fighter jet fleet numbers and defense spending trends, would improve the article's transparency.